Rose Mind Abounds: A Spacious Retro House with Attached Forest in Fukuyama, Hiroshima
Translated from the agent's notes, the property has several key features and points to note. The house is a wooden, tile-roofed, two-story structure, originally a single-story home that was later expanded to two floors, with a separate single-story annex also added. Essential utilities are in place with water and sewerage already connected, and the property uses propane gas. The layout is spacious, and the house includes Western-style flush toilets on both the first and second floors, an independent washbasin area, and a laundry space indoors.
However, the agent's notes detail several conditions requiring attention. Vehicle access to the property is not possible. The retaining wall has cracks and is slightly leaning. There is termite damage, which has caused floor collapse in the washroom. Part of the first floor is unstable. The property is located in a Landslide Special Warning Zone and a City Planning Adjustment Area. Rebuilding on the land is not permitted. The property boundaries are not yet officially determined. The main building is unregistered, though the expansion is registered. The sale includes all leftover items, which become the buyer's responsibility. This is a direct private sale, so there are no brokerage fees; if a buyer wishes to use an agent, they must arrange and pay for it themselves. Legal fees for the scrivener are also the buyer's burden. The transaction will be conducted with a disclaimer of defect liability. Annual fixed costs are approximately 26,368 JPY (Property Tax: 21,162 JPY; City Planning Tax: 5,206 JPY).
Inside, the home blends Japanese and Western styles, featuring tatami rooms with classic fusuma sliding doors and Western rooms. The kitchen is notably large with a wide sink and a window overlooking greenery. A standout feature is the charming retro bathroom, complete with vintage tiles, a classic bathtub, and period lighting. The location offers excellent convenience, with a supermarket just a 5-minute walk away and Kannabe Station approximately a 15-minute walk, providing easy access to central Fukuyama.
Fukuyama City is known for its warm, sunny climate and its civic identity as the "City of Roses." The community embraces a "Rose Mind" philosophy, symbolizing compassion, kindness, and mutual support. A major landmark not far away is the iconic Fukuyama Castle, a reconstructed hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the city and serving as a museum of local history and culture. This property represents a significant project for renovation-minded buyers or those seeking a lifestyle change, offering the chance to restore a character-filled home while enjoying the benefits of a forested retreat in a community-focused city.
