Made to Material-ise

The Company of Design reveals a farmhouse by the Kaveri river

22 Jul 2025

Seldom do you see what’s on the inside, on the outside – that too at first glance. With minimal elements and maximal materiality, this farmhouse with a built up area of 7,400 sq ft in Hond, near Surat takes wood and stone and turns it to visual gold. Crafted by The Company of Design along with landscaping consultancy by DesignSeed, Vadodara, the difference between the family’s residence back in Surat and this farmhouse on the edge of the Kaveri is mostly the greens. “The core idea was to design a house with extensions, which allows intimate interactions with the surrounding landscape,” elaborate principal designers Niel Parekh and Pooja Shah. They also add that the plot filled with mango and chickoo trees was a part of a development scheme, sitting on the edge of the Kaveri River.

Spread across a vast landscape of a 44,450 sq ft site area, the terrain engulfs not just one but two sanctums: the rustic main house and an obscure outhouse hidden through a large stone wall. “The family also sought a small space with just two bedrooms placed adjacent to the river, to create a space which is part of the site but still feels like a secluded nook for them to enjoy privacy,” the duo reveals.

“The family also sought a small space with two bedrooms adjacent to the river, to create a space which is part of the site but still feels like a secluded nook for them to enjoy privacy” — Niel Parekh and Pooja Shah

The open layout kitchen offers a peek into what’s cooking and a view of the verdant landscape outside through the window; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Breakfast amidst trees

Stepping in through a traditional sloping roof exterior, the living room is filled with a plethora of seating options so everyone can take their pick. With a stunning swing in the middle, wooden panels on the ceiling and a hanging art installation, the space echoes with calm and comfort.

Opening up into an expansive verandah, the 8 seater dining makes for the perfect spot for breakfast surrounded by trees or a late evening social gathering. With grey flooring and taupe all around, it leaves one with only the option to unload and relax.

Kitchens can be isolating spaces. This one though, has a stunning glass window that runs right above the main counter, making sure that the chef isn’t missing out. Sprinkles of rattan and a sweet kitchen island complete this scrumptious space.

The two bedrooms maximalise minimalism, with attached retreat like bathrooms. Exposed stone, deep greens, no shower is too long in these gorgeous corners.

Furniture is by Magari alongside a rustic swing and an art installation hanging from the ceiling inside the living area; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The terracotta roofing tiles from Nuvocotta enrich the home with character; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Through the stone wall

Niel and Pooja emphasise, “natural light is a key design element, flooding the interiors through expansive windows and open verandahs. The fluid transition from indoor to outdoor spaces ensures that light shifts throughout the day, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere.” And we have to agree, every part of the home lets light in, in the most fascinating ways!

Emerging through the large stone wall, the hidden outhouse is where privacy is loud and the drift of the river, even louder.

Neutral. This, perhaps will be the term to describe the colour palette here, but it wouldn’t suffice. This is where nature takes precedence over neutrals. The home displays the true depth of browns, beiges, blacks and greys, riddled with unexpected pops of colour. The materiality on the other end, makes the home what it is. Delicate rattan textures, beige lime painted walls, kota stone flooring, natural stones all around and wood – the home is filled with texture to the brim, ensuring one’s heart feels full even inside the four walls of the farmhouse.