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Our Dream: Born from a Weed-Choked Marsh |
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 Houhu Valley was, until not so many decades ago, home to a tranquil, relatively self-sufficient village of indigenous Ami. Surrounding mountains shielded the village from autumn monsoon winds, while an artesian spring – which gurgles still today – sustained and nourished its families. However, completion of the first coastal roadway (predecessor of Provincial Route 11) enticed villagers with opportunities elsewhere. The population dwindled and once well-kept fields went to seed. Eventually, the valley returned to the wilds and fields turned into terraced marshland. It was into this “recently untamed” wilderness that we came, bought a patch of the valley and called it our dream. |
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Our Commitment: Make Houhu a Reality against All Odds |
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Despite disbelief from friends and neighbors, we stood by a commitment to breathe life into our dream – one patch of grass, one tree … one brick at a time. It is only on reflection that I appreciate truly how much effort went into making Houhu flower once again. Notwithstanding the disappointments, obstacles and seemingly insurmountable difficulties, the dream kept us on course and saw us through myriad difficulties. |
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Our Character: A Pocket of Paradise, Embraced by Mountains, Watered by Springs and within Earshot of the Blue Pacific |
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At first, we didn’t intend to create a bed and breakfast at Houhu. The project was initially planned just as a place for our family to spend vacations. It grew, bit by bit, from exceptionally modest foundations into today’s secret garden – concealed in a quiet valley just a short turn inland from the Pacific Coast.
Spacious open land; exceptional views of mountains, spring-fed streams, and the beautiful Pacific; a carefully planned and maintained yard; and a diverse ecosystem … these are some of the key reasons that both make Houhu so special to us and set Houhu Villa Bed & Breakfast apart from all others.
Marrying our “dream” environment to the natural rhythms of the valley, we have succeeded in creating a little patch of heaven on the “left bank” of the Pacific. Come … we encourage and warmly invite you to share in the results. Come to Houhu Villa Bed & Breakfast for its warmth and romance, for a relaxing break and to finally find that “steam release valve” on your soul. |
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Our Pets |
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 【Bianzui】
Bianzui, an incredible cross between a Labrador retriever and Shar-Pei, is always ready to be a friend, play catch or offer a back to be scratched. Naturally playful and friendly to everyone, Bianzui is both a faithful watchdog and the best guest relations manager we could ever want! |
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Ginger
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When flocks of duck made their annual return to southern Hualien, one of the indigenous Ami’s favorite meals was duck simmered in ginger. The proliferation of restaurants today advertising this delicacy shows that such a preference is not limited to Ami! Ginger cools herself off in the pond on hot days, enjoys circling our buildings when happy, and planting herself on our doorstep waiting for a handout when she is hungry. This bird is a happy-go-lucky friend to all! |
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