November 2024 issue A place to enjoy Showa Modern and the changing seasons-The charm of the Matano Bettei Garden-A reader present-

　The Matano Bettei was built in 1939 (Showa 14) as the private residence of the 16th head of the Sumitomo family, designed and constructed by architect Hidezo Sato.
　It was designated as an important cultural property of the country in 2004 as a Japanese-Western eclectic house under the influence of modernism in the early Showa era. After that, the designation was canceled due to the burning of the main part, but Yokohama City rebuilt it using the materials that had been preserved based on the materials.
　It was designated as a historical building certified by Yokohama City in 2017 as a historical building with high historical value that tells the appearance of suburban residences at that time, and has been open to the public since April of the same year.
　In rebuilding, although there are some modifications and additions, the structure and finish of the main room faithfully reproduces the original.
　The semicircular observation room on the second floor stands out in the exterior. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji and the Tanzawa Mountains in the distance. In addition to the exterior and view, the interior is also decorated with various designs such as walls, flooring, doors and lamps, and there are highlights everywhere. In particular, the sliding door of the entrance hall with a beautiful inlay pattern and the lampshade in the living room with an eye-catching design are a must-see.
　In the coffee room "Hidamari Garden", you can enjoy tea time while watching the quiet and cozy lawn garden.

Green Garden and Matano Bettei　ⓒBAUHAUSNEO

　The coastal area of Sagami Bay has been developed as a villa for political and business people and cultural people since the Meiji era. Kanagawa Prefecture plans to preserve and utilize existing historical buildings and gardens to revitalize the region. ※We are promoting it.
　The park also participates in the Shonan House Cultural Festival, a project to promote this concept, together with those who manage historical buildings and gardens in the surrounding area. In the fall of this year, we will also hold concerts, photography courses, and craft courses to contribute to the appeal of the park and the further utilization of cultural properties in conservation.
　The Matano Bettei Garden is in harmony with the elaborate residential architecture that feels the remnants of life at that time, and the lush garden that makes use of the terrain. Please come to the unique special space that is still in urban areas but still has a lot of nature.

※With regard to mansions, gardens and historical buildings remaining in the coastal area of Sagami Bay, conservation will be used as a place for new cultural transmission and a place for various exchanges between local residents and visitors through collaboration between owners, citizens of the prefecture, and the government.