Natural Living

Natural Living

Paint some green into your schedule with Collective Residence

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Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2011

The word “guesthouse” does not do justice to the spectacular concept living solutions offered by Collective Residence. A quick glance at their site will have you drooling into your coffee cup, while a visit to the houses themselves will inspire you to ditch your own paltry accommodation and ensconce yourself there within the hour.

But what’s most interesting about these masters of urban spaces is Collective Residence’s relationship with nature. Their Motoazabu and Omotesando guesthouses even have adjoining farms, where agriculture workshops are held, and residents are free to grow their own fresh produce.

Collective Residence’s philosophy is based on the idea that dwellers in this grand megalopolis have lost sight of what’s important in life. The bustling people and chugging engines serve to obscure the true beauty of the world around us. People yearn for some harmony but wind up finding a squalid substitute for it in their local izakaya or gym. Vacations are lovely but always depressingly short. Why not get in touch with nature every day of your life?

Collective Residence is committed to bringing people that solution. Their communities are close-knit and harmonious owing to their relationship with nature. Imagine checking your tomato plants or eggplants in the evening after work, or getting your hands deep in that soil on the weekend. Join one of their residences and paint some green into your schedule.

Here is some information about their residences, feel free to get in touch with Collective Residence for more information.

Motoazabu

A shared house with attached farm, in the calm, luxurious central area of Motoazabu. Residents are able to rent a field in front of the house to grown their own fresh produce. Niigata farmers regularly visit in order to hold agricultural workshops. Collective Residence believe that farming in central Tokyo gives a wonderful opportunity to communicate with your neighbors, relax, and improve your quality of life—as well as your diet.

  • Location: 1-4-4 Motoazabu, Minato-ku
  • Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban (8 min) or Hiroo (12 min)
  • Rent: ¥99,000-142,000
  • Maintenance fee: ¥12,000
  • Utilities: ¥8,000
  • Facilities: Fully-equipped bathroom, dryer, TV

Omotesando

Just 300m from the trendy high street of Omotesando is this interesting concrete structure. The three-floor lounge has a sophisticated interior design, as well as handmade furniture and a charming bookshelf filled with intriguing tomes. Residents also enjoy a panoramic view of Nishi-Shinjuku from the terrace, including a great perspective on the Jingumae fireworks display in summer. The lounge even includes a jacuzzi.

  • Location: 3-5-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
  • Nearest stn: Omotesando (5 min) or Gaienmae (15 min) or Harajuku (15 min)
  • Rent: ¥95,000-160,000
  • Facilities: Roof terrace/balcony

Kikuna

Just five minutes from Yokohama and twenty from Shibuya, Kikuna is plugged in conveniently through the Toyoko line and its extension onto the Hibiya line. Collective Residence Kikuna is made up of 51 rooms replet with ensuite bathrooms, meaning a perfect balance between privacy and communal living.

The shared space boasts an island-style kitchen which will form a focal point of the house’s social activity. Adjoining the lounge is an attractive patio with a wooden deck to enjoy sunny days and moonlit nights.

  • Location: 171-1 Ozutoyacho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama
  • Access: Kikuna (10 min) or Ookurayama (14 min)
  • Rent: ¥64,000-70,000
  • Maintenance fee: Please contact
  • Facilities: Roof terrace/balcony

Matsubaradanchi

With a unique and stylish design, this residence is located 37 minutes away from Otemachi. The shared space is equipped with furniture and a pair of luxurious chandeliers.
A tremendous 65″ TV screen is a must for full enjoyment of movies and games, while a soundproof structure is great for music lovers. Keep in shape in the 40m2 fitness room with mats to practice yoga while watching DVDs. You can also go for a jog or a wander along Ayase river with pine trees by the roadside.

  • Location: 3-9-34 Sakaecho, Souka-shi, Saitama
  • Access: Mastubaradanchi (8 min)
  • Rent: ¥39,000-58,000
  • Utilities: Pool table, fitness room, roof terrace/balcony