The villa pictured in 2015, before the restoration.

A historic 1920s villa in Hayama has been restored and will open up as a short-term holiday rental next month.

Kaji Villa was built in 1928 as the holiday home of Toshio Kaji, the London branch manager of Mitsui & Co. The outstanding residence was designed by Arata Endo, a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright. The 297 sqm split-level home was designed with a terrace, sunroom, gallery, several bedrooms, guest room, study, servant quarters, and a billiard room. The upstairs veranda has a commanding view over Sagami Bay. All of the original furniture and lighting was custom-made for the home and has been carefully preserved over the years. The home remained in the same family until a few years ago when it was quietly offered for sale. 

Ordinarily it would not be possible to operate any type of short-term accommodations within this land zoning (it’s an exclusive residential category that prohibits hotels and the like). However, the introduction of the short-stay ‘minpaku’ legislation in 2018 made it possible, provided various conditions are met. It cannot be operated for more than 180 days in a year, for example. Although limiting, this new law does open up the possibility of monetizing these older, architectural treasures.

The entire house can be rented for a group of up to six guests from 429,000 Yen (approx. US$4,100) for two nights, and up to 630,630 Yen (approx. US$6,000) for a 7-night stay. 

Location

Isshiki, Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Source: The Zushi Hayama Keizai Shimbun, September 18, 2020.

Loading