DIY Renovation Opportunity: A 100-Year-Old Kominka with Lake Kasumigaura Views
The property is offered as a DIY project, acknowledging that as an older home, it has gaps that let in drafts, can be hot in summer and cold in winter, and may have insects—it is not a perfect, modern structure. However, this very character provides a canvas to enjoy "nothingness" and create a personalized retreat. The sellers have begun some updates with the intention of using it for Airbnb, including building an outdoor engawa (veranda), painting an accent wall in yellow, and adding custom ironwork. The kitchen features hinoki cypress wood and walls painted a sunset orange. Other unique touches include a preserved space for grandfather's fishing rods, a bamboo-crafted wall covering a former earthen wall, and a custom stand for a cross bike.
The surrounding area of Kasumigaura City in Ibaraki Prefecture is defined by the vast Lake Kasumigaura, Japan's second-largest lake. This region is known for its tranquil, rural scenery and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the water. The property itself is in a very quiet location where the stars are beautiful at night. A notable nearby landmark is the Kasumigaura Bay, a scenic part of the lake system offering picturesque views and recreational activities.
