A farmhouse by the plantations

Houseof9Designs crafts a green residence along the Deccan terraces

06 Oct 2025

When it came to designing this hilly residence overlooking lush coffee and pepper plantations, designer and founder of Houseof9Designs, Nain Belliappa, drew from her own experiences of growing up at a hill station. After all, the flat terraces of Chikamagalur are only three hours away from Coorg.

The Auburn Estate Home, now standing proud in the hill stations of Karnataka took over three years to reach its conclusion. The home stretches across a 6,500 sq ft area and derives its name from the earthy tones of russet, umber and terracotta that colours the chalet-like house. The structure flows fluidly from the foyer to a formal living room, from where a passage leads to a family room, kitchen, four bedrooms and bathrooms and is inhabited by a couple who tends to plantations.

"The home is in many ways the antithesis of what one conventionally encounters in most hill station dwellings in the Deccan."

— Nain Belliappa, Houseof9Design

Plantation home by Nain Belliappa in Chikamagalur — Sofa and chairs from Chester’s creates a benevolent setting to receive guests, floor lamp is from Olie; Styling by Shivani Raina; Photographed by Nayan Soni

Cosy yet contemporary

A warm and comforting aesthetic surrounds the property along with the verdure, courtesy of the natural materials used in the construction of the home. “The deftly carpentered teak fenestrations built on-site draw in the most stunning views of the greenery surrounding the home, strengthening the retreat-like ambience,” explains Nain.

The ivory-hued home features a shingled roof, and an entrance that is wrapped in wood, creating an inviting outdoor space. As you step inside the house, a crossover between tradition and modernity awaits. This mesh is created through the use of time tested materials such as wood and stone,and new age design sensibilities.

A flow of neutrals

Warm woody tones and clean lines define the visual topography of the place. A mirror with a wooden frame takes the centrestage in the foyer that leads into a formal living room where a chester coloured sofa serves as the focal point. A passage leads to the family room that makes the use of more inviting colours such as beige and olive green. Natural elements such as earthy hues, stone finishes, and expansive windows showcasing stunning views is the central theme throughout the home.

A rustic charm is felt throughout the space, however it is subdued by the integration of sleek designs such as symmetrical furnishings, and geometrical lighting. “Our intention was to create an inviting atmosphere where relaxation comes naturally, highlighted by features like a cosy fireplace and thoughtfully selected materials, ” adds Nain. A custom piece of art anchors the dining area that leads to a bright kitchen where wood and white leads the space.

Warm and neutral tones set the theme of the bedrooms as well. Beige dominates the master bedroom, featuring white walls and light furnishings. A touch of green is seen in both the daughter’s bedroom but it doesn’t deviate much from the rest of the adobe.

An unconventional house in the Deccan hills, The Auburn Estate Home, gives a panoramic view of unending plantations that dissolve into the sky. Nothing less than a modern farmhouse, the home is a retreat for minimal design enthusiasts as Nain carefully laid the balance between country grace with a contemporary take, thanks to the lady of home’s inclination towards sleeker forms of decor such as the symmetrical and geometrical furnishings found across the home.