We Bought an Abandoned Japanese House | FOUR YEAR Renovation Time Lapse | Before & After
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2023
- Four years ago my wife and I bought an abandoned farm house in Ibaraki, Japan. We then set about renovating the traditional house and garden into a home for ourselves and our two boys.
I had been meaning to do this for a while… This video summarises the four year process from initial walk through shortly after purchasing the property, to the present.
There is still more to be done, so please subscribe for updates!
The house is approximately 250m2 (ground floor) on a 1800m2 block.
FULL RENOVATION VIDEOS HERE:
• Tokyo Llama Abandoned ...
In between videos I'm posting at
Instagram: / tokyo_llama
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Detailed tour of the house coming up…
You really have done an amazing job!
@@rztrzt thanks!
Stunning. Absolutely stunning. I’ve been following for about three of those four years and I am blown away by the transformation.
So excited!
I've been watching you almost since the beginning. Amazing project and home you have made.
A house like this is a work of art, and the time-lapse really shows that.
Thanks, was fun looking back.
Finally had a bronze plaque made for my home. I've mentioned in these vids several times that I live in the house my Grandfather built -- a master carpenter.
"This house was built by George Lorenz
for his family in 1930s.
Vera - wife, Bill - son, Norma - daughter."
I've put it up in an inconspicuous spot and I hope no future owner tears it off.
SUPER HOME
It has been such a fascinating journey, I can't believe it's been 4 years!
Time has definitely flown!
You have done an amazing job. Your house couldn't be more perfect. All your hard work has created a BEAUTIFUL home.
I hope this isn't the end of you videos. I enjoy all aspects of them. I hope you take us along on your travels around Japan. People need to know what a magical country it is. Thank you for documenting your remodeling, and for taking us along. It's been a joy to watch your progress over the last 4 years. It has gone by so fast.❤🎉
@@suzettecalleja3122 thank you! I’ve got more videos planned! Would like to do more visits around Japan - just need to find some time!
I also watch videos about China, and even they call their construction "tofu drug", as if buildings are made of tofu. Of course, you can own the building but there's no private property, private land, in China. It's rented from the CCP for 70 years at a time. Your home is in such sharp contrast!
I understand the theory, private land ownership all over the world created eventually giant estates, where basically the same thing happened, you could rent land from the powerful and build a home and business, but never own the land under it. Those estates have been gradually broken up, for example in England, but China has taken it to an extreme the other way.
FOUR YEARS? I started watching from the very first episode and I could swear it was last year
I don't know why this fills me with so much happiness. I have always admired traditional Japanese architecture and to see such a beautiful example restored and more, I just can't help but smile with joy. May it bring you and your family much joy and warmth in the future!
This is what respecting someone’s culture looks like 🥰
I bet you did not just renovated this house, but the house has renovated you as well. You are a carpenter, a content creator, an inspiration. May your house and family always be blessed.
No joke I randomly remembered this series, I haven’t kept up in 3 years but always looked forward to see how things turned out. Im glad I came back
Same
Not only is this house a families’ home; it’s a work art and beautiful beyond words
I'd forgotten just how overgrown and full of stuff everything was when your journey started. You and your family have really put your blood, sweat and tears into making this a beautiful home. Well done!
0:00 blood, sweat and tears ? You must be a hard rock fan 😊😊
You have turned a neglected house into a home and not just a home but a beautiful space to raise your family. Hard work pays off, well done 🙌
Seeing the 70 year old and his son working with such care on your home made me tear up…it looks stunning…well done. Made my heart ache with such delight to see it bought back to life with such care and sympathy. Very well done!
You not only end up with a house, you end up with a temple. What amazing job you did!
Wow. I remember watching from the 2nd upload when you had just bought the house. I was so impatient to see how it would turn out. I can't believe it's been 4 years already!
Watching your journey from the beginning to now has been so special! ✨️ You have worked so hard and been such a phenomenal role model for renovating such special houses with the utmost respect and diligence.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us!! ❤
No worries, thanks for watching for so long! Time has really gone by quickly even though things have slowed down now.
It is still amazing to me that someone was continuing to do that kind of traditional carpentry as late as the 1980’s. So nice! You’ve done a wonderful job bringing it back to life!
