Little White House (New Taipei City Tamshui Historical Museum) Introduction
The "Former Customs Officer's Residence of Tamsui," also known as the "Little White House," was built in 1862 and has a history of over a hundred years. It is named for its eye-catching Spanish-style white architecture. Located in the area formerly known as "Pao Tai Pu," it stands at one of the highest points near the Tamsui River estuary. In the 1860s, when Tamsui was opened for trade, this area became a primary location for Westerners to conduct business and reside, leading to the construction of many buildings with foreign styles, with the Little White House being one of them, exemplifying colonial architecture. Characteristics of colonial architecture include elevated foundations, surrounding verandahs, floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, chimneys, and more. Locals often name Western-style buildings based on their exterior colors; since both the interior and exterior of the Former Customs Officer's Residence of Tamsui are painted white, locals affectionately refer to it as the "Little White House." Visitors must see the neatly arranged "semi-circular arches," which, when sunlight shines upon them, make the white building appear even more pristine and elegant. This minimalist Spanish whitewashed verandah-style architecture is very popular among photographers, particularly for "wedding photography." The viewing platform in the garden offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Tamsui River, while the interior showcases the residence's history and past photographs of the Tamsui area. The entire building features a white base complemented by an orange roof, making it striking against the blue sky, and the arched corridors add a touch of romance.
