Homes

This Goan villa by Vianaar spells a soulful weekend escape

MAY 23, 2024 | By Pooja Prabbhan Srijith
At the rear of the house lies an open-air jacuzzi, offering a refreshing escape; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau
Vast and lush outdoors add to the expansive and open feel of the home; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau
Expansive French windows welcome natural light, while the landscaping offers the illusion of an endless garden, seamlessly merging with the neighbouring fields; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau
From the choice of colours and materials to the layout and natural light, every detail has been well thought out to create a sense of luxury and comfort; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

Positioned on the Parra-Assagao border, Villa Da Fiore is an enchanting countryside address that transports its inhabitants to an oasis of calm, especially on days when an idyllic escape in Goa feels like the only answer to life’s woes. 

Designed by Vianaar to accommodate the myriad moods of the dwellers, the sprawling 4,876 sq ft holiday home is where one gets to soak up idyllic slow mornings suffused with Portuguese ways of design and modern-day comforts. 

Vianaar
Expansive French windows welcome natural light, while the landscaping offers the illusion of an endless garden, seamlessly merging with the neighbouring fields; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

The thing about Goan homes

Helmed by founder Varun Nagpal and creative director and co-founder Naina Nagpal, working alongside Garima, Vandana and Julia — this home is immersed in neutral tones. The interiors of Villa Da Fiore bear an air of refined sophistication, gently nudging one to take a breather and dive into a state of calm, enabling one to press pause on intrusive thoughts and the usual stressors.  

Vianaar
Large French windows offer sweeping views of the fields, while the arched niches and tapering thresholds lend this space the undisputed charm of old Goan bungalows; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

A quick walkthrough of the space makes one thing clear: A motley of unique design elements are beautifully woven together to celebrate both consistency and experimentation — truly reflective of the architectural heritage of ancient Goan homes.

Vianaar
A cozy corner in the home, perfect for some afternoon reading; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

“While our initial theme provides a guiding framework for the interior architecture, each space has been infused with an organic and eclectic allure,” outline Varun and Naina Nagpal, adding, “From the soft furnishings to the lighting fixtures and furniture selections, our approach was as diverse as it was dynamic.”

Vianaar
There is warm earthy Black Basalt stone flooring in the dining area lends a rustic touch to the space, enhanced by the presence of the sturdy wooden furniture; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

Expansive windows and open-plan layouts maximise natural light and ventilation, blurring the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. “This approach not only enhances the living experience but also fosters a deeper connection with nature, while also making it conducive to indulge in bird-watching and yoga,” they reveal. 

Back in time 

The homeowners’ keen eye for detail and a common love for old Portuguese  homes resulted in the bright reddish-pink facade of the house, pops of blue on the Juliet balcony railings, the use of laterite stone walls in the bathroom and large French windows. 

Vianaar
From the choice of colours and materials to the layout and natural light, every detail has been well thought out to create a sense of luxury and comfort; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

When selecting the interiors, it was crucial to maintain a unification between the exterior and interior spaces, considering the landscape’s open and tropical nature,” shares the duo, enthusing that the furniture choices were defined by this context, emphasising on organic materials like cane, bamboo and wood. 

“Additionally, the flooring significantly influenced the shapes and colours of the furnishings, with neutral tones and soft hues of pink and green selected to complement the flooring palette,” they add.

Vianaar
The bathrooms feature the rugged elegance of laterite stone, infusing a raw, earthy texture into the space. Meanwhile, IPS, terrazzo and textured glass contribute to the tactile richness of the interiors, further enhancing the biophilic architecture that seamlessly intertwines with the natural environment; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

Pause and play

Upon reaching the first-floor lobby, one is immediately drawn to a cosy reading nook nestled within a bay window overlooking the fields. With built-in storage and bookshelves, there’s no better place to be than here if sitting by a window with a steaming cuppa and a book by your side is your thing. 

Vianaar
Ideal for quality me-time, the quaint reading nook on the first floor with scenic views, lulls you to dive into a book and forget about the worries of the world; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

The first floor features three spacious bedrooms — each with a story to tell, replete with state-of-the-art design elements and ensuite bathrooms that symbolise elegant grandeur and comfortable luxury. 

Vianaar
The home embraces both traditional and modern design elements that reflect the architectural heritage of Goan homes. It maintains the traditional concept of a ‘balcão’ or ‘aangan’, providing a private outdoor space for natural ventilation, light and family gatherings, fostering a connection with nature and cultural practices; Photograph by Fabien Charuau from Studio Charuau

Sketching a seamless transition between interiors and exteriors, this villa is built on a design philosophy that centres on connecting comfortable spaces with the surroundings, embodying the essence of what a home truly means — a place for rest, reflection and reverie.

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