An American man has revealed his extraordinary plans for a Japanese house he acquired for less than the price of a pair of trousers. Erik Buhrow, a 40-year-old construction business owner from Minnesota, secured a three-bedroom property in Niigata for a mere $69 and intends to transform it into a whimsical, Snoopy-themed home.
An Unbelievable Property Deal
Buhrow, who grew up in Japan and divides his time between there and the United States, came across the 1970s-era house in December 2025. He acted swiftly to purchase it, astonished by the remarkably low price. 'When I saw the house, I could not believe the price,' he admitted. The property spans two floors and features three bedrooms, each with its own staircase connecting the lower and upper levels.
Why Was the House So Cheap?
The rock-bottom cost is attributed to the home's dilapidated condition and a general lack of interest in renovating properties in Japan's countryside. Furthermore, the house entered the market after its previous elderly owner passed away in a care home, sparking local rumours that it might be haunted. 'In Japan, there are these monsters that we call Yokai, and they can occupy your house,' Buhrow explained, referencing cultural beliefs. However, he dismisses the supernatural claims, noting, 'I think they are thinking of creepy monsters like the thing out of The Grudge, but it's quite a modern house, and no one died there.' He added jokingly, 'I just don't help myself by touring the house in the dark with a flashlight.'
A Creative $30,000 Transformation
Undeterred by the property's state or its spooky reputation, Buhrow has allocated a $30,000 budget to convert the house into a Peanuts-themed paradise. His renovation plans include:
- Repainting the exterior in the iconic red colour of Snoopy's doghouse.
- Incorporating Snoopy-themed decorations and decor throughout the interior.
- Restoring the rundown structural elements to a habitable standard.
For Buhrow, this project is primarily a creative pursuit rather than a financial investment. 'I don't really care if it makes money, it is just a creative outlet for me while I work,' he shared. 'I enjoy seeing something coming into existence and not just be discarded.' He believes the cheerful Snoopy theme will effectively dispel any lingering haunted house theories. 'When it is Snoopy themed, no one will think it is haunted anymore - who can be scared of Snoopy?' he quipped.
Boosting Local Tourism
The handyman also hopes his unique project will help increase tourism in the Niigata region. He highlights the property's excellent location, situated just two blocks from a ferry that travels to Sado Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 'The location is really, really awesome,' he emphasised. Additionally, Niigata is approximately a 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, making it an accessible destination for both international visitors and city dwellers. 'It is also so close to Tokyo, so it's great for people who want to explore the local parts of Japan, and dabble in the cities,' Buhrow noted, encouraging more exploration of Japan's rural villages.
By undertaking this unconventional renovation, Erik Buhrow is not only creating a personal creative sanctuary but also aiming to draw attention to the charm and potential of Japan's lesser-known countryside properties.
