1890s wood house in Yamagata

Full description

An old folk house vacancy in the mountainous region of Sakegawa Village, visited on an autumn afternoon. Until about two years ago, it was used as a restaurant serving country cooking by local women. The stately old folk house, perched at the top of a slope reached from the main road, commands an impressive presence. While the exact construction date is uncertain, it is undoubtedly a historic structure over a hundred years old. Upon entering the earth-floored front porch, there is a sitting room with a hearth on the right. Beyond that are two inner chambers on a raised level. One imagines that long ago, a distinguished person who governed this area once lived here. The 15-centimeter step felt surprisingly high, likely due to the writer's own roots as a descendant of tenant farmers. The spacious kitchen amazes, having surely welcomed many guests. Although drawbacks exist, a pit toilet and narrow bath, the overwhelming beauty inspires renovation ambitions. Behind the main house stands a corrugated-metal-sided storehouse. Though currently sealed, glimpses through the metal edges reveal its splendor. When the current owner was asked about the storehouse key, they said "it's somewhere," but the inability to appraise it is unfortunate, though it might become a delightful surprise for the future owner. Investigation shows this location overlooks the Genji Shield (Genji-tate), where Minamoto no Yoshiie is said to have sheltered during the Earlier Nine Years' War (1051 to 1062). This region has sustained human habitation for long periods. Indeed, the old folk house's impressive demeanor makes sense. Whether preparing country cuisine, authentic French cooking, or establishing a hermitage retreat, dreams for this old folk house abound. Beholding such a stately old folk house, any hesitation melts away before boundless confidence. Definitely worth viewing, this old folk house vacancy. / Special notes: Previously used as a restaurant (Minamoto-ya)

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