Up until he worked on this house too because he was using traditional methods up til now Sept. 2023
Yes, though the original carpenter said it was one of the last of this type he built before the demand for them dried up.
I imagine it made him happy to see the house revived rather than torn down. I’ve read that most are just demolished.
If any country manages to mix modernity and tradition, it is Japan. One of the best and most beautiful projects I have seen. And great respect for this team of carpenters. In his seventies, I take my hat off to this great gentleman.
I am so so glad that you have kept the traditional parts of the house. So many nowadays remove it and make it look like the life has been taken out because they removed all the character. Your house is simply beautiful and breathtaking taking! ❤
I so love how you created an updated home while keeping the traditional look and feel. It is a work of art.
It’s really a once in a life time work isn’t it. I just want to cry when I saw the house blanketed in the snow, and the fire is on in the house and the indoor space is immersed in the morning sunlight, it really comes back to life again after your painstaking work and love at that moment. It’s therapeutical to see this and really really happy for you and this beautiful traditional Japanese house, it feels like seeing a dream come true!
After living in Japan for 4 years I always wanted a traditional Japanese home there. One day!
This is really lovely to watch.
I believe I was 9 years old when this house was originally completed... wow and it looks so lovely. I truly hope you and your family have great memories.
Wow wow wow
This is the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen. The giant logs supporting the house are breath taking. I really like how you’ve honored the intended beauty of this place. I enjoyed watching the beautiful wood working as well. Thank you for allowing us to watch😊
Kentucky, USA
THAT was a LOT of work. Just clearing the way to GET to work on the house was a tremendous undertaking. Congratulations to you, your wife and All who had a hand in bringing this home back to life.
After 40 years of watching DIY home renovation projects, I must say your project has been one of my favorites. The precision joinery, beautiful detailing and unique features have made me appreciate all of your hard work.
❤
An absolutely insane transformation, i love to see so the hard work that has gone into making your space beautiful (including all the help from your community!). Even the details haven't been missed!
I bought a house in Aso, Kyushu with my Japanese wife. Setting up a life in Japan is so rewarding, especially getting to know the neighbors!
I remember when you went to work on the level area for your boys. I hope they are proud of the effort mom and dad have made. Your work is amazing.
Thanks a lot. I think they appreciate the house.
An epic story and a magnificent achievement. May you and your family enjoy a long, happy, healthy, and prosperous life in this home you rescued!
Thanks so much 🙏
Well said!
The amount of hard work you have both put into this, family and friends too, truly shows. You should be proud of yourselves and I hope your children will grow to treasure it as you both clearly have!
What a fantastic job you’ve done, well worth the huge amount of effort you’ve put in!!
Man, why am I crying its not even my house.
Been with you since the start and seeing your family and friends come together to help you make this a reality hit me deep.
Just makes this restoration and renovation that much more special. Thank you for posting these!
Have to say the same thing wow I was there at the beginning right up till now ..what a brilliant finish so happy for you and everyone that took part in this ….the completed work is so so worth the 4 years 🎉
As silly as this may sound I will often rewatch your videos of working on this house whenever I am feeling down. It’s one of my comfort series I like to rewatch. Seeing this journey you and your family have been on and all the hard work you do always inspires me to keep working on my own home. Just wanted to say this series is wonderful to watch and I hope for the best for you and your family.
From Ruin to home... WOW! What an amazing result! And I love how you kept so much of the original look and just improved it for the most part while adding your own touches here and there to make it the home your family need while being respectful of the traditions the house was build with :)
I love how this project ended up! I can't believe that ONE person did all the jobs, so much carpentry! And the outdoors look amazing! Very inspiring work!!!
Hard to believe that it's been 4 years. The house looks amazing and you can see all the hard work and love that has been put into it.
Thank you for bringing us along on your journey to restore this home to its fullest glory. I am in awe of the artistry and precision of Japanese construction & joinery methods. That homes built this way stand the test of time is a testament to the knowledge and skill set of Japanese master carpenters. They have done well, as have you and your family. Blessings for peace, love, great health, and prosperity to all. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
It's been an absolute privilege watching your home renovation journey over the past several years. You and your family have created a work of art!
