White Picture Frame House in the Venus Line Highlands
This distinctive white vacation home, known as the White Picture Frame House, is situated within the Megami-daira Villa Area in Tateshina, Nagano Prefecture. The property is built on leased land owned by Tateshina Town, with a generous plot size of 1,377 square meters. The house itself is a single-story, wood-constructed building completed in August 1988 (Showa 63), featuring a unique skip-floor design that takes advantage of the south-facing slope. The layout is a 2LDK, comprising two 6-tatami Japanese-style rooms, a living room, dining room, and kitchen. A defining architectural feature is the picture-frame-like entrance to the living room, accessed by descending stairs from the genkan, creating a dramatic and almost surreal entry point that enhances the retreat-like atmosphere. A roofed deck extends from the south side of the living room.
Critical property details from the agent notes are as follows. Equipment/Facilities: Electricity is supplied by Chubu Electric Power, water by the town's public water system, gas is individual propane, and wastewater is handled by a simple flush (night soil removal) system. Special Notes/Remarks: The land lease period is for 20 years until July 31, Reiwa 8 (2026), with the option to renew for a further 20 years upon expiry. The renewal fee is 90 yen per square meter every 20 years. Please note that due to the leased land arrangement, the property cannot be acquired for profit-making purposes such as minpaku (private lodging).
The property is ready for immediate use, showing typical wear for its age but with no major issues. The gently sloping site, with well-thinned trees allowing soft sunlight to filter through, offers a pleasant and serene environment. However, as the land is owned by the town, activities like vegetable gardening are not permitted. The villa area includes amenities like a dog run and BBQ facilities operated by Sengyo. Parking space for one car is available.
The area is a premier highland resort destination along the Venus Line scenic route. An interesting local fact is that the nearby Lake Megami (Megamiko) is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, known for its clear, mirror-like surface that beautifully reflects the surrounding mountains. The property is exceptionally close to major recreational attractions. The Shirakaba Kogen International Ski Area is just a 10-minute walk away, while the shores of Lake Megami are only a 3-minute drive or a 19-minute walk. The larger resort hub of Shirakaba Lake is an 8-minute drive, offering further leisure options.
