Historic Estate with Gatehouse and Storehouses in Iwate's Serene Countryside
Nestled in the southernmost part of Iwate Prefecture, in the Fujisawa-cho district of Ichinoseki City, this unique property offers a secluded and atmospheric living experience. The residence is accessed via a private bridge over a river, leading to a traditional nayamon (gatehouse with an attached storehouse). This gatehouse complex, which includes a barn, workshop, and zashiki (tatami reception room), along with two separate storehouses (kura), indicates this was once the estate of a wealthy landowner.
The main house was rebuilt 24 years ago into a modern yet purely Japanese-style home. It features a shinkabe-zukuri (true post-and-beam) construction using abundant Japanese cypress (hinoki) and zelkova (keyaki) wood. Architectural details showcase careful craftsmanship, including a curved sagarimune (dropping ridge), exposed beams (dashigeta), shoin-style windows, yukimi shoji (snow-viewing paper screens), and double-pane glass. The property is in move-in ready condition, requiring no immediate repairs. The two storehouses are in a state where they could be fully restored with sufficient investment.
The expansive 7,412.68 sqm (2,242.33 tsubo) lot includes flat land designated for residential use, woodland, and fields. The woodland consists of broadleaf trees, offering a potential source of firewood. While deeply set within the forest, the area is not overly dark, allowing for activities like vegetable gardening. The property is equipped with electricity, public water supply, a septic tank system, propane gas (PG), and kerosene heating. It is located outside of urban planning zones.
The surrounding Fujisawa area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. An interesting local fact is that Ichinoseki City is part of the wider Tohoku region, known for its rich geological history and traditional crafts. The area provides a profound connection to nature. For a major tourist attraction, the renowned Chuson-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hiraizumi, is within a reasonable distance, offering a glimpse into the region's profound historical and cultural significance.