1970s wood house in Shiga

From the listing

Historic settlement with Kyogoku clan heritage. As you climb the slope, the air transforms; the mountain feels close, wind sweeps through, and the expansive sky and nearby mountains create a refreshing vista. At the site where the Kyogoku clan once built their castle, wouldn't you like to spend time contemplating the Sengoku period? The setting captivates both history enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Sengoku-era castle town built by the Kyogoku clan. This residence was formerly a Buddhist temple for practicing monks! According to the local priest (湖北 dialect: お寺の住職さん), this location was once a temple where monks practiced during the Kyogoku era. Imagining this era and feeling the Sengoku period so close is a remarkable experience. 'See that large tree at the back? The stone at its base is said to be a garden stone from that time,' the owner explained. Kamihiraiji Castle was a strategic location during the Sengoku period, situated on the important northern route (北国脇往還) through which Hideyoshi rushed from Ogaki to the battlefield at the Shizugatake campaign. 'Even now, between here and Ibuki Shrine, you can see stone walls marking old estates. The scale must have been much larger back then,' noted the owner. The stone-walled landscape speaks to a settlement built along the mountain's slopes. Looking down at the rice paddies from the narrow lane, a pleasant breeze sweeps through. Charming hinoki cypress construction with a practical dining kitchen. Originally a thatched farmhouse, the main residence was rebuilt about 30 years ago when the owner's son was born. Built entirely of hinoki cypress with soil-plastered walls in deep green, a tasteful, calming aesthetic. When asked 'Don't most houses here have red bengara-painted posts and beams?', he replied: 'It's not that I had strong preferences, but my wife didn't like bengara. I wasn't particularly fond of it either, so I ordered a cousin who's a carpenter to build it in hinoki instead.' Following the traditional 'tanoji' floor plan (allowing large gatherings for celebrations and services), the dining area features a modern flooring, and the spacious kitchen has an L-shaped layout. The dining and kitchen areas connect via wooden-framed windows, allowing family conversation during cooking. The wife's wishes created a very functional dining kitchen! The first floor has an independent 8-tatami Japanese room, and the second floor has 4 additional rooms, plenty for each family member. The large Western-style room at the far end has built-in closets, perfect for a bedroom. A generous engawa (veranda) overlooking the garden is bright and comfortable. 'Stones scattered throughout the property were stacked by a landscaper to create the stone walls. The first ones placed are garden stones from the temple era,' the owner noted. The high-low stacked stone approach reflects the stature distinctive to Kamihiraiji. Under the stone wall, two cars park easily. A well sits at the entrance, with the garden pond below it. 'The kitchen can switch between well water and purified water,' the owner explained. It's a wonderful natural blessing to utilize mountain water. 'There's a large plum tree in a garden corner, birds eat so much we can't harvest much, but enjoying the seasons is a luxury! Early summer will be something to look forward to,' he said, pointing it out. 'We want someone who will fit in with neighbors and stay long-term.' The owner grew up here, built this house, and raised his family. It's his heartfelt wish born from generations living here. 'This is a small settlement, so we'd like someone who will become part of the community and stay.' History woven by house, people, and time. Awaiting new hands to continue that legacy. The house itself. History. Environment. The owner's feelings. Community., Fall in love with the vacant property, live in the region. That's the spirit of Koisuru Akiya Project. Features: [Hinoki Cypress Construction] Charming aesthetic from quality hinoki and deep-green earthen walls. [Simple Water Closet] With sewage pit on site, sewage work can enhance comfort. [Dining Kitchen] Western dining area and L-shaped kitchen are exceptionally functional. [Stone Walls] Beautiful stacked-stone approach to entrance.