Case | Renovation of an old private house |
“I am very excited to find such a property in Kyoto,” says owner Inoue.
She was instantly attracted by the tasteful blend of Japanese and Western style, the traditional construction methods, the quiet but lively garden, and the dignified and beautiful tea ceremony room.
She regretted the current building situation where old houses are easily torn down. She felt that renovations like this would bring old houses back to life.
Kyoto is only two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train. It is a compact city, convenient for both living and sightseeing. The most wonderful thing is that it is only a two-minute walk to the World Heritage site of Kinkakuji Temple (officially named Rokuonji Temple).
“I really liked the place, with a small garden and a detached room with light streaming in as you enter the front door. When you open the window on the second floor, to your surprise, you can see “大” the character for “big” right in front of you. The house is opposite the Hidari Daimonji of the Gozan Okuribi (Bonfire on Five Mountains), which is a summer tradition in Kyoto, and it is a very luxurious view.”
“At my age, I never thought my heart would be moved by something new again. I sometimes wondered if I was at the end of my life.” Ms. Inoue is 83 years old. “But when I came across this property, I knew there was still so much more to look forward to and discover. Isn’t that wonderful?
Another thing that excited my heart was that I could see this as an investment, in a way. If this old house were to be rehabilitated in a modern way, it would surely increase in value. As an investment property, it would be a great place to use to enhance your life and have a little fun with it” she said with a smile.
>The project of GOETHE × NAMAZUGUMI
Casestudy | Old house renovation |
What’s NAMAZUGUMI?
“NAMAZUGUMI” is a Japanese carpentry group. They specialize in wooden construction and aim to deliverJapanese traditions. From design to material selection, finishing, and construction, they believe in craftsmen taking care of every step of the home-building process. JAPANDORAKU offers the opportunity to create the ultimate Japanese-style home through a carpentry experience with the craftsmen of NAMAZUGUMI, resulting ina unique home tailored to you.