So thankful that you've brought us along on this journey with you! I've loved every moment. And I can't wait to see more in future too ❤
I think the house is showing it's gratitude for rescuing it , what an amazing job done by all involved 🥰
I remember starting from about the second or third video... hard to believe 4 years have passed. A real testament to your love of the design, materials, and craftsmanship that goes into a traditional-style building like this one. A stunning achievement. I wish for other places like this one to find someone like you to restore them. Feeling almost emotional about the transformation.
❤❤❤❤ Wow! Courage. Will power. Team work. And Voila... bought for $20k USD. Fixed up with $200k USD. Lots of carpentry work. Heavy labor. Creativity. Interior design. Lucky boys! House is reDy to stand the next 100 years!
Everyone involved has done wonderful work. I know your channel has inspired a lot of people to do the same and restore some life to the countryside! Well done.
Well, "we" went that far in 4 years. That whole journey feels so long yet so short. Thanks for taking us with you. That's truly an amazing renovation job!
No worries! Agree, it doesn't feel that long ago we got the house but at the same time looking back the videos the work feels like ages ago.
You should be so proud of yourself! You and your family have put countless hours into restoring this property and making it your home. Congratulations! It’s beautiful! 💪🏻👏🏻👍🏻🤗🎉
I don't think there has ever been such an enchanting roof as on this humble farm house. The magnificent house renovation truly shows it off. Thank you for sharing.
I has been a joy to me to see this man, and his family, restore a truely beautiful home over this time. Thank you for letting me see this wonderful journey.
When I found your channel, I was impressed from the first day. This is a monumental achievement for you and your family.
Thanks for taking us with you on this journey.
May you have many, many happy years in your beautiful home!
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 ❤
The fact that it's been 4 years is mind-blowing to me!
But what a journey it has been so far and I think you've done a amazing job! I can't wait to see what you come up with for the workshed/sidehouse!
Time flies... looking forward to eventually getting to work on that.
I've seen a ton of home renovation videos and this is by far the most beautiful renovation I have ever seen! I love how you modernized it while keeping the original Japanese aesthetic intact. Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you so much for refurbishing and re-purposing so many original pieces within the house! I've seen too many house flippers out there buy up old homes with so much history and character, just to absolutely gut them of everything that gave them charm. Seeing you add more wood to the antique doors so that they could still be used gave me so much joy
An incredible labor of pure love, patience, dedication, and beauty. Thank you for reminding me of this journey. I've been here for the entire project and I bow.
This has been amazing to watch. I haven't been here since the beginning, but for around 2.5 years I have always been eager to see the updates on your house. When I saw the house during the snow I actually shed some tears because it looked so beautiful to me. I recently went on medication for some personal things and I was talking to my sister about life long dreams and aspirations I have. This is one of them. Living in countryside Japan, next to nature and the...bugs oh gosh...I hope I can make my dream a reality. This was really special to me, thank you Jaya!
No worries, yes, the house does look beautiful in the snow. Hope you feel better and achieve your dream of living in Japan!
It is so wonderful to see a house loved and brought to life again. It’s history and character preserved, while being made fresh and updated. Lovely
I am just blown away, I’ve been following along for a while now, and seeing it all together is amazing. You’ve honoured the original build, and worked so hard. I hope you and your family are now getting to enjoy all the effort and time spent making this place back into a home 👍
Here's my comments for the second half: it's been such a joy seeing it all come together! If you ever find a time when the whole house is tidy and the whole household willing to show it, it would be great to see a walkthrough of tthe whole house with both entrances, and all the rooms as they're used now. Speaking of entrances: what's that Venn diagram screen above the genkan door called again?
I am planning to do a full tour of the house in an upcoming video. I did think about it for this video but it was already long enough! That Venn diagram/Mastercard/Brion tomb/C+J screen is called a ranma.
@@TokyoLlama No video you post could ever be too long.
@@gracecollins8415I’d literally watch an hour of his work, time-lapsed lol!!!
@@TokyoLlama You forgot to mention Specsavers!
@@willpugh-calotte2199 😂
I have been watching for several years and can just imagine how much work went into this video. You have done a amazing job condensing years down into minutes. I really loved the house in the beginning and watched it turn into a beautiful home for you and your family. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of Japan
No worries! To be honest not as much work as some of the other videos I've done but been wanting to do one like this for a while.
