Text by Monocle Editorial Team
With culture and art, A HOME breathes new life into an old house. Without excessive commercialization, the accommodation options are limited to just two styles—Japanese or European. Though simple, it feels like coming home, where you can fully relax, unwind, and indulge in free-flowing thoughts.
A beautiful view can be seen from the balcony. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Team)
Located in Jiufen’s mountain town, A-HOME carries the metaphor of “A Old Home” or “Arts Home.” Moved by the overly commercialized homestays in Jiufen, Brother Yong and Sister Mei transformed their ancestral home, creating a borderless and unrestrained space for thought.
The lush Japanese-style garden makes you feel as if you’re in Japan. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Team)
A-HOME features a seamlessly collaborative management model with the wife managing the interior and the husband handling the exterior. The husband, Brother Yong, is responsible for sourcing building materials, planning, supervising construction, and conveying urban-rural culture, while the wife, Sister Mei, incorporates artistic touches both indoors and outdoors and personally prepares exquisite French breakfasts. The couple spent three years collecting building materials and planning the exterior, and nine months completing the renovation of the ancestral home. Though it may not be a grand work of art, for this middle-aged couple who returned to their hometown, this meticulously designed private sanctuary is irreplaceable.
The living room of Fenglvge exudes a European homey style, with a traditional fireplace that brings warmth. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Team)
A-HOME offers two room types: Fenglvge and Jianshangting. The wooden plaques displaying the room names are made from natural wood slices. Fenglvge adopts a European home style, with a traditional fireplace that offers a homely warmth. Lie back on the chaise lounge and imagine yourself a noble from the Middle Ages. Each of the front and back yards offers distinct scenery. Jianshangting, on the other hand, captures the Eastern flavor in line with Jiufen’s charm. Push open the aged redwood door, and you’ll find a Japanese-style hearth and a lush Japanese corridor garden that makes you feel as if you’re in Japan. The bathroom boldly features a red cypress wood bathtub, where the scent of cypress mingles with the steam, driving away the mountain chill.
The warm tones of the bedroom create a cozy atmosphere. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Team)
Additionally, the hosts have set up a storytelling club in their unmarked seaside coffee bar, providing guests with a space to interact and share experiences. Here, order a soothing cup of coffee, sit on the observation deck, let your mind drift, daydream the whole day, or simply gaze at the enchanting dusk of Jiufen’s mountain town. Occasionally, you might spot fishing boats dotting the Pacific, experiencing the city’s ever-changing moods. Brother Yong, who loves nature and excels at storytelling, also tailors private itineraries for travelers, offering a deeply moving journey.
【Info】
Address: No. 55, Dingshang Road, Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Phone: 0972-187-565
Phone: 0972-187-565
Website: www.a-home.tw
● Read More:
【Stay at a Homestay on Tuesday】Mountain Venice, a Romantic Glass House Bathed in Sunshine
www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9563
The warm color scheme is the result of the host’s careful design. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Team)