Former Mackenzie House

The Former MacKenzie Residence: A Spanish Colonial Gem on Suruga Bay

Standing gracefully along the coast of Suruga Bay in Shizuoka City's Suruga Ward, the Former MacKenzie Residence—affectionately known as the "MacKenzie Mansion" by locals—is a striking white Western-style villa that has captivated visitors for over eight decades. Completed in 1940, this elegant home was designed by the celebrated American-born architect William Merrell Vories and served as the residence of Duncan J. MacKenzie and Emily M. MacKenzie, a couple whose contributions to Shizuoka's tea industry and social welfare left an indelible mark on the city. As a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property and the only surviving Vories-designed building in Shizuoka Prefecture, this beautiful residence offers a rare window into Japan's prewar Western architectural heritage.

The MacKenzie Legacy: Tea, Philanthropy, and a Love for Shizuoka

Duncan J. MacKenzie and Emily M. MacKenzie arrived in Shizuoka from the United States in 1918, drawn by the region's thriving tea industry. Duncan devoted himself to the Japanese tea trade, working tirelessly to expand export markets and strengthen commercial ties between Japan and the West. His efforts played a significant role in promoting Shizuoka's renowned green tea on the international stage.

Emily MacKenzie, meanwhile, dedicated her life to social welfare activities in Shizuoka. Her compassion and tireless service to the local community earned her profound respect, and she was honored as the very first Honorary Citizen of Shizuoka City—a distinction that speaks volumes about the depth of her contributions. The couple's love for the region was so deep that when they decided to build their dream home, they chose the scenic seaside location of Takamatsu, captivated by the magnificent views of Mount Fuji rising above Suruga Bay.

After Duncan's passing, Emily continued to live in the residence until 1972, when she returned to the United States. Following her departure, the city acquired the property—half of the land was donated, and the remaining land and the building were purchased by Shizuoka City. The residence has since been preserved and opened to the public as a cherished cultural asset.

Why It Was Designated as a Cultural Property

The Former MacKenzie Residence was registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property on December 12, 1997. Several factors contributed to this important designation. The building is one of very few prewar Western-style residences still standing in Shizuoka Prefecture, making it an invaluable example of early Showa-era domestic architecture. Furthermore, it is the only surviving work by William Merrell Vories in the entire prefecture, giving it exceptional significance in the context of Japan's modern architectural history.

The residence also holds cultural importance as a testament to the international exchange between Japan and the West during the early twentieth century. The MacKenzie couple's deep involvement in Shizuoka's tea trade and community welfare is closely intertwined with the story of this building, making it not only an architectural treasure but also a symbol of cross-cultural friendship and mutual respect.

Architectural Highlights: Vories' Spanish Colonial Masterpiece

The Former MacKenzie Residence is a splendid example of the Spanish Colonial style, one of the signature approaches employed by William Merrell Vories throughout his prolific career in Japan. The building's most striking visual feature is the beautiful contrast between its red clay tile roof and the rough-textured white stucco walls—a hallmark of Spanish-inspired design that gives the residence a distinctly Mediterranean character.

The structure is a wooden building with two floors above ground, one basement level, and a charming watchtower. With a total building area of 283 square meters, the residence is generously proportioned. The arched windows, a characteristic element of Spanish architecture, allow abundant natural light to flood the interior spaces. A central observation tower rises above the roofline, originally offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the sparkling waters of Suruga Bay.

Inside, the residence reveals Vories' renowned attention to comfort and practicality. The ground floor features a spacious dining room, a well-equipped kitchen with period fixtures that appear remarkably modern for their era, and a study furnished with a fireplace, organ, and piano—reflecting the couple's cultured lifestyle. The wooden paneling in the study creates a warm, intimate atmosphere distinct from the other rooms. A thoughtful touch is the inclusion of a Japanese-style room designated as the servants' quarters, demonstrating Vories' sensitivity to the cultural needs of the household staff.

The second floor contains guest bedrooms and bathrooms, while the couple's private quarters were also located upstairs. Throughout the building, original fixtures and furnishings remain, allowing visitors to experience the daily life of an international couple in prewar Shizuoka.

William Merrell Vories: The Architect Behind the Beauty

William Merrell Vories (1880–1964) was an American-born architect, missionary, and entrepreneur who left an extraordinary legacy across Japan. Arriving in 1905 as a YMCA English teacher in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga Prefecture, Vories went on to design over 1,600 buildings throughout the country, ranging from churches and schools to hotels and department stores. His notable works include the Daimaru Shinsaibashi store in Osaka, the Kwansei Gakuin University campus, and the Kobe College buildings.

Vories' architectural philosophy centered on the comfort and well-being of the building's inhabitants. He was a pioneer in introducing modern American domestic innovations to Japan, including system kitchens, well-ventilated living spaces, and human-centered design principles. His buildings are celebrated for blending Western architectural traditions with sensitivity to Japanese climate and lifestyle. In 1941, Vories became a naturalized Japanese citizen, taking the name Hitotsuyanagi Mereru, and continued his architectural and philanthropic work until his passing in 1964.

HOMAM: A New Chapter for the MacKenzie Residence

Following an extensive renovation carried out from 2023 to 2024 that included seismic reinforcement and careful restoration of original design elements, the Former MacKenzie Residence has been reborn as part of a new integrated facility called "HOMAM Former MacKenzie Mansion." A wedding venue designed to complement the architectural style of the original residence was constructed on the adjacent grounds, and the entire complex held its grand opening on March 14, 2026. Public access to the historic residence resumed on March 15, 2026, with a restaurant also planned to begin operations in early April 2026.

This new chapter ensures that the MacKenzie Residence will continue to serve as a vibrant community space while preserving its historical and cultural value for future generations. The integration of a modern wedding venue with the historic property reflects the spirit of renewal and community engagement that characterized the MacKenzie couple's own relationship with Shizuoka.

Visitor Information

The Former MacKenzie Residence is conveniently accessible from Shizuoka Station. From the station's south exit, take the Shizutetsu Just Line bus bound for Higashi-Otani via Shimojima on the Ishida Kaido route and alight at the "Hama-Shikichi" stop. The residence is approximately a five-minute walk from the bus stop. Buses run about once or twice per hour. For those traveling by car, free parking is available on site. Please note that access from National Route 150 requires approaching from a specific direction, as right turns into the property are not permitted from the main road.

Admission to the residence is free. Please note that as the facility now operates in conjunction with the HOMAM wedding venue, certain areas may occasionally be reserved for wedding-related functions. The wedding venue itself is not open for general public viewing.

Nearby Attractions

The Former MacKenzie Residence is situated in an area rich with cultural and natural attractions. The Toro Archaeological Site and Museum, located nearby, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's Yayoi period with reconstructed buildings and artifacts. The Nihondaira Plateau, accessible by car or bus, provides stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay and serves as the gateway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, which can be reached via an exciting ropeway ride. During the strawberry season from January to May, visitors can enjoy strawberry picking at the famous Kuno Coast stone-wall strawberry farms. The Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, also in Suruga Ward, houses an impressive collection of works by Rodin and other renowned artists in a beautiful hillside setting.