The villa is located on nearly 1,000 square meters and had fallen into serious disrepair. A framework of iron pipes was erected to prevent it from collapsing.

This typical French villa was built in the early 20th century and was once the residence of high-ranking French officials before changing hands many times.

Though its walls were peeling and its old doors had deteriorated after a hundred years or more, the imprint of French architecture was maintained in every detail. On December 18, Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district kicked off the project to restore it to its former glory.

According to figures from the Hanoi Department of Construction, there are 1,253 old French houses and villas in the city built before 1954 and on a list of being in need of preservation.

This is the perspective after the project is completed and restored. The site will become a place of cultural exchange, with a host of activities to promote the cultural and architectural heritage values of the capital.

As it develops strongly with modern areas and skyscrapers, Hanoi still cherishes and preserves the heritage of its past./.

VNA