Sunday, July 24, 2011

Beautiful Okinawan Homes

This home is a national treasure called "The Old House". It was owned by the Nakamura family, who had a high position working for the king at Nakagusuku Castle. Apartments can be found above most businesses due to a growing population and limited land. It is common to see large patios with a place to hang clothes out to dry.Some of the base housing is especially beautiful because of Japanese roofing, even though they are built of concrete to protect them from typhoons. The roofing is terracotta red and white ceramic tile. It's easier to see the the color on the building behind the house! This is the Mattes home. It used to belong to a doctor and is lovely inside and out. I love the sliding doors made of beautiful heavy duty paper.The tiny drawer under the stove is the only oven they have. The dishwasher is also very small, about 2/3 the size of an American dishwasher. Even the bathroom sink is less than half-size. This home has a western-style toilet with a tall water tank.

No comments: