The Huynh Ky ancient house, also known as the Cau Ke ancient house, is located in Ward 2, Cau Ke Town, Cau Ke District, about 30km west of Tra Vinh City. The mansion is situated on a spacious estate of over 2,800 square meters.
The residence of Doc Phu Su Huynh Ky (1866-1946) was constructed between 1920 and 1924, following the design of a French architect.
The structure was built by craftsmen from Saigon, Hue, and the local area, and it includes a main house, warehouses, a back house, gates, and fences.
The main house is rectangular in shape, measuring 20 meters in length and 18 meters in width, and oriented in a north-south direction.
The reception hall is located in the center of the house and protrudes towards the front. The columns are adorned with bas-reliefs, and the ceiling and walls feature paintings on themes such as fishing, woodcutting, farming, reading, mountains, houses, and boats.
The ceiling of the reception hall features intricate patterns that complement the light fixtures and ceiling fans.
The house consists of five compartments, divided into two sections: the front for receiving guests and the back for the family’s private use.
The main compartment of the house.
Tea table set.
Tourists offer incense at the altar of Mr. and Mrs. Huynh Ky.
A marble dining table, used for hosting distinguished guests.
A set of antique tables and chairs in the back compartment of the house.
The row of warehouses on the left faces the main house. In addition to the main house, there used to be a back house parallel to it, connected by covered pathways. At the end of the left row of warehouses in the back house, there is a Western-style tower for scenic viewing.
The house boasts an antique style, characteristic of early 20th-century French architecture. However, most of the amenities, layout, and themes within the house reflect an Oriental and purely Vietnamese style. It is a remarkable work of sculpture and painting. In 2011, the Huynh Ky ancient house was recognized as a provincial-level relic by the People’s Committee of Tra Vinh Province, classified as an architectural and artistic relic.
The Tra Vinh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has recently collaborated with the Cau Ke District People’s Committee and the managing unit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Huynh Ky ancient house. At the ceremony, the leaders of the Cau Ke District People’s Committee emphasized the importance of preserving the original state of the house and developing a reasonable plan for its protection and utilization for scientific and tourism purposes.
During the management, exploitation, and utilization process, it is necessary to have a plan for restoration, repair, and prevention of deterioration, as well as for landscaping within the relic area to attract visitors and researchers. When restoring, repairing, or constructing auxiliary works, it is essential to maintain the initial elements of the relic, ensuring harmony with historical values and cultural identity.
