REAL ESTATE NEWS
By Kristian Lund
1000sqm is set to become the new benchmark for luxury in Niseko.
Over the past couple of years, top-end homes started to break the 500sqm mark, raising the bar for what constituted an impressive home here.
Since then, a dozen or more foreign millionaires and billionaires have commissioned architects to design houses that rival those in the world’s top resort destinations, with plenty more in the pipeline.
Several properties with build costs towards US$10 million have already been completed, with more under construction and in planning.
”Thai billionaire and heir to the Red Bull energy drink empire Chalerm Yoovidhya is currently building a 1000sqm+ home that spans three housing blocks
The house is located on Hokkaido Tracks’ premium development, The Escarpment Estate, an exclusive residential enclave perched on the edge of Hirafu Village.
The mega-chalet dwarfs anything that has been built in Hirafu so far and will house the village’s second private pool.
Not far away, Clearwater is cantilevered over the cliff above the Shiribetsu River at the bottom of Lower Hirafu Village (pictured top) is another of Niseko’s most impressive homes.
With unprecedented views up two stretches of the river and Mt Yotei looming above, the 665sqm home was designed by architect Naoki Seshimo for high-profile Singaporean businessman and racing team owner Weng Sun Mok.
Another multi-storey home that looks more like a condominium than a private residence is under construction by a Hong Kong owner in Higashiyama, with more slated for Annupuri and elsewhere.