ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dutch Indies country houses

Okay kiddo, let me explain what "Dutch Indies country houses" mean. So, a long time ago, the country we now call Indonesia used to be ruled by the Dutch. The Dutch people built fancy houses in Indonesia, called country houses, where they could rest, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. These houses were a mix of European and Indonesian architecture.

The Dutch Indies country houses were usually made of wood or stone and had big verandas, which are like porches. The verandas were wide and cool, so the people could sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. The houses also had high ceilings to help cool the house down from the hot Indonesian weather.

These country houses were an important part of the Indonesian landscape back then. They were not only places of relaxation, but also places where important decisions were made. They were usually built in beautiful settings, near forests or the sea, and had magnificent views.

But you know what kiddo, nowadays, many of these houses have been abandoned and are in a state of disrepair. It's a shame that the beauty and history of these houses might be lost forever. But some people are working hard to preserve and restore them, so that future generations can appreciate and enjoy their beauty just like the Dutch did so long ago.