@@TokyoLlama you have done awesome with the home and the videos. I am always excited to see a new one!
This is the coolest thing I have ever seen. You guys are my heroes. good on you’all. I lived in Tokyo for seven years and I had a newly built Japanese style home, but nothing like this. It’s perfect! I’m so proud of you and happy for you and the boys are playing in the yard. That’s so cool. Thank you thank you thank you. And all the best. 🎉😊 -Tommy
4 whole years, have learned so much from you all! Thank you for sharing and allowing us to see it all unfold! 😢❤❤❤❤
Wow, Llama, I’ve been watching you since the beginning but this absolutely brought home to me how hard you and Mrs. Llama have worked to make this place so stunningly beautiful. I loved the drone shots that show your neighborhood. I was shocked to hear that the house was finished in 1989 - I had thought it much older. Thanks so much for posting this - loved every minute!! 👏🏻👏🏻❤❤
Wow! Can't believe it's been 4 years! You (& your wife & family) have done a wonderful job bringing this akiya back to life.
been with you from the start and its such an amazing journey during the past 4 years of inception. A wok of art this has become....thank you for sharing with us - Love always from the Caribbean
Thank you for letting me on this special journey of yours. Its been wonderful to see how you transform your lovely house. Beautiful work of art.
We really enjoyed re-living the past four years with all the hard work you and your wife, not to mention family and friends have put in to get such a great result.
Such a joy, seeing the efforts you made along these four years come to fruition! I'm glad that youtube recommended your first video to me when you started, it's been a truly enjoyable journey.
Thank you so much!
This transformation is breathtaking, I have never seen anything so beautiful!!!!!!! True labor of love !!!!
literally brought to tears by all the hard work you've done restoring this home and making it your own, something to pass down to your sons, and another family years from now. Congratulations! And you left the original clock!
It has been such a treat to follow along your journey to transform that house. You really have given it a second lease of life.
A standing ovation to you, your family, friends and all the craftsman who made this a reality. What a journey! I wish you and yours many many joyful years in this diamond you've created from the ruff. It has been so much fun watching you over the years. Thank you!
Watching regular updates, it is easy to forget how much work really got done over 4 years! Good for you!
Checking in on y’all. Hope everyone is safe. Prayers for your family and community.
I discovered your channel in June of 2020 when recovering from a sudden surgery I needed and it's been one of my favorite channels over the last few years. Each update always makes me happy to see pop up in my subscription feed! Thank you for sharing the journey with us. What an absolutely beautiful home.
Thanks very much, glad to hear it!
That was fantastic! Can’t believe how you maintained such detail oriented work throughout the entire process. Amazing work!!!
The beauty, care and attention to everything brought me to tears! Many blessings to you and the family as you share that magical space you all rejuvenated!
I started watching your videos during the start of the pandemic and I always waited for the next one to be uploaded and now to see the finished exterior and interior, beautiful, what a work of art. God bless
What an amazing house and property that you restored and upgraded! That must be so satisfying to look back at the immense effort that it took, down to the smallest details. A wonderful legacy to enjoy with your family, and especially your boys as they get older and are able to appreciate the value of planning, focus, and hard work. Thank you for taking the time to share all of this with the world. Cheers, mate!
Tony, you and your family have worked so hard on bringing this home back to life and making it better. I've always enjoyed being part of your journey. Thank you!
I love so many things, from the community help in the early parts to the snowy scenes to such a beautifully renovated house in the end ❤
Can’t believe I’ve been watching this journey for the last 3 years. Congrats on such a wonderful home.
This is a real labour of love, been following your journey these past few years and it's so amazing to see this transformation.
What an amazing journey. I watched this happening episode by episode, but seeing the house and gardens all come together like this makes me realise just how much went into getting this far. Wonderful!
What you did is just amazing. Thank you for sharing with us. Can't wait for the final tour. What an inspiration.
Thank you so much for sharing all this process! I remember having watched some of the videos you used, it's been an inspiring journey, so full of love and care, thank you for sharing it. I'm looking forward to the tour of the house!
I've absolutely loved watching this transformation - and what a beautiful job you've done. May you all be truly happy living there!
What a body of work- fascinating to see the years of work in time lapse 💗 Such a beautiful space and surrounds to live in. It’s been a thrill to see the traditional and modern methods used to restore this beauty. Thankyou
You and your family put a ton of sweat equity into this property, and you should be proud of that. The house is gorgeous and you kept as much of the original detailing as possible to keep that Japanese heritage alive while also bringing the house into the new modern era. Hopefully after people in Japan see how much work you put into restoring this beauty, that it'll start a trend to bring this style of house back, especially in the countryside where I'm sure there's plenty that need all of this love and attention. You should be proud of all the hard work you did. A job well done, and keep it up!!!
Absolutely beautiful. Love it that you kept the period features. I love older homes. They have so much more character than new builds.
Oh my - it is so beautiful and I also cannot believe it's been 4 years. Thank you for treasuring and honoring the men who designed and built this house so many years ago. Their craftmanship is so beautiful and you've brought it back to life. I always am so glad to see that you've posted a video --- I can't wait to see more.
The work you have put into this house is incredible. A traditional Japanese home that has been beautifully restored. It proves that traditional Japanese homes are not the dark, small, unlivable places that many misinterpret them to be.
Thank you so much for this video. Until I saw it I hadn’t realized exactly how much blood, sweat and tears it took to become the beautiful home you now have. Oh how I wish I could come to Japan and see it in person. Congratulations to you and your wife for such amazing home.
That might be the single greatest renovation video I have seen on UA-cam, absolutely amazing work.
En mi familia estamos totalmente fascinados con todo el proceso, lo seguimos desde el inicio y sentimos una gran admiración por ti y toda tu familia, los felicitamos por todo el esfuerzo y la dedicación, ha sido increíble todo el viaje.
Such a beautiful transformation. The setting at the start was also beautiful, such great craftsmanship. Would love to visit Japan one day.
Definitely worth a visit!
Your work is truly inspiring. The house itself has very calming atmosphere and that transpires in your videos as well. Just beautiful...all the wood, natural light and open spaces, then the Japanese tradition... breathtaking.
What a beautiful video! Watching the seasons go by magical. It's amazing to see what you and your family and friends have accomplished over the years! Good job and thank you for the recap!
First of all, what a amazing job, congratulations for this beautiful renovation! I’m impressed with so many details, but surprised by how I didn’t thought it was that big of a project, since I always watch fractions of the renovation every time.
I’ve been living in Japan since 2019, and subscribed to your channel after your 2nd video. Thinking about it now, it’s been a long time, so of course you did a lot of things in the house, but I needed this edit to recap everything lol As an architect, in love with Japanese architecture, I’m really inspired to project my own house in Japan too. Also, looking forward to the detailed tour 🙇🏻♀️
Wow, just incredible what you have done to your home! So beautiful and great workmanship! You must feel so proud of how your house looks now! 🎆👏🎯🏡💗
This was very interesting to watch. I loved how you kept the house tiles and opened the house up more to make it more appealing and flowing. You really did a fantastic job especially with your helpers. Thank you for showing this. I really enjoyed it all. God bless you.
Beautiful, and inspiring. Well done, and thanks for the thoughtful way you’ve been sharing your journey. 👊🏽
I remember getting the second or third video of the renovation series in my recommended section. I was directly hooked and I subscribed immediately.
It’s so cool to see this video looking back on all the amazing work. You guys absolutely honored this beautiful classic house by bringing it tastefully into the modern era.
Things I took away from this series, giving the building space around it.
Pruning all the green and tearing down the old buildings made the main building standout and step into the limelight. Absolutely loving it.
And the lime plaster, when that came on you could see the interior transform. The interior light looked so much better from that moment on. 👌🏼
Much living happiness to you and your family.
Thanks so much! Yes, tearing down the outer buildings made a massive change, so I’m glad we did it.
It is not just house! It is piece of art!!!!!
I had almost fogotten how the house looked, when you bought it! I have been following your videos for a while now, it's a pleasure to see the transformation!
After following along slowly it’s lovely to look back and see what a huge transformation you’ve achieved over all. ❤