Wood house in Maibara

From the listing

Realize convenient rural living! Fall in love in a thatched cottage of your dreams / Close to nature while convenient for trips to town. Cool in summer, endless winter leisure like skiing. A traditional grid-pattern thatched farmhouse, lovingly renovated and carefully maintained. Ideal as residence or business. / By clear water polished by stone! A house carefully preserved. Maibara is known as a water source. The pristine water, enriched by rain, snow, sun and trees, flows through mountains and valleys to nourish surrounding settlements and towns. This area, within an "Important Cultural Landscape," has long produced high-quality granite. Historically stone works, stone pagodas, and mortars were common, with most villagers being stonemasons. Walking around reveals beautiful flowing water over exposed rock, recycled stone steps, deep forest, artistic stone monuments celebrating the mortar village's heritage, and a major shrine. / The owner grew up in this area and now lives nearby. "This was my uncle's house; he came here almost daily to bathe before returning home," reminiscing fondly. Playing, skiing, helping with rice paddies, "I raised cattle in the earth-floored entry, later cared for them. Grandfather was there then; he'd leave sweets by my pillow, I'd come just for those." Memories and affection carefully preserved and handed down through generations. / Natural surroundings close by with quiet; neighbors within sight. A snowy area, but on a main road so snow removal isn't burdensome; convenient for town access. "Summer or winter, activities abound. The location suits a guest house or café business. We have mountains and fields, I hope they'll be used," says the owner. / Though a thatched-roof old house, a metal roof overlay means minimal thatch maintenance. The metal roof, replaced just years ago, is in excellent condition. The gable-entrance has spacious earth-floored entry, partially renovated, sturdy doors and stairs, comfortable. Four-room grid-pattern tatami rooms, corridor, kitchen, lived-in yet immaculate, "crisp" and pleasant. Large pillars and beams are fine. / Climbing to the second floor reveals space usable as rooms and thatched roof interior. The owner explains: "Historically the earth-floored passage had a cooking stove; the attic turned black with soot, naturally pest-repellent. See the beautiful 'soot bamboo'? We raised silkworms upstairs." Old tools, carrying frames, braziers, hide upstairs; treasure hunting awaits! / South-facing windows overlook open vistas with excellent light and views. The tatami room with alcove welcomes honored guests. Fine lattice-work tables, nice cushions. Seasonal flowers in the alcove, scrolls desired. The engawa porch is warm; place a favorite chair, small table. Tea, reading, or napping on tatami. Step out to view the pond, draw mountain water for crops, thin seedlings, pick wild vegetables for evening sake. As snow approaches, prepare snow guards, check stored timber and long poles, check kerosene. Skiing, disliked before, now eager! / Cool in summer heat, winter cold brings joy. Living seasonally, unhurried, such is this home. Kitchen, bath, toilet all properly equipped; polish the "Showa retro" aesthetic. Flow from entry to water fixtures well-designed. An enclosed garage with shutters, invaluable in snow country. Concrete entry apron eases snow removal and vehicle movement. / Neighboring pioneering residents provide support. Locals are kind, welcoming, naturally accepting newcomers. The owner says: "Village relationships matter somewhat; embrace them and newcomers settle faster, live easier. I'd appreciate new residents participating in community life." / 構成 (Structure): Main house, storehouse, garage / 畑と庭 (Fields and garden): Adjacent field well-proportioned, excellent sun. Garden trees professionally pruned. Pond fed by mountain water.