This Tudor building, designed by William Merrell Vories (1880-1964), was originally built for a Baptist minister and his family at the beginning of the Showa period (1926-1989). There was a time this house was almost abandoned and in bad shape but the present owner infused life into it once again. Now it’s a pension where you can stay and/or dine. My friends and I tried lunch here. It tasted especially good, feeling the time of Vorires.
This American architecture major came to Japan as an English teacher in 1905 but had to change his course to be a businessman and architect because his effort to prevail Christianity was not acceptable in those days. But he was always an evangelist in heart. He married a Japanese lady in 1919 and became naturalized in 1941. He designed a number of charming buildings. It’s fun to see his works. And this one, you can stay. And the food is good.
The pension is on the island of In-no-shima, one of the islands along the Shimanami Scenic Sea Route. If you are a cyclist, Shimanami should be one good destination. Include the visit to or stay at this house while touring Shimanami. Enjoy your bike ride !
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| One of the rooms you can stay overnight on the 2nd floor |
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| A gentleman of the family owing the house seen behind |
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