Guida
Berrick Hall is a historic Western-style mansion located in Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It was constructed in 1930 as the residence for British merchant Bertram Robert Berrick. It stands as one of the largest structures among the pre-war foreign residences in the Yamate area and was designed by the American architect J.H. Morgan. The exterior, characterized by its Spanish style, features cream-colored walls, orange Spanish tiles, and a distinctive triple-arched entrance. Currently part of Motomachi Park, the building and its beautiful gardens are open to the public free of charge.
The building was born in 1930 as the home of the British merchant Bertram Robert Berrick. The designer, J.H. Morgan, also worked on many other notable buildings such as the Yamate 111 House. Mr. Berrick, who was originally from London, lived in this area as his business expanded and later served as a Finnish consul. After his death, the building was donated to the Catholic Maria Society and served as a dormitory for St. Joseph's International School. After the school closed in 2000, the City of Yokohama acquired the site, and it has been open to the general public since 2002. It was officially designated as a Yokohama City Certified Historical Building in 2001.
The interior structure holds significant architectural value. The first floor features a spacious living room and dining room, complete with fireplaces and striking black-and-white tiled floors. On the north side, there is a 'Palm Room' that offers a view overlooking Yokohama Port. The second floor contains bedrooms that demonstrate its function as a residence, including a specially designed room for children featuring wall decorations applied with the fresco technique. The exterior showcases exquisite Spanish-style details, such as the quatrefoil windows and the beautiful arched porch.
The adjacent garden displays different-looking faces throughout the seasons. May is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the lush greenery and blooming flowers create a stunning contrast with the stone textures of the architecture. Visiting during bright daylight hours is recommended, as the sunlight enhances the vibrant impression of the cream-colored Spanish walls. Daytime is also the best time to observe the intricate architectural details of the historic building.
At Berrick Hall, you can experience historical architectural styles up close. Walking through the spaces once used as a private residence allows you to feel the lifestyle and architectural intent of that era. The building is also used as a wedding venue, adding a touch of elegance to special anniversaries. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll through the surrounding Motomachi Park, feeling the unique fusion of Yokohama's historical streets and Western architecture.
Berrick Hall is situated within Motomachi Park. This area is dotted with other Western-style mansions, such as the Ellismore House and Yamate 234 House, which together provide a deeper understanding of the history of the foreign residences in the Yokohama Yamate district. Additionally, the nearby Motomachi Shopping Street is a great place to enjoy shopping and cafe hopping after your historical stroll.
To protect this historical building, photography inside the mansion may be restricted. Please be considerate of the environment and other visitors. As there are stairs and uneven surfaces, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Since it is a historical site, please maintain a quiet atmosphere during your visit.