It’s not just clothes—even a house can “age gracefully.” The beauty of aging that I saw in a BESS home.

"Buying a House."

To be honest, most people just can’t wrap their heads around it when they hear that. They focus on how much of a hassle it is, and above all, since it’s likely the most expensive purchase of their lives, they can’t bring themselves to take that first step.

But what if we were talking about clothes? Even if they’re a little pricey, if the fabric is high-quality, they mold to your body the more you wear them, and you never get tired of them, no matter how many years go by. When you know that’s the case, you naturally find yourself willing to spend a little more. With houses, too, the scale may be different, but the underlying principle might be the same.

What made me think that was the model home of the housing brand *BESS*, which proposes a way of life that goes beyond the physical structure of a house. If you read on to the end, you might begin to understand what I mean.

First of all, the moment you step onto the property, the scent of a bonfire wafts through the air. A fire is smoldering gently in the courtyard, surrounded by several unique model homes. Right from the start, you can tell this isn’t your typical place.

At a typical model home, the standard procedure is to listen to a detailed explanation at the front desk, after which a representative sticks close to you and guides you through the tour. But at a 〈BESS〉 home, it was different. After checking in at the front desk, the approach was one of hands-off hospitality: “Please feel free to look around. Just take it all in.” Indeed, this approach allows you to explore the home at your own pace without feeling pressured. This isn’t just a special arrangement for the press; apparently, this is their standard approach. There’s no need to brace yourself for a high-pressure sales pitch here.

The brochures at the reception desk are so cute—they don’t look like they’re from a homebuilder at all; they’re more like a zine. The design makes you want to pick them up, and the binding is so stylish that you’ll want to put them on your bookshelf at home.

Well then, let's get this cruise started.

The moment you open the front door, you’re immediately struck by the sense of openness. The entryway opens onto a spacious earthen-floored area, with nothing blocking the view all the way to the living room and kitchen. All you see is wood, wood, and more wood. The walls, ceiling, and floor are all genuine wood.

Since 〈BESS〉 is a brand with its roots in log homes, that DNA is evident throughout, and solid wood is used generously.

By the way, unlike houses built by constructing a frame and then sheathing the walls, log houses are built by stacking logs. Therefore, both the exterior and interior walls are made entirely of wood.

If you walk up close to the interior walls and take a closer look, you’ll notice that the wood isn’t perfectly aligned. It retains the rustic charm of solid wood. In fact, it’s precisely these imperfections that make you want to start using the space right away—even though it’s brand-new.

For example, when standing in front of a pure white wall or a flawless floor, people can’t help but feel a little self-conscious. But here, whether a child scribbles on the walls or drops heavy gear on the floor, it’s all within the margin of error. It’s the same principle as how you can wear a pair of well-worn boots without a second thought, rather than a brand-new, shiny pair of sneakers.

Another distinctive feature is that every home offers a space that sparks the imagination of what life there might be like. In the second-floor living room of “Country Log,” ice axes and crampons are casually hung on the wall, creating a truly picturesque scene. It’s easy to imagine someone here, before setting out to climb a snow-capped mountain, maintaining their gear while plotting a magnetic north line.

I think my current hobbies will likely expand even further if I live in a *BESS* home, and I’m sure I’ll discover new hobbies that are made possible precisely because I live in this house.

The “Wonder Device” series also had something that really caught my eye. There was a grating shelf made from repurposed scaffolding planks used on construction sites—a design that’s irresistible to anyone who loves outdoor activities. You can store a downhill bike on it, or skis, or a surfboard—anything at all. And there’s absolutely no worry about scratching them.

"G-LOG Natsu," with its striking triangular roof. The balcony here is also wonderful. This spacious area, where five people can relax comfortably, would be perfect for hanging a hammock and soaking up the sun, or taking a breather in the morning with a cup of coffee brewed from your favorite beans. It’s also a great spot to have a drink as the sun begins to set. While it depends on where you build it, if the surroundings are rich in nature, the borrowed scenery is simply perfect.

Dressing up, dining at fancy restaurants, and living in a luxurious home—there’s nothing wrong with that. But the homes by 〈BESS〉 truly make you realize that true luxury lies in living in harmony with nature and enjoying its bounty.

Of all the homes I experienced at 〈BESS〉, the one that resonated with me the most was the “Just Right House.” “Just Right” refers to a home that’s the very best—even if it’s a bit too modest.

It’s the kind of house that sparks all sorts of imaginings. For example, you could take off your muddy shoes—worn from running through the mountains—and toss them aside on the earthen floor, then sit down on a stool and have a drink. The perfect accompaniment is the fire crackling in the fireplace. It doesn’t get any better than this.

And as for this house—setting aside whether it’s good or bad—it really sparks a desire to collect things. That’s because whatever you put in it looks great. Traditional Japanese crafts would look wonderful, as would Central American textiles or West African woodwork—anything seems to work. Even things I’ve bought on impulse while traveling won’t have a problem finding a place to go.

“Sirog,” the only single-story home in the 〈BESS〉 collection, is also hard to pass up. Since all the daily living spaces are on a single floor, you can always sense the presence of your family nearby, which provides a sense of security. It also has a more cabin-like feel, evoking a David Thoreau-esque mood. Because the house is narrow in depth, you can feel the fresh air from outside no matter where you are—a feature unique to this home.

There’s a ladder inside the house, and when you actually climb it, you’ll find an attic space on both sides. It’s the perfect secret hideout. At night, if you project a movie up there, you’ve got yourself a private cinema. Movie lovers will definitely find this irresistible.

In addition, 〈BESS〉 homes are designed with features that create a special atmosphere even on rainy days. Take, for example, the corrugated metal awning at the eaves. On rainy days, raindrops trickle down it, making a gentle pattering sound. There are also rain chains, down which the rain flows, creating a beautiful sight. Just like a campfire, you can strangely find yourself watching them for ages.

After seeing everything, it suddenly struck me that most of the things I touch in my daily life are made of metal or plastic. Doors, windows, appliances, and even my desk area—it’s all the same. That’s exactly why the feel of the wood I encounter everywhere in a 〈BESS〉 home gives me a strange sense of comfort. Plus, the scent of wood is soothing, and the way sound is softened by the wood’s resonance is pleasant.

According to what the staff told us, “wood has the ability to absorb and soften sound.” Apparently, that’s actually why wood is used so extensively in concert halls. Wood also helps regulate humidity and temperature. The fact that every member of our reporting team murmured, “This feels so nice,” the moment we stepped inside the house wasn’t just a hunch—it was backed by solid evidence.

Perhaps it’s precisely because this is the place where we spend the most time in our lives that these little details make a subtle but significant difference.

"Homes by don't simply age—they become more delightful with time."

This is something I heard from a staff member as well. The idea is that, as time goes by, rather than deteriorating, the enjoyment only grows. Even if the wood dents, wears down, or fades, they say that’s proof it’s aging well. It’s the same concept as caring for denim or leather items—you can apply that approach to your entire home. It’s not about the present being the best; rather, the home’s charm is constantly renewed as you live in it.

I hear that there are actually 〈BESS〉 properties where you can stay overnight in Kisarazu and Sapporo. However, since just one night there will completely sweep you off your feet, I highly recommend stopping by one of the model rooms—which don’t require a reservation—first.

Photo_Kazuki Miyamae
Text_Keisuke Kimura