Charming Western-Style Kyoto Townhouse with Triangular Bay Windows in Kita Ward

This property is a combined Western-style and Japanese-style residence located in Kyoto's Kita Ward. While the exact construction year is unknown, the building is estimated to have been built at least 87 years ago, leaving a sense of time passed in every corner. The first thing that catches the eye is the cute triangular roof protruding from the second floor, forming a bay window. The window fittings on the first floor are also appealing. A planting space in front softens the building's expression. The entrance features a small hanging shelf in the "genkan-no-ma" (entrance space), with a stepping stone and frosted glass fittings. The central two panels are glass, while the side two are shoji screens, a very attractive combination. There is a small guest room near the entrance, allowing for separate visitor reception. The first floor includes a Japanese-style room and a Western-style room facing the garden, along with the wet areas. The Japanese-style room has modern white plaster walls and white fusuma sliding doors. The ceiling features a playful design with alternating horizontal slats. The alcove's pillar uses material with emphasized knots, showing the hand of someone skilled in material handling. The garden visible through the shoji screens looks like a photograph. The adjacent Western-style room can be combined to create a more spacious area. The kitchen currently requires significant maintenance, but this also means there is room to consider how to renovate it. The retro design of the bathroom window, for example, is something worth preserving. There is a back door beyond the kitchen for practical access after shopping. On the second floor, accessed via stairs from the Western-style room, there is one Japanese-style room and one Western-style room, both in relatively good condition. The Western-style room with the bay window is the highlight of both the exterior and interior. The ceiling features a decorative molding, evoking a Taisho Roman atmosphere. The triangular bay window is perfect for sitting with a book and coffee. The Japanese-style room has an alcove with roughly applied plaster, a space that would showcase art well. A balcony off the Japanese-style room is suitable for drying laundry or simply sitting and enjoying the breeze. The property is located near Mount Funaoka in Kyoto. This area was mentioned by Sei Shonagon in her classic work "The Pillow Book." The location offers rich natural surroundings while being within walking distance of convenience stores, supermarkets, and bus stops. Nearby attractions include Funaoka Onsen and charming coffee shops, with the scent of bread occasionally drifting from a corner boulangerie.