Historic Merchant Residence Over 100 Years Old in Saga Prefecture
This property is a traditional merchant house with a history spanning over 110 years, situated in Kitakata-machi, Taku City, Saga Prefecture. Originally a sake brewery operating under the brand name "Hanabishi," this residence has been vacant for approximately four years. The sake brewing business ceased over 30 years ago, and the current owners are seeking a new purpose for the land and buildings. Due to the significant historical value and connections to the local community, the preferred outcome is a revitalization that preserves the structure for future generations, rather than demolition.
The interior features a large doma (earthen floor) space with prominent pillars, characteristic of a sukiya-style building. The layout allows for all rooms to be connected. The second floor is a traditional chu-nikai (mezzanine) style, offering a view down into the doma area from above. Behind the main house, there is a large workspace. The washitsu (Japanese-style rooms) are built in the honma-zukuri style, which offers high potential for effective use after renovation. The property also includes a separate annex, allowing for versatile uses such as separating a commercial space from a residence. Potential uses for the property include a guesthouse utilizing the atmospheric space, a combined restaurant and residence, a day service facility for the elderly, or an after-school day service for children.
The property is located along a former highway, opposite a post office. The area retains the atmosphere of a former post town, and it is situated along the "Taiko Highway" (Karakatsu Kando Road), which was developed during the late Sengoku period. The Taku City Board of Education and local museum have expressed a desire to preserve this district as a Saga Prefectural heritage site, alongside the white-walled streetscapes. The property is within a 5-minute drive (approximately 1 km) from the Taku Interchange.
