We stayed in the house for 2 weeks and felt quite at home. Hotaka was very welcoming. She greeted us with a cold drink (it was July) and lots of information about the area. The house was as described and very comfortable. Though it was about an hour train ride west of the Takadanobaba station, it was a welcome quiet refuge at the end of the day. The town had a nice grocery store and lovely walking paths by the lake. I would recommend this place to others.