A 150-year-old farmhouse from Takayama, relocated to Niseko and transformed into a private spa and gym while preserving its remarkable historic timber structure.
Project Type
Relocation & Restoration
Completion
Spring 2024
150 years, transformed for wellness.
Originally standing in Takayama in the Gifu region, this 150-year-old farmhouse was acquired and carefully dismantled before making the journey north to Niseko. Its substantial timber frame and traditional craftsmanship provide the architectural foundation for an entirely new chapter as part of a private mountain development.
Restored by Heritage Homes Japan, the historic structure has been adapted into a five-star private spa and gym, bringing contemporary wellness facilities into the dramatic volume of the original farmhouse. The project retains the character and scale of its centuries-old timbers while introducing refined modern interiors designed for relaxation, bathing, and recreation.
⸺ Sourcing
We locate heritage properties across Kyoto and rural Japan — machiya, kominka, and former temples whose architectural integrity makes them worth preserving. Each candidate is evaluated for structural soundness, historical character, and restoration potential.
⸺ Design
Our in-house architects assess the structure and develop a sensitive restoration plan. We map what to preserve, what to repair, and where modern systems can be integrated without disturbing the home's character.
⸺ Structural Restoration
Original timber frames, beams, and lattice work are stabilized and refinished by hand. We reinforce where needed using traditional joinery and contemporary techniques — always invisible, always reversible where possible.
⸺ Modern Systems
Plumbing, electrical, insulation, and climate control are introduced behind the scenes. Kitchens, bathrooms, and storage are reimagined for contemporary life, specified in materials that match the home's vocabulary.
⸺ Interior Detailing
Hand-applied plaster, custom joinery, hinoki ofuro, integrated lighting — every visible surface is considered. We source from the same workshops that have supplied Kyoto's machiya for generations.
⸺ Handover
The completed home is documented, photographed, and prepared for its next chapter. We support new owners through purchase, registration, and the early months of living in their restored property.