Travel Guide: Puli Red Brick House Mountain Homestay (埔里紅瓦厝山居民宿), Nantou County

Tucked into the rolling green hills outside Puli Town, Nantou’s laid-back heart, 埔里紅瓦厝山居民宿 is a dreamy escape for travelers craving slow, nature-centered Taiwanese hospitality. Built as a restored traditional brick farmhouse, this intimate homestay leans into its mountain roots, offering warm, unpretentious service that feels like staying with friends rather than checking into a commercial hotel. Whether you’re here to hike Nantou’s famous peaks, explore local cultural heritage, or just unwind far from the crowds of Taipei and Taichung, this homestay positions you perfectly to experience the best of central Taiwan.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 52, Zhonggua Road, Puli Town, the homestay fits the needs of couples, families, and solo travelers alike. All accommodations include comfortable air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi across public areas, and complimentary on-site private parking that requires no advance booking—ideal for anyone road-tripping through Nantou. Family rooms are spacious enough for groups of four, and daily housekeeping keeps stays feeling fresh. In-room amenities include a clothes rack, cable channels, and a kettle for morning tea or coffee, while en-suite bathrooms come stocked with complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, fresh towels, and slippers. Outside, guests can relax on a scenic terrace, wander the lush garden, or use the dedicated picnic area for al fresco meals. The on-site restaurant serves hearty local home-cooked meals, and the friendly staff offer luggage storage and detailed local tourism advice, plus guided cultural experiences to help you connect with the region’s heritage.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three unmissable spots sit within a 20-minute drive of the homestay, making for easy day trips. First, 20 minutes away, Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s most iconic alpine lake, offers stunning lakeside hikes, cycling loops around the shore, and ferry rides to the scenic Wenwu Temple and Ita Thao indigenous village. Second, 10 minutes from the homestay, the Paper Dome is a one-of-a-kind community church constructed entirely from folded paper, a moving symbol of cross-cultural friendship that hosts regular art exhibitions and events. Third, just 15 minutes away, the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village lets visitors explore the history, crafts, and traditions of Taiwan’s 16 indigenous groups, with a scenic gondola ride overlooking surrounding mountain scenery.

Travel Tips

Since the homestay’s staff only speak Mandarin, it’s helpful to have a translation app downloaded before arrival if you don’t speak Chinese. Book your stay well in advance during peak seasons (cherry blossom season in March-April, and autumn leaf viewing in October-November), as the intimate size of the homestay means rooms sell out fast. Nantou’s mountain weather is cooler than the lowlands year-round, so pack a light jacket even for summer visits. Finally, don’t leave without trying the homestay’s home-cooked breakfast of local rice porridge and pickled vegetables—it’s a simple, authentic taste of Puli that beats any hotel buffet.