Former Residence of the British Consul — Attraction in New Taipei

The Former Residence of the British Consul (前清英國領事官邸) in Tamsui is a beautifully preserved piece of Taiwan’s colonial history. Built in 1891 during the Qing Dynasty, this red-brick mansion served as the residence of British consular officials and stands as a testament to the architectural elegance of that era.

The Architecture: The building’s design is a blend of Victorian and local styles, with arched verandas, intricate woodwork, and spacious rooms that offer a glimpse into 19th-century colonial life. Walking through the residence feels like stepping back in time, with historical artifacts and displays providing context about its past occupants and their role in Taiwan’s history.

The Views: Situated on a hill, the residence offers sweeping views of the Tamsui River and the surrounding landscape. The lush gardens and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a relaxing break during your Tamsui visit.

Tips: • Visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather and the chance to enjoy a stunning sunset over the Tamsui River. • Allocate 30-45 minutes to explore the residence and its grounds. • Don’t miss the exhibits inside, which provide insights into the British presence in Taiwan during the...

The British Consular Residence next door is where things get really interesting. For instance, if you observe the facade of the building closely, you’ll realise that one of the decorations was missing. Probably due to the extension of the building from its original size. Inside, you’ll arrive at the living space that includes the original electrical fans, complete with a 6 speed fan regulator – probably a luxe item in those days.

There are “Calling Bells” around the house that allows the master to call for the servants. This reminded us of the same setup in the TV series Downton Abbey. It must have been a very high class residence to have such a device inside. The downside is that these calling bells are a little primitive and you’ll have to reset them physically once it is used. Otherwise, it won’t be able to ring the next time it is activated.

For our full review of the Former Residence of the British Consul, visit...

The residence of the British Consulate is a two-story western house built by a British in 1891. On the exterior wall, the "VR 1891" brick-carved pattern and vase-shaped rails were exquisitely created. The kind of foreign houses built in the 19th century during the colonial period by the British in the trading area of East Asia and South Pacific is generally called "Colonial-type architecture." The south gate is the gateway to the outdoors and was built with Guanyi Rocks. Ahead of the western house, a lawn is one of its distinctive features. With the main two-story body with the design of brick-built corridor is the popular "Bangalow" type structure that can be found in British colonies. It's a western house built in the style of the Victorian-period....