Located in Long Huu Commune, the historic residence is renowned for its network of more than 100 wooden columns spread throughout the property, creating a grand and distinctive architectural appearance.
Tran Thi Ngo, 79, the current owner of the house, said the building was commissioned by her grandfather, Tran Van Hoa, a senior official in Gia Dinh Province during the French colonial era.
"Construction began in 1898 and took two years to complete, followed by three additional years devoted to decorative carving work," Ngo said.
The house covers 882 square metres within a property of nearly 4,900 square metres. Its main facade faces north-west, while a spacious courtyard at the rear once served as a communal gathering area for family members.
The architecture bears the hallmarks of traditional Hue garden houses from the Nguyen Dynasty period.
According to Ngo, the structure contains a total of 120 columns, including 68 main circular columns and 52 secondary square columns.
More than six decades after its construction, the house remains remarkably sturdy. Over 60 of the columns are made from valuable hardwoods that have largely resisted termite damage and deterioration.
The wooden framework is decorated with elaborate carvings featuring intricate ornamental motifs, showcasing the craftsmanship of artisans from the period.
The house is topped with a tiled roof, while the floor is paved with clay-fired bricks. The six-sided symmetrical bricks help prevent slipping and provide natural temperature regulation.
Since its completion, the residence has undergone three restoration projects aimed at preserving its original architectural features.
The house is regarded as one of the most representative examples of cultural, architectural and historical heritage in southern Vietnam, reflecting life in the Mekong region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 1997, the property was officially recognised as a national historical and cultural relic site.