A Century-Old Colonial House Changes How Its Inhabitants Live, Embracing Slow Living

A century-old colonial house in Surakarta, nDalem Doyoatmodjo, finished in 1924, stands as one of the city’s designated cultural heritage buildings. Behind frescoed walls and preserved colonial features, its occupants say daily life slows to a calmer, more deliberate rhythm. Reza Andriyanto, an actor and businessman who now lives there, explains that the ambiance has altered his everyday habits. He notes that the house’s colonial character offers a rhythm of life distinct from modern homes and that he now enjoys simpler activities that feel closer to a bygone era, with significantly reduced screen time. ‘Honestly, I hardly watch TV or use gadgets here,’ he says. Instead, he spends more time reading, walking in the garden, and feeding the poultry. These small routines help him feel more relaxed and present. He adds that the tranquil atmosphere makes him savour everyday moments more fully. The living space also shapes his dressing habits; he tries to wear neat clothes at home as a mark of respect for the building’s historical value.