The ancient house of Tich Thien Duong is located about 20 km west of the center of Da Nang City, hidden in the ancient village of Tuy Loan, like a silent witness overlooking the changing life over the years.
Mr. Do Huu Minh (born in 1956) is the fourth generation to take care of and preserve the ancient house of Tich Thien Duong, which is also the owner of the present ancient house. “This area used to be a war zone with intense bombings and bullets. Fortunately, after going through many wars during the French, American and even environmental factors such as rain, wind, floods… the house still exists until now. Up to now, the house that my grandfather left for future generations still exists and is highly appreciated by many people for its age as well as its unique architecture, which has many historical values”, Mr. Minh shared.
This over-200-year-old house has undergone years of bombings and bullets yet still retains its ancient beauty to this day.
It is known that the house was designed and built by the skilled artisans of Kim Bong carpentry village (Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province) who were famous for their design and construction skills. The house has 3 compartments, 2 wings, and 56 main columns while other ancient houses in the Central region usually have only 36 main columns.
With its beam system, roof, charming decoration and unique patterns, the skilled artisans have created a solid and airy house with outstanding patterns.
The large columns are made of mít wood, different from the commonly used lim or gõ wood in ancient houses in the North.
Ancient houses are usually low. Firstly, due to the limited materials, people can only use wood from their own gardens, so the height is limited. Secondly, houses are low to avoid strong winds and finally, according to folk beliefs, low houses demonstrate the humility of the homeowners.
“According to my architecture research friends, ancient houses in Quang Nam Province in general, and this house in particular, were made of mít core, different from the commonly seen ancient houses in the North made of lim wood. Later on, I learned that mít wood has high value in ancient architecture. Moreover, mít wood has a unique and durable yellow color over time. In the past, there were no machines, so everything was done by hand, and the artisans from Hoi An came here to live and build this house for several years”, Mr. Minh said.
These wooden poles with carved dragon heads not only beautify the architecture but also demonstrate the power and social status of the owner.
In addition, dragon sculptures are made on the wood to bring good luck and prosperity to the family.
Especially, the house used to be a hiding place for many soldiers during the resistance war. In the main bedroom, there is a secret tunnel that leads to the back garden with a capacity of about 10 people.
In addition, the attic is also secretly designed as a hiding place for revolutionaries whenever they are being pursued, with a capacity of about 15-20 people.
The path connecting the 2 wings is located behind the 3 main compartments for convenient movement.
The furniture collected by Mr. Minh is arranged inside and around the house, creating a vivid picture of the old memories of this place.
In front of the main wing of the ancient house, people in the past planted a large apricot tree. According to Mr. Minh, the apricot tree is over 120 years old and is considered as a close friend associated with the ancient house, contributing to the ancient beauty of this place.
Every Tet, the apricot tree will blossom with golden flowers in front of the house, creating a rural scene of past days, imbued with the warmth and peace in every person when visiting.
Currently, the ancient house of Tich Thien Duong is located in a corner to the west of the 3,500 m2 garden owned by Mr. Do Huu Minh’s family. Not only a recognized historical site by the city, it is also a vivid picture of our cultural, artistic values, and the spirit of preserving the traditional beauty of the Vietnamese people.
