In Giai Lac, discover ancient houses hundreds of years old.

In the early days of spring, we visited Phuc Tho hamlet in Giai Lac commune, considered one of the localities that still preserves many old houses. The winding village road, peeking out from behind the foliage, revealed moss-covered tiled roofs stained with the colors of time.

Currently, Phuc Tho village still has more than a dozen ancient houses, some dating back hundreds of years. Each house tells a story, a slice of family and village history. Although they have undergone many restorations and renovations, most still retain their original wooden structure, architectural style, and ancient spirit.

Within the grounds of the old houses, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu, 91 years old, from Phuc Tho hamlet, still lucidly recounts her life story. The house, built in the 1930s, is where she gave birth to and raised her seven children. Mr. Nguyen Viet Que (73 years old), her eldest son, said that if you count to the great-grandchildren, the house has passed through six generations. “We moved here to live so we could take care of our mother. The three houses in this compound are all old, each with its own style, but all retaining their original features,” Mr. Que shared.

The largest house is of the four-pillar style, with six bays and four sturdy main pillars. The truss system consists of straight, double-leaf beams with strong connecting joints. Between the bays are partition walls, and three-tiered side doors provide ventilation while maintaining privacy. The second house is a traditional house with gracefully curved trusses. The remaining house is built in the shape of the Chinese character "ding," with only one main pillar and a removable, adjustable wooden door.

Over time, the family only raised the foundation and relaid the tiles, while the wooden frame and carved patterns have been preserved almost intact. The entire complex, including the house, kitchen, guesthouse, garden, and landscaping, harmonizes, giving the feeling of a miniature museum in everyday life.

Besides preserving the architecture, Mr. Que's family also keeps many old items: copper pots, rice winnowing fans, rice harvesting tools, plows, wooden trays, bamboo baskets... These simple items are memories of a time of hardship but also of affection. "Preserving the old house is so that future generations will understand the cultural and historical value and the efforts of their ancestors," Mr. Que said, his eyes filled with pride.

Not far away is the old house of Mr. Tran Ngoc Kim (93 years old) and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Xuan Trinh (86 years old). Built in 1915, the five-bay house, built in the four-pillar style, has remained almost entirely original. Besides raising the foundation to prevent dampness, the family hasn't undertaken any significant restoration. The wooden doors, faded with age, are adorned with delicate carvings: clouds, flowers, birds, and animals… Each detail showcases the skillful hands of the old carpenters, creating a serene and ancient beauty.

Another six-room house belonging to Mr. Tran Quoc Toan nearby is also over 100 years old. Within its shady grounds, the owner has decorated it in the old style with antique tables and chairs, stone pillars, etc. The space evokes a sense of nostalgia, making those who enter feel as if they are returning to the memories of a simple, idyllic village.

In Phuc Tho hamlet, some families have proactively restored and upgraded their old houses while still respecting traditional architecture. Mr. Nguyen Viet Phuc's house has been re-tiled, the wood polished, and bamboo blinds added to the front porch. These elaborately woven blinds can be raised and lowered flexibly, providing shade from the sun and rain while adding a distinctive charm.

According to locals, traditional houses in Giai Lac commune typically have 3 to 6 bays, without strict adherence to even or odd numbers. The wooden frame is constructed in the sturdy "beam-shaped, supporting columns, and wider lower beam" style. Components such as beams, purlins, and door panels are elaborately carved with plants and flowers. Some houses have double-layered tiled roofs and gables, creating a grand appearance. Notably, many houses lack ceilings, unlike in flood-prone areas, allowing for better ventilation and suitability to the local climate.

Inside these houses, many families still preserve almost intact traditional religious artifacts and items: wooden beds, altars, betel boxes, hat racks, etc. Having existed for hundreds of years, these houses are not only architectural heritage but also remain warm homes sheltering their descendants.

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Giai Lac commune, there are currently nearly 20 ancient houses in the commune, dating back over 90 years to hundreds of years. These are not only the private property of each family but also valuable cultural heritage of the locality. It is noteworthy that the households owning these ancient houses have a high level of awareness in preserving and conserving the original architecture, considering it a responsibility towards the heritage of their ancestors.

Local authorities have also actively promoted and encouraged people to preserve ancient houses, linking this preservation with the safeguarding of traditional cultural identity and the development of community tourism. Along with nearly 60 historical and cultural relics and scenic spots in the area, the cluster of ancient houses has contributed to creating a unique cultural landscape and enriching the spiritual life of the people.

Among them, spiritual sites such as Duc Hoang Temple, Thien Tao Pagoda, and Tran Dang Dinh Shrine have long been places of faith, closely intertwined with community life. The presence of centuries-old houses further highlights the depth of tradition, affirming the proud cultural heritage of this rural area.

Every Lunar New Year, when the apricot and peach blossoms bloom brightly in front of the house, even those working far away still arrange to return home for family reunions. In this gathering under the old roof, the joyful laughter and conversations mingle with stories of the new year, further strengthening family bonds and filial piety.

Visiting the village in Nghe An in early spring, considered to be home to the most ancient houses, one can not only admire centuries-old architectural structures but also clearly feel the cultural heritage being preserved through time. These moss-covered roofs are not simply residences, but also "living memories" of the countryside, a shared spiritual value of the community that needs to be cherished and preserved for future generations.