The "Lin Yu-tang House" sits at the base of Yangminshan. It was constructed in 1966 and was designed by Lin himself. It served as his residence for the last ten years of his life. This structure represents the Chinese "shiheyuan" style combined with Spanish architectural influences, incorporating eastern and western styles as well as fusing modern and classic beauty. The indigo colored glaze complements the white walls and the addition of the purple latticework gives it the elegance of refined art.
Entering through the western style door and passing through to the veranda, one can see the sunlit garden in which the silhouette of the Spanish style spiral pillar stretches as the warm sunlight lengthens its shadow.
Lin was very fond of bamboo and rocks so he painstakingly decorated the garden with plants such as emerald bamboo, sweet gum , blue ferns and Chinese wisteria , and molded unique stone designs, and built a lovely small fish pond. He often sat in the marble seat next to the pond enjoying watching the fish with a pole in his hand.
On April 1 in 1976, at the age of 82, Lin was laid to rest in the garden. The Taipei City government, in order to commemorate Lin's literary achievements, obtained from his wife, Ms. Liao Cui-feng, his book collection, original manuscripts, various writings and other items he left and turned his residence into "Lin Yu-tang's Memorial Library" which opened to the public in May of 1985. Later, after its establishment, the Department of Cultural Affairs of the Taipei City Government announced a plan to expand the original library to include the "Famous residence" and "Literary Life Hall." Following an open bid, Fo Guang College of Humanities and Social Sciences was selected to manage the site and on March 26 in 2002, the new hall was opened. By combining a visitor's exhibition, art lectures and rest area into the space, the completion presents Lin's ideology, new ideas, life philosophy and literary achievements. On October 1, 2005 , Soochow University accepted the Department of Cultural Affairs' commission to manage Lin's residence and as the research place for the study of Lin's works.