If you plan to visit the Kudi Chin Community and plan to use the riverside walkway from Wat Kalayanamitr to Santa Cruz Church, you will definitely notice the two-story wooden house, which stands prominently facing the Chao Phraya River. Feel free to stop by and take the photo as it is very rare to find this kind of house nowadays. Here is the story of it.
A Brief History of This House
The house is known by many names. First, it is called “Baan Windsor” following the name of the first owner Garnier Windsor, a maritime trader who served King Rama IV as royal envoy and established a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with France during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III.
The original house of Garnier was degenerated and demolished some time ago. Later, Khun Phra Prakorb, who is a cousin of the wife of Garnier’s son, built a new house on this land. This ‘new house’ is the house you see nowaday. Therefore, the other name of this house is called “Baan Khun Phra Prakorb”.
The house has its unique style which is hard to find in the original version nowadays.
What Is The Name of This Unique Style of A House?
It is called the “Thai-colonial style” which was popular during the reign of King Rama IV. It greatly reflects the influence of the western architectural practices together with local elements in the design of the house, such as the nicely wooden crafted vent above the windows and the door to help release the hot air from the house, greatly suitable for the hot weather country.
Nowadays, this style of a house has become more popular due to many local TV dramas depicting the stories and architects in this period of time. The style is sometimes also called the “gingerbread house” by the local Thais.
Feel free to take as many photos as you would like and appreciate the unique design of the building.
Opening Hours
Visitors can only take photos of this house from the riverside walkway but cannot enter the building. The riverside walkway opens everyday from 05:00-22:00.
How to get there?
By walking. Start from Wat Kalayanamitr, walk along the riverside walkway for about 150 meters. The house will be on the right.
