When we took the rickshaw, or pedicab, tour of the Hutong area at Houhai, we had the opportunity to stop at one of the traditional courtyard, or quadrangle, houses that were chosen by the city of Beijing to be family stay homes during the Olympics. An English speaking guide explained the history of the house which is not far from Prince Gong's Palace. It was built around 1780 for a high-rankiing general and his family, and as the name implies, it is built around a quadrangular shaped central courtyard.
The south room is the reception area and the least desirable space because it has a northern exposure. The east rooms, the best rooms, are for boys; girls being held in less favor, get the west rooms. The family living area is in the north rooms. Around 1912, with the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, the general's family lost the house, or one could say that it was confiscated, and the present family took up residence there.
During the Cultural Revolution they were allowed to remain in the north rooms while the government moved several other families in to occupy the rest of the house. Around 1997 the home was returned to private ownership and has undergone complete restoration. The bed and wardrobe seen in this picture are from 1780s and were part of the living quarters the family was allowed to live in. The family welcomes pyaing guests. Here is the address and telephone number if anyone is interested. #39 Nanguanfang Hutong, Shichahai, Xicheng District, Beijing 100009 Telephone: 010-66572057. Or Google Courtyard House Beijing; there are many others.
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