Ursula House: A Well-Maintained Traditional Home with Studio Space in Chihayaakasaka Village

This property, named 'Ursula House' after the free-spirited artist character from Hayao Miyazaki's film 'Kiki's Delivery Service', is a traditional Japanese kominka offered for rent. The house had been vacant for a long period, but the owner diligently maintained it with regular ventilation and upkeep, resulting in a property in very good condition. The home features a charming contrast between the beige-colored tatami mats and the dark brown of the wooden pillars, preserving a traditional ambiance. A new one-tsubo (approx. 3.3 sqm) unit bath has been installed, ensuring comfortable modern amenities in the wet areas.

The spacious kominka contains eight rooms and could serve as a combined residence, workshop, or retail space. It includes a separate guest house ('hanare') and a storehouse ('kura'), providing ample, relaxed space for creative pursuits. Additional features include a beautifully extended Japanese-style room, a distinctive 'amidakuji' lattice window, a formal 'tokonoma' alcove, and extensive engawa verandas that are highlighted as a particular highlight of the property. The kitchen is properly equipped, and the property comes with a garden.

The agent's notes outline specific considerations and their positive reframing: the station is very far, with a 10-minute walk to the bus stop and a 30-minute drive to the nearest Kintetsu or Nankai railway stations—presented as an opportunity to embrace 'inconvenience benefit' and enjoy each day like camping. Roads may freeze in winter, offering the benefit of crisp, clear morning air. Insects may be present, framed as a chance to appreciate nature's bounty and foster personal growth. The property is recommended for those who can transform inconvenience into enjoyment, are sociable and positive, seek a lifestyle or environmental change, or have minimal stress from telework or commuting.

The property is located in Chihayaakasaka Village in Osaka Prefecture, an area rich in natural beauty at the foot of Mount Kongo. The village is part of the Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, offering exceptional hiking and scenic views. A major nearby landmark is the historic Chihaya Castle site, a mountaintop fortress significant to the 14th-century Genko War, providing a fascinating glimpse into Japan's medieval history.