Where the heart is

[avant_goya]

While I was back home before I went to America I learned that the wife of one of the older men I helped in the fields near Higa sometimes passed away. Her husband died a few years back, so their old house was empty and their son was talking about selling it.

I’m not sure what drove me to make the decision, but I’ve bought the house. I finished signing the paperwork this morning. It’s been a long time since it has had any work done on it, so renovating it will take time, but I don’t need it to be in a liveable state until I finish school anyway. I’ll have to ask some of the locals to take care of some of the work, and occasionally fly home for a long weekend if I can.

It’s time to start planning what I want to do with the layout.

Comments

[legally_blond]

You bought a house? It must be near my family home, right, if it's near Higa Chuu?

Let me send you my collection of house renovation pictures ideas.

[avant_goya]

Yes, it’s not far. Do you remember Yamamoto-san, who worked in the fields behind the school sometimes? I don’t know if you know where he lived, but it’s that house.

I suppose I should take your opinions in mind since you might How much of this collection is bathroom related?

[legally_blond]

I remember the field, I don't I ever actually looked at his house. I'll have to ring my grandmother and ask.

... A healthy portion of it. There's nothing wrong with being bathroom centric. I have bedroom ideas in there too. And eventually I'll be moving into my grandmother's master suite and have access to my own private lounge room as well, so I have to plan for that.

[saypassion]

It's unfortunate about her passing, but I'm sure they would love very much that someone they've known for so long have taken possession of their home. Congratulations on your purchase.

You may see about visiting one of those home showcase places here. They have some beautiful layouts that you can walk through, as though they were a functional home. It'd be a good place to collect some ideas.

[avant_goya]

She was 98 years old, so it wasn’t an entirely unexpected death from what I understand. Still, she was a sweet old lady who occasionally volunteered in a nearby care home, even though she was older than many of the inhabitants. It was unfortunate to hear she passed away.

That’s a good suggestion, thank you. I’ll admit looking around at renovation options and interior design isn’t something I’ve put a lot of thought in.

[saypassion]

Oh, well, at 98 years old, she lived a long, happy life. It sounds like she was one of those souls you meet once in a lifetime, if that was the sort of work she dedicated.

Of course. You did just make the purchase. If nothing else, it can give you an idea of what could be done.

[naniwaspeed]

So you're a new home owner, huh? That's really cool, congrats! I don't really know why, but I've been thinking about what I'd want a future house to look like... definitely in Osaka, but it's kinda fun to think about all the ways you can make it your own. Definitely get super creative. (*´▽`*)

[avant_goya]

A new old home, yes. Which is good in its own way, because it is so in need of work and renovations that it becomes a blank canvas in a way.

It’s a bit strange to physically own a house on Okinawa while living here on the mainland for the time being, but it’s going to be good to have my own space to stay again when I visit my family. Airbnbs are interesting, but tiring.

[naniwaspeed]

Even if it's an old home, it's still a new one to you~ ♥

Oh, yeah, I bet. That's one of the things I've considered since I'm gonna be here for so long, but I do genuinely travel home frequently. That said, it's much more convenient getting to Osaka than Okinawa, but that's already a reason why it's a good investment for you. ☆ ～('▽^人)

[penipu]

be careful of the spirits, they'll wreck ya if you're not careful ;D

[avant_goya]

It’s quite alright, ghosts can’t turn corners. I’ll consult a yuta if it is necessary.

[penipu]

whatcha gonna do if they scream all night and keep you awake? <3

[darkfoal]

That was a good idea, getting on the housing market early. How traditionally styled is the house? Does it have a garden?
Next time we're all back home, we can help you decorate.
That is sad about Yamamoto-san, she was kind. She'd always stop me to chat if I was ever passing.

[avant_goya]

It’s a typical classical Okinawan house, but in a state of disrepair. It’s clear that Yamamoto-san and her husband had not had the time to renovate or redecorate in at least ten or more years.

The house itself has almost no garden, but it came along wifh an overgrown sugar reed field I intend to use for a house expansion and to convert to a garden. If I make a slightly heightened patio I’ll be able to see the ocean.

I’ll need to do some renovations before I can decorate much, but you’re free to accompany me while I plan.

She was a good woman. I still have nightmares about the time she invited me over for tea and fed me biscuits that might as well have been rocks, but she meant well.

[darkfoal]

How big is the field? You might be able to sell part of it if it is too big for a garden.
That sounds lovely though, an ocean view.

[didimutter]

Congratulations on your new house, Kite-san. I hope it becomes exactly what you want it to be. Will you add a studio for your fashion work? I think a portion dedicated to your passion would be really productive as you wouldn't be as distracted with other things. When do you think you'll move in? I hope it's not soon as I rather enjoy having you as a neighbor. I've never been to Okinawa, but if you would like help cleaning, I am very good at it and know a number of natural cleaning methods if you're interested in that sort of thing.

[avant_goya]

I was planning on adding a separate little studio. That way I will get to work at home while still having a separate workspace.

Don’t worry though, I need to finish school before I move in anywhere. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to visit.

[didimutter]

That is a very good idea. I should have known you would have already thought of something like that. Will you post in-progress pictures? I find it interesting to see the process from start to finish. The transformation can be fascinating, especially when you do side-by-side comparisons. Even if I only visit once, I would like to see your home once it's finished. Kite-san has very good taste, so I'm sure it will be a nice retreat for you.

[bana_an_na]

Congrats~!

At least you have something to call yours back home~

Planning on doing any special? Sewing room? Tennis court nearby?

[avant_goya]

Thank you.

I’m planning on a decent sewing space. There’s a sports centre not too far off, so that works out well enough.

[ever_yanagi]

That sounds like a well-loved house. I hope you find a home in it.

[avant_goya]

Thank you.

[gtl_yukimura]

I hope the renovations on your new home go well.

[acchimuitehoi]

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner. ☆ I think big life things like that just have a way of falling into place when we least expect it.

[crosswithyou]

That's a beautiful story, and it's lovely that you'll have somewhere familiar to settle down when you are ready to do so. Congratulations on the new home and best of luck in your renovations.