(VOVworld) Hue’s garden houses, which harmoniously blend the calculation of human architecture with the randomness of nature, are a unique expression of the cultural values of Vietnam’s former imperial city. In recent years, these garden houses have become increasingly popular with tourists.
After a long day of visiting Hue’s temples, palaces and tombs, a visit to a Hue garden house makes for a charming and refreshing change. The beautiful and green An Hien garden house on a foggy afternoon captivates tourists’ hearts. The original architecture of the house remains intact. The house’s arch gate is painted ash grey and the path to the house is flanked by white plum flowers. There is a lake in the garden surrounded by colorful, fragrant flowers. Entering the garden is like entering a peaceful, charming dream world. "The house has the typical architecture of an ancient house with wood pillars. In particular, the garden is beautifully and naturally decorated with Hue typical characteristics. I’m sometimes invited to these houses and I like them very much. There, I feel very peaceful and comfortable in a world of nature", said Ms. Kobayashi Akiko of the Japan International Cooperation Agency who has lived in Hue for nearly ten years.
An Hien garden house in Hue
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An Hien Garden house known is perhaps the most beautiful garden house in Hue. Nguyen Thi Thach has been a maid in this house for more than 30 years. "This house is named An Hien. An means peace and Hien means House- the house of peace. It is one of the typical garden houses in Hue and was built in 1885. Over the past 116 years, the house has remained intact. Only the roof has been repaired. The house covers an area of nearly 5,000 sq meters. The garden has fruits trees from Vietnam’s three regions: mangosteens and sapodilla plums from the south, apricots and lichis from the north and baccaurea, figs and grapefruits from Hue", said Ms Thach.
Both the interior and exterior of An Hien garden house are intricately carved. The main room of the house contains an altar consecrated to the owner’s ancestors. This room also serves as a living room. "The house’s frame is made of iron wood and the roof has five layers, which keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer. The middle room of the house is for worshipping Buddha and the ancestors. Women entering the house should not go straight to the altar but approach from the side. Men are allowed to stay in the front house, but women have to stay in the back house. Newly married couples are not allowed to stay in the front house, either", said Ms Thach.
The landscaping and décor of Hue garden houses reflect a harmony of man and nature, a balance of spiritual and material life. They are the embodiment of Hue’s culture and soul.
Lan Anh