Text by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The Tainan Old House Renaissance project has breathed new life into these historic residences, allowing more people to experience their unique value. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Walking into the alley at the intersection of Youth Road and Beimen Road in Tainan City, several old low-rise houses sit on a spacious lawn. A few old trees sway gently in the summer breeze at night, while colorful ambient lighting creates a magical atmosphere. The air carries the mellow tunes of laid-back soft rock, and stepping into this place feels like traveling back in time to the wonderful 1970s.
The owner of Free Will is an easygoing and laid-back young man who can easily strike up a conversation with guests as if they’ve known each other for ages. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Free Will — Freedom of Will — a quiet and private residence tucked away in a corner of the city offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and relaxation.After completing his military service, the owner worked as a school faculty member, but the structured life of a teacher couldn’t contain his endless creativity. So he began earnestly planning his entrepreneurial venture, developing his own brand of design T-shirts. While riding his motorcycle in search of a suitable place for a studio, he passed by this long-abandoned residence and decided on the spot to rent it. He said the place reminded him of where he grew up, evoking memories of his happy childhood.
The owner’s hometown is on Kāiyuán Road, where he used to live in a teachers' dormitory at the American School. The dormitory buildings were traditional American-style bungalows, each with a front lawn larger than the house itself. Like the American kids, he often mowed the lawn with a lawnmower as a child. Unfortunately, those around ten old dormitories were eventually demolished.
The sticky green ghost from *The Real Ghostbusters* on the wall was hand-painted by the owner. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Talking about when he first moved in, the owner said the house had been abandoned for over 20 years, so the condition was dilapidated and dirty. It was not only filled with garbage, but even some valuable building materials had been stolen by burglars. He pointed to the wall next to the bar and said there used to be a staircase leading to the second floor, but now only faded marks on the wall remain as evidence of its former existence. Fortunately, the unappreciative thieves didn’t take the ceiling. The ceiling in the living room area of the house is entirely made of high-quality cypress wood and still has vents for air conditioning equipment. Back in the day, only wealthy families could afford such air conditioning systems. This ceiling has stood here, witnessing the glory and decline of the old house across generations. Now that the house has been reborn, this ceiling has been preserved intact, giving it special significance.
Stylish cabinets, televisions, fans, and typewriters are all vintage items the owner has collected from various places. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
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