Prospect Park South architecture was not always staid or conventional: witness the so-called "Japanese House." It's one of the most famous in the area.
This beautiful home was designed at the turn of the century when Orientalism was a fad. Importing elements of Asian style was seen as a chic and exotic, particularly among the well-heeled classes. In that era, Japan had only been open to Westerners for fifty years, and trans-oceanic travel would, of necessity, have involved an arduous journey by boat. The Japanese House on Buckingham Road, while elegant and sophisticated, was perhaps a little showy.
Indeed, 131 Buckingham Road was used in 1903 in advertisements to showcase the broad range of outstanding homes being built in Prospect Park South. A century later, the house today still stands out as an unusual building in a neighborhood of beautiful homes.
When first built, this home was sold for $27,000 to Dr. Kolle, a prominent physician and a a pioneer in the field of radiology.
Returning to Albemarle, turn right on Rugby Road.
