A Fun-Filled DIY House in Nagano's Scholar Village
This unique property, located in the second phase of the Scholar Village (Gakusha Mura) vacation home area in Nagawa Town, Nagano Prefecture, offers a charming and hands-on retreat. The house is a compact 41.81 sqm (approx. 12.6 tsubo) 1LDK wooden bungalow built in 1977 (Showa 52), now 48 years old. Despite its age, it has been well-maintained with regular upkeep to the exterior walls, interior, and entrance door, preserving a bright and retro atmosphere. The ceiling has been renovated with wood paneling, and a wood-burning stove is installed, creating a quintessential vacation cabin feel. A key feature is the property's utility setup, as noted in the agent's remarks: electricity is provided by Chubu Electric Power, water by the town's public water system, gas by individual propane tanks, and heating is supplemented by the wood-burning stove.
The 638 sqm (approx. 193 tsubo) southeast-facing sloped plot is bathed in sunlight. The approach from the parking space to the entrance is flat and easy to navigate. The parking area includes a voltage-compatible cable for charging electric vehicles. The east side of the garden features a productive fruit and vegetable plot with plum, apricot, gum tree, persimmon (sweet and astringent varieties), maple, myoga ginger, blueberry, and sansho pepper plants, offering seasonal blooms and harvests. The property includes a storage shed under the floor stocked with tools like a log splitter and lawnmower, perfect for DIY enthusiasts. The deck provides a distant view to the southeast. Note that while a BS antenna is installed, it is currently not operational. A notable point is that the house does not have an indoor bath, but several hot spring facilities are just a 10-minute drive away. The original bathroom space remains, allowing for the potential installation of a shower box.
Nagawa Town is part of the scenic Shinshu region, known for its pristine nature and outdoor activities. An interesting local fact is that the Scholar Village area is renowned for the phytoncides released by its pine trees, aromatic compounds believed to promote mental relaxation and balance. The area is well-supported by the local administration, featuring on-demand bus services with smartphone booking and school shuttle microbuses. The closest major tourist attraction is the majestic Yatsugatake Mountain Range, a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying panoramic alpine views, easily accessible for day trips.
