Additional Coverage:
- She fell in love with traditional Japanese homes during a high school trip. At 24, she bought one in the countryside. (businessinsider.com)
At 24, Coline Aguirre traded the familiar streets of France for the tranquil countryside of Japan, embarking on a journey to restore a traditional Japanese house and build a new life. A decade earlier, a high school exchange program sparked her dream.
A stay in a ’70s-era kominka, with its elegant wooden beams and serene tatami rooms, left an indelible mark. “I fell in love,” Aguirre shared, “and in that moment, I knew I wanted to own a traditional house in Japan.”
Years later, while working as a freelance photographer, Aguirre stumbled upon Japan’s surprisingly affordable real estate market. The stark contrast with French prices, where a rural home could cost upwards of 200,000 euros, fueled her ambition.
In Japan, similar properties were listed for as little as $500. “In France,” she quipped, “that would buy a car or a garage.
I don’t want to live in a car or a garage.”
Her quest for a century-old kominka, spacious enough for a photo studio, led her to Uda, a charming town south of Kyoto. A 3,200-square-foot property, complete with an inner garden, two kitchens, and multiple bedrooms, captured her heart. Remarkably, Aguirre purchased the two-story house remotely, guided by a virtual tour, for approximately 4.9 million Japanese yen in 2022.
With the full support of her husband, a member of the French Army, and her parents, who were familiar with Japan, Aguirre embarked on her solo adventure. “I had no plan,” she admitted, “I was just trusting the universe.”
Her upbringing, steeped in her parents’ passion for renovating old houses, instilled a sense of fearlessness. “It just felt normal for me to buy a house,” she explained.
Aguirre’s kominka, once a soy sauce shop, is located on a bustling street reminiscent of Kyoto. Her restoration philosophy prioritizes preserving the original structure.
While major changes have been limited, connecting the property to the public sewage system was a necessary update. She relishes the ongoing DIY projects, from crafting tiles to waterproofing, fueled by online tutorials, books, and her father’s guidance.
Local contractors, often more experienced with modern materials, weren’t always aligned with her vision.
Balancing her restoration efforts with running a real estate consultancy and an online boutique selling vintage kimonos and photography sessions, Aguirre exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit. She is part of a growing trend of foreigners drawn to Japan’s safety, affordability, and the unique opportunity to renovate abandoned homes.
While rewarding, Aguirre acknowledges the challenges of starting a business and renovating a large property in a new country. Improving her Japanese is a goal, though currently, her “language classes” consist of conversations with her neighbors, many of whom are long-time residents. Connecting with other foreigners in Uda offers a sense of community.
Aguirre lives in Japan full-time, while her husband visits regularly. Reflecting on her three-year journey, she considers it a “trial,” recognizing the importance of allowing the initial excitement to settle before truly evaluating such a significant move.
Confident in her decision, Aguirre envisions expanding her real estate business and connecting traditional Japanese homes with creative individuals. “It still feels like a dream,” she mused, “I just added more layers to my dream.”