Little White House (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) Introduction
The former Qing Dynasty Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence, also known as the "Little White House," was built in 1862 and has a history of over a century. It is named for its striking Spanish-style white architecture. Located in the area formerly known as "Pao Tai Pu," it sits at the highest point of the second hill near the Tamsui River estuary. In the 1860s, when Tamsui opened for commerce, this place became the main area for foreigners to conduct business, trade, and live, resulting in the construction of many exotic buildings, among which the Little White House is one, exhibiting colonial architectural style. Characteristics of colonial architecture include elevated foundations, surrounding features similar to verandas, large doors and windows, chimneys, and more. Locals often name Western-style buildings by the color of their exteriors, and since both the interior and exterior of the former Qing Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence are painted white, it is affectionately referred to as the "Little White House." When visiting the Little White House, one must see the neatly arranged "semi-circular arches." When sunlight shines down, the white building appears even more pristine and elegant. This simplistic Spanish-style whitewashed architecture is extremely popular among photographers, making it a trendy choice for wedding photography. The viewing platform in the garden offers a panoramic view of the Tamsui River, while the interior exhibits the history of the residence and historical photos of the Tamsui area. The overall structure features a white base complemented by an orange roof, making it stand out against the blue sky, and the arched verandas add a touch of romantic charm.
