Grass Mountain Chateau Introduction
Zhen is a building that utilizes natural construction methods, creating a space where ancient and modern arts coexist beautifully. It is an ecologically vibrant garden in the back mountain, constantly refined by the passage of time, maintaining an understated elegance through historical transitions. "Caoshan" does not refer to a mountain, but rather encompasses the valley area surrounded by Datun Mountain, Qixing Mountain, and Shamao Mountain. The Caoshan Villa was originally a guesthouse for the Taiwan Sugar Corporation, where Chiang Kai-shek stayed after the National Government relocated to Taiwan in 1949. The villa is tranquil and pleasant, situated at a strategic high point in Caoshan, overlooking the confluence of the Keelung River and Tamsui River, with views of Guandu Plain, Shezi Island, and Guanyin Mountain. In 1950, it was renamed "Yangmingshan" in honor of the Ming Dynasty philosopher Wang Yangming. The Caoshan Villa covers an area of 4,275 square meters. The main building is a typical Japanese-style structure from the 1920s, with a building area of 584 square meters. In front of the main building, two over-a-century-old Acacia trees and Sweet Gum trees quietly narrate the passage of time. The interior of the main building is designed with a corridor hall, lobby, reception room, study, bedroom, master bedroom, living room, guest rooms, kitchen, courtyard, and terrace. Surrounding the main building, there are four small auxiliary buildings that originally served as accommodations for Chiang Kai-shek's bodyguards. During renovations conducted by the Taipei City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau, these four small buildings were integrated with the cultural exhibition activities of the main building and repurposed as artist studios, aiming to make the Caoshan Villa a space that combines ecology, culture, and art, fostering closer communication and dialogue with the public.
