Owner of Heritage House in Battambang Dies
International tourists paid a visit at the 103-year-old house in Battambang province. Photo: Thmey Thmey News
- By Meng Seavmey
- October 31, 2023 11:00 AM
PHNOM PENH – Bun Roeun, the owner of a Khmer traditional house which has been passed down through three generations in Battambang province, passed away on Oct. 30.
Bun Roeun was 85 years old. The cremation will be held on Nov. 1 at the Voat Kor pagoda.
Her niece Sambath Vireak, the fourth-generation owner of the house, said Bun Roeun had been looking after the house, part of the provincial heritage, all her life.
“I feel sorrowful losing her and I am committed to taking care of the house from now on after her,” Vireak said.
In an interview in 2017, Bun Roeun said the house was built in 1920. The construction cost around 5,000 riel at the time and took three years to finish.
Located in Voat Kor village, the house had been passed down from Bun Roeun’s grandparents to her parents, then to her. Bun Roeun had four children, but all died during Khmer Rouge regime.
Bun Roeun managed to get the house back after being away from it during Khmer Rouge regime. She once said, “I am taking care of the house from the bottom of my heart, and would never trade the house for any new modern villa.”
Related content:
