The property is narrow but deep, part of what was once a large vineyard, located on a quiet street. There are two houses on the property. The main house is a 100-year-old village house, approximately 72 sq m, that has been completely remodeled. At the back of the property, on the top of a hill, is a new wood cabin with 22 sq m of interior space, and 10 sq meter of covered terrace.
The main house has an entry hall, dining area, small but efficient kitchen (full-size refrigerator/freezer, electric cooktop, microwave, and double sink), a living room (with satellite TV and stereo system), a large (16 sq m) bedroom with work area, and a den (with work tables, small dining table, and couch). The bathroom has shower and tub. In addition to the queen-sized bed in the bedroom, the living room has two pull-out sleepers, one double and one single. The main house has ADSL internet and a phone line.
The house is heated by two large wood-burning tile fireplaces. The mild climate and large attic make air conditioning unnecessary. There is an 8 sq m covered porch on the back of the main house. The adjacent garden area has a brick patio with a large grill.
The hilltop cabin enjoys nice summer breezes and peaceful views over forests, meadows, and the village. It has a work/study room, and a living room. There is a fold-out double bed and a small cooking counter with microwave and electric cooktop. The cabin does not have running water.
We are a U.S.-Japan couple. (University professor, and administrative assistant in a multinational corporation, respectively) The Japan partner took her university education in the U.S. The U.S. partner has spent more than one-third of his adult life in Europe. Between us we have visited more than 50 countries, and are familiar and comfortable with cross-cultural contacts.
The home in Hungary has been used primarily as a summer home. We will spend parts of May and June, 2008, there.
Our U.S. home is in Arizona. The possibility exists of a future home exchange involving a residence in Arizona.
Pécs-Somogy is a village suburb of Pécs, one of the regional capitals of Hungary. Pécs has a population of approximately 200,000, and is a recognized center of education, culture, the arts, and medicine. The city has been designated as the "Cultural Capital of Europe" for 2010. Pécs University has the largest enrollment of any institution of higher learning in Hungary, and includes an outstanding medical center.