Built from the 19th century, the ancient house at 87 Ma May, Hoan Kiem district is considered a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth in the heart of the Old Quarter with intact beauty of the past.

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This is one of 14 remaining fully intact ancient houses in Hanoi with a total area of over 150 square meters.

 

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 The ancient house was of a narrow semi-detached residence architecture, commonly seen in most of the traditional Old Quarter houses which is suitable for multiple uses of both residence and business.

 

 

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Despite changes of ownership over the past years, the house still retains its original traits from the structure, building materials, design traits and pattern lines to the domestic appliances.

 


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 The century-old house is narrow and deep. Its rooms are separated by luminous courtyards and gardens for the tenant to feel closer to nature.

 

 

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 The outermost compartment is separated from the street by a full door wall.

 

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 Next to the courtyard, there is a back compartment serving as a living room.

 

 

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 The end compartment is the kitchen and warehouse.

 

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 The interleaved courtyards provide natural light and air to the house.

 

 

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 On the second floor, there is room for worshiping.

 

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 The roof structure of the worshiping room.

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 Bedrooms for visitors, who have close acquaintances to the owners.

 
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 The bedroom is decorated airily, with tea cabinets, wood bed among others.

 
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 Every object in the house reflects the living habits of Hanoians in the past.

 
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 The roof with fish-scale tiles reminds of the old features of the house.

 
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 The house was restored in between the late1998 and 1999 under the cooperation agreement between the cities of Hanoi and Toulouse of France.
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 In 2004, the ancient house on 87 Ma May was recognized as a national historical-cultural heritage.

 
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 Until now, the house has become a must-visit cultural site when foreign visitors arrive in Hanoi. This is also a place providing tour information and the introduction of Vietnamese townhouses in Hanoi Old Quarter. 
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Ha An (Dan Tri/Hanoitimes)

 

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