A home’s retreat to the past

An old Goan house becomes a lush retreat without losing its roots

11 Aug 2025

Sun, sand and a whole lot of soul. Goa doesn’t need much of an introduction. But in the quiet village of Bastora in North Goa, a different kind of magic unfolds. On the site of an ageing Goan home, architect Raya Shankhwalker paused to listen before he built. The result? Hacienda de Bastora, a lush, 17,820 sq ft private retreat where old-world charm meets modern ease. Think: five suites and bedroom villas (each with its own en-suite and living room), meandering paths, sun-dappled courtyards and the occasional wood-fired pizza scent wafting through the air. All housed inside a restored Goan home.

“The architecture settles in rather than dominates the site, existing in relation to one another and the land. It's about acknowledging that nature often holds the answers we seek” — Raya Shankhwalker

The outdoor dining and kitchen make you feel more present. The sculpture is sourced from a vintage store in Chennai; Photography by Harshan Thomson

Fruits of preservation

The old Goan home? Still part of the property, now more functional than fragile. Besides preserving the old house on the property, the fruit-bearing landscape was key to the property. “The core inspiration was botany before blueprint: challenging the assumption that architecture must always take precedence,” says Raya.

Mature, fruit-bearing trees were transplanted from across India and allowed to settle before construction began. The idea of preservation also finds itself in the local and reclaimed materials of the site. Nearby old houses gave their wood a second life in the construction. The original home remains on the site, with Raya’s intervention helping make it more functional.

The guest reception has lighting from Luxaddi, table lamps from OMA, rug from Jaipur rugs and furniture from Pinakin and Cottons and Satins; Photography by Harshan Thomson

Just like old times

A cocktail of eras and styles — British colonial interiors, European street-side cafes, Bohemian designs and wabi-sabi philosophy — blended to perfection in this retreat. The architectural intervention is more of an adaptation, and the charm of the space is that there is no one aesthetic. The retreat comes to show how it is a memory of the land rather than uprooting all its history.

“The architecture settles in rather than dominates the site, existing in relation to one another and the land. It’s about acknowledging that nature often holds the answers we seek” explains Raya. Pale yellow trachyte stone paves the courtyard, while soft white walls wear their natural patina with pride. Warm wood tones in the furniture keep things grounded, while floral fabrics and pendant lights throw in just the right amount of whimsy. The retreat is a testament to comfort, making you feel like you’ve stepped into its story.

The entrance lobby has lights from Luxaddi and flooring from Classic Marble in Silvassa; Photography by Harshan Thomson

The 75 ft outdoor pool is overlooked by the heritage wing. The pool furniture is from ALCANES, while the Chinese vase is from a local vintage store; Photography by Harshan Thomson

Paths that lead to peace

A stroll through Hacienda de Bastora is like flipping through a feel-good novel. The sound of jazz floats through the air. Leaves crunch underfoot — the expansive 75 ft pool ripples in delight, shaded by dense greenery. Cafe de la Fonte overlooks the lagoon pool, while somewhere nearby, someone’s tossing fresh herbs onto a smoky pizza in a wood-fired oven. There’s a maximalist bohemian bar that invites you to pause, or perhaps the gym facilities if you’re feeling a little more active. To complete the novelesque experience, a secret Mediterranean garden culminates at the three hilltop villas.

But really, it’s not about what you do here. It’s about what you feel. Slower. Softer. More present. The project feels like it’s always existed, and the facilities, such as the gym, spa and live kitchen, beckon you to take a moment for yourself along the meandering paths that all lead to peace.