Guida
The British House (formerly the Fudeseck House) is a historic mansion designed by a British engineer and completed in 1909. It is characterized by its beautiful colonial-style architecture and a lush, natural English garden. The interior is elegantly decorated with fabrics by William Morris, the pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, and showcases prestigious antique furniture and furnishings ranging from the 17th-century Baroque to the 19th-century Victorian era. It is one of the most culturally significant spots in the Kobe Kitano area, preserving the sophisticated lifestyle of British gentlemen.
Originally known as the 'Former Fudeseck House,' this building is a designated Traditional Important Preservation Structure (No. 10) in Kobe City, preserving architectural beauty from the Meiji era. The interior design incorporates the work of William Morris, often called the father of modern design, conveying the rich lifestyle of the 19th century to the present day. Furthermore, the site has a deep connection to the literary world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the world-famous Sherlock Holmes.
The greatest attraction is the faithful recreation of Sherlock Holmes' room. Based on the descriptions from the 20th Sherlock Holmes story, 'The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual' (published in 1893), the room is a meticulous reproduction of the lodgings at 221B Baker Street, developed with advice from the Japan Sherlock Holmes Club. Visitors can see luxurious 17th and 19th-century furniture, a heavy-set bar counter, and even memorabilia from the Coronation of King Edward VIII. Outside, the grounds feature a bronze statue commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sherlock Holmes' birth and a charming model of 'Baker Street Station,' providing perfect photo opportunities.
The English garden offers a different charm in every season. The 'Tree of Confession,' a ginkgo tree estimated to be 100 years old, shows different expressions throughout the year. Visiting during the gentle light of spring, early summer, or autumn allows you to fully experience the British atmosphere while gazing at the garden. The heavy textures of the antique furniture and the bar counter inside also become even more striking under the soft afternoon sunlight.
At the British House, you can experience being a famous detective. The house provides an Inverness cape and a deerstalker hat, allowing visitors to dress up and take photos in the recreated Baker Street room or the garden. The garden, featuring the historic ginkgo tree, offers a serene space for a stroll where history and nature blend seamlessly.
The British House is located in the Kobe Kitano area, a famous sightseeing district known for its collection of 'Ijinkan' (foreign residences). This area is perfect for exploring historical mansions and visiting trendy cafes. It is common to plan a walking tour of the nearby historical buildings and observation points alongside your visit to the British House.
As this is a historical building housing precious antique furniture and decor, visitors are asked to follow the house rules to protect the exhibits. Since the visit includes walking through the garden, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Payments can be made via cash or credit card. While some English signage and exhibits are available, please respect local etiquette and the preservation of the site. No prior reservation is required, but arriving with plenty of time is recommended to avoid crowds.