La Maisonnette

A Sunny day in the alley life

The house used to be a home residence and once a book storage place that stacked thousands of books. Now unlock the digital lock on the door, just like enter the passcode to our private time, only you and me, both of us making our sweet home here. We take off the shoes and step onto the wood floor, as sunlight streams through the windows next to the door, along with the soft dark green sofa, composing a delightful afternoon scenery. Look up, the glass lampshades above the dining table with exquisite embossed patterns deliver a sense of Japanese Taisho Romantic style. I pick up a few plates, two pairs of chopsticks, and a pair of bowls, while you prepare the delicacies we just bought from the streets and some hot tea. We share the savory and sweet flavors of Tainan, with our hearts overflow with tangy tenderness.

Step by step, the stairs extend to the second floor. Above the railing, through the wall of white openwork panels is a sneak peek at the scene of our life here. The traditional wood cabinet on the tatami, the faint pattern of the terrazzo floor, and the linen bedding under the pitched roof, all share the warmth of sunlight. You open the side-by-side wood doors, the warm wind blows in with the sound of the neighborhood. I take down the book I like from the shelf, leaning against the wall, or leaning against your shoulder to browse through the book for the Kyoto streets that we look forward to visiting one day. When night falls, we will share the same dream of a foreign land in our sleep.

When Tainan meets with Kyoto

Although living in Taipei, the hostess Claire always returns to her hometown Tainan during Chinese New Year holidays to visit relatives, while she feels like reliving a sense of familiarity in this city. On a vacation trip to Tainan, when she walked along the Ximen Road, she found many things that she had never noticed before. Gradually being infected by the atmosphere of Tainan, she even began to look forward to returning to Tainan after retiring. Therefore, she embarked on realizing her ideal life, seeking for a suitable old house, discussing with the designer, and finally forming her future residence, which became the current La Maisonnette.

Claire smiled and said, “Kyoto is my second home!” As she travels abroad a lot, she not only brings back souvenirs from each country she visits but also loads her memories of Kyoto into this house. Elegant tableware collected from the markets and shops in Kyoto, the white Muji electric fan she personally brought back from Japan, and the butterfly-like shadow cast by the ceramic light ornament from Italy, the bits and pieces from foreign countries, along with Claire’s dream, all blend in harmony in La Maisonnette.

Stroll along Xinyi street and visit Mu Adzuki

In the quiet and laid-back afternoon, we follow the footsteps of sunlight and stroll along Xinyi Street, passing by the coffee shop with small square signage and ordinary houses. Going forward and turning around the corner, there stands the famous sweets shop Mu Adzuki. In winter, we can enjoy the wood-fire cooked adzuki soup that follows the traditional recipe, tasting the warmth and sweetness from a bowl of crimson. Or when in summer, two scoops of ice cream with sweet potato and sweet beans would extend the feeling of happiness.

Like a cat, sunlight rubs against your face, sneaking into your arms for an affectionate hug. I will leave a wish about you here in a hushed way. In La Maisonnette, there is always a light for you, brightening the daily life in the alleys in Tainan, quiet and warm.