Little White House (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) Introduction
The former 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 after 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 in the Tamsui River estuary. In the 1860s, when Tamsui was opened for trade, this area became the main hub for foreigners in business, trade, and residence, resulting in the construction of many exotic-style buildings, with the Little White House being one of them, classified as colonial architecture. Characteristics of colonial architecture include elevated foundations, verandas that resemble corridors around the building, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, chimneys, and more. Locals often name Western-style architecture based on the exterior colors, and since the former Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence is painted white both inside and out, locals affectionately refer to it 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 simple Spanish chalk veranda-style architecture is very popular among photography enthusiasts and is a favored choice for wedding photography. The viewing platform in the garden offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Tamsui River, and the interior displays the history of the residence 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 design of the arched corridors adds to its romantic charm.
