Renovating Historic Homes in Tainan: Balancing Preservation and Modernization
Strolling through Tainan’s Shennong or Xinyi Streets, you might be captivated by old houses bearing the marks of time: weathered red brick walls, elegant wrought-iron windows, and the cool touch of terrazzo floors. You dream of buying one and transforming it into a stylish guesthouse or cafe. Your plan involves replacing old wooden windows with airtight aluminum ones, painting the exterior a crisp white, and knocking down interior walls for an open-concept feel. Excited to start, you receive a notice from the Cultural Affairs Bureau, ordering a halt to construction and demanding an explanation of your design concept.Now, consider another renovation project that won a “Good Old House” award. The owner preserved the original facade and arcade, even investing significantly…