Are you a seasoned skier or snowboarder who hits the Niseko slopes every year? There’s nothing better than coming home at the end of a long ski day to relax and warm your toes in the comfort of your own home. If you’ve ever thought of owning your own winter escape that’s equally charming in spring and summer as in winter, these three Niseko properties currently available on the market are ones you’ll want to keep an eye on.
Glasshouse Niseko
True to its name, this custom-built snow house is wrapped with ample windows allowing for gorgeous sunny views during the day, offering panoramic views of Mount Yotei, the Grand Hirafu ski area, and Niseko Valley — charming and snowy white during the winter or bursting with bucolic greenery during the warmer months. Tucked in the midst of woodland, the two-storey, 2,938-sq.-ft. modern concrete and steel structure offers utmost privacy in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Hirafu Village. Here you’ll have proximity to some of Niseko’s best restaurants — though for foodies that love to cook, the fully-equipped kitchen might persuade you to stay home every night.
Also fantastic for bringing guests, the house offers plenty of features to keep everyone comfortable and entertained, from the private outdoor jacuzzi to the indoor hinoki wood tub and the expansive patio that wraps around the length of the house, perfect for outdoor parties. On the first floor, three guest bedrooms can each fit doubles, while an extra bedroom can be converted into an entertainment den with a bunk bed, and a setup for movie nights in.
The cosy yet stylish Japanese design of Glasshouse has helped it accumulate a number of honours, including nominations in the 2014 and 2015 World Ski Awards. Designed by Hikohito Konishi, a winner of the prestigious International Barbara Cappochin Prize in Italy, Glasshouse was most recently voted as one of Japan’s top 200 homes.
HK$48,115,689 via Sotheby’s Realty
The Pavilions Ginto Residences
Luxury hospitality brand The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, which already has dazzling hotel properties in Phuket, Bali, the Himalayas, and across Europe, has recently announced its partnership to launch the US$100 million-dollar The Ginto Residences in prime Japanese ski country. Nestled within the woodlands of Ginto Hirafu — close to the powder slopes of one of Niseko’s most exclusive ski lifts at Grand Hirafu — the location is ideal for ski and snowboard aficionados in the wintertime, and is equally a destination for mountain biking, river rafting and golf in the spring and summer.
The property is built within a luxurious 20-hectare estate, with 12 of those hectares dominated by hiking and biking trails in the refreshing pinewood forests that surround the property. Meanwhile, the adjacent Ginto Village will offer retail outlets and the hottest F&B destinations serving farm-fresh Hokkaido fare. The rest of the land is made up of 31 private villas, while 42-suite The Pavilions Niseko boutique hotel (slated to open in 2019) will offer facilities such as indoor and outdoor onsens, a full-service spa, gym, yoga, and fine dining, open to all residents.
Ginto means ‘silver rabbit,’ so you can easily imagine that elegance and keeping a modern take on tradition is the MO at The Ginto Residences. The homes feature traditional Japanese features such as fusuma wall panels and shoji screen doors, paired with a contemporary aesthetic with its use of materials. At the same time, the wide glass windows allow residents to feel at one with nature.
About half of the properties of Phase One plots have been sold already, with home sizes starting from approximately 10,763 sq ft.
Prices from US$950,000 (HK$7,421,580) at The Pavilions Ginto Residences
The Kamui Niseko Penthouse
Niseko Annupuri is one of the most popular areas among avid skiers and snowboarders thanks to its perfectly groomed runs and fresh powder snow, as well as the natural onsens you’ll find at the base of the hills. Just one minute away from the ski lifts is Kamui Niseko, a serviced ski resort complex with studios, one- and three-bedroom layouts available for bookings. With only seven units available, the Penthouse is especially attractive for those desiring either a luxury investment or a gorgeous and fuss-free year-round lodging solution, complete with a concierge reception at the door. In the same building, you’ll also uncover exquisite edomae fare at Sushi Shin, which is helmed by chef Miyakawa of Sapporo’s three-Michelin-starred Sushi Miyakawa as well as Hong Kong’s own Sushi Shikon.
The Penthouse is a majestic, high-ceilinged beast complete with four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, covering 2,637 sq. ft. on the second floor (in addition to a spacious balcony that’s perfect for summer parties). It’s fully equipped with Miele appliances, plus private ski storage, and is comfortably furnished with wood, stone and glass finishings to make you feel at one with nature. Chanelling hygge and clean lines, the décor makes for a terrific homey atmosphere — you’ll want to lounge here for hours on end between hitting the slopes. The property is managed by SkiJapan, which has had expertise in over 20 years of resort operations and 12 years of property management, so you can rest assured your property is in good hands all year round.
HK$18,558,910 via Sotheby’s Realty
Evelyn Lok
Managing Editor
When not trying out the latest beauty and wellness trends, Evelyn is likely enjoying a perfectly balanced negroni or exploring some of Hong Kong's best new places to eat and drink. At Lifestyle Asia she covers everything from the biggest events in town to interviews with Hong Kong specialists, with topics spanning art, food and drink, health, tech, and travel.
