As we delve into the timeless allure of heritage homes, let’s embark on a journey through the corridors of history and charm, where each heritage dwelling tells a unique story of the past. Saffronstays has an array of heritage homes, from quaint cottages nestled amidst serene landscapes to majestic manors exuding architectural splendour, these historic homes stand as living testaments to bygone eras, inviting us to explore the rich tapestry of shared heritage.
Amaya, Kannur
The Kallur Illam in Kannur, Kerala is a heritage estate that has stood the test of time for over 300 years. Illam (also referred to as Mana) is the Malayalam word for the house of a Namboodiri Brahmin, the traditional feudal elite. The history of this Illam is essentially the history of the Tangals of Northern Malabar. It was the Tharavad, or ancestral house, of the Tangals of Northern Malabar, who resisted Tipu Sultan’s subjugation campaign and fought to keep local culture and traditions alive. During its prime, the estate was a 50-acre estate with several buildings, including a temple, a horse stable, a blacksmith forge, a kalarippayattu school, barracks, and residences. The home owners bought the 5-bedroom heritage estate from the last Tangal in 1990, and the family decided to restore it to its former glory. The Illam has been restored meticulously using traditional carpenters and masons from near and far, and modern elements of comfort and design were added without overpowering the beautiful Malabar architecture. The home has Nadumuttam or inner courtyard, a massage room, the Mandapam or the sitting area, Kalari or the outdoor court and even a Kulam or pond. If you love history and architecture, SaffronStays Amaya, Kannur, has to be on your bucket list.
SaffronStays Amolee, Alibaug
When the Bene Israelis fled Israel and came to India more than 2200 years ago, they got shipwrecked in Nagaon, a small fishing village on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast. They sought help from the local Koli community and made Alibaug their new home. This led to a unique hybrid community, born out of interesting historical events and a seamless intermingling of cultures.
Built in 1830, this Wada that’s easily over 200 years old, was painstakingly restored to its original glory. When this 4-bedroom home was built, metal was not used for constructing homes back then and hence the home was built using Burma Teak wood, limestone and bricks which makes the structure extremely strong and has stood the test of time since then. The current home owners bought the home in 1982 and has been with the family ever since.
The home is a landmark for all Jews in the vicinity, being one of the oldest in Sagaon. Many Jewish functions have been celebrated in this villa before the home underwent renovation and restoration efforts. The mangalorean roof tiles on the top floor remain as they were from a century ago. The house is built so beautifully and extremely ventilated owing to the many floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere. The exteriors of the home have been painted a shade of warm white to highlight the hand-polished window frames and doors. These frames and doors have been polished using the best wood polish to preserve the look of the Sagwan wood over time. All the furniture was made by a local carpenter using Burma teak (Sagwan wood). You’ll find beautiful shades of teal and turquoise in the upholstery and royal golden hues for the blinds giving the home a wonderful old-world charm. All the light fixtures in the home are vintage and made in brass.
pure water
which many say is potable. If you love a good heritage villa, this should be on your list!
SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow, Coorg
Nestled in southern Coorg in Gonikoppa and bordering Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, this estate is a 6000 sq. ft. colonial bungalow located amidst a verdant landscape of endless coffee plantations and forests.
Originally built in the 1890’s, the 5-bedroom home was built by Charles Edmund Waring. Charles was a hunter and farmer who built the home to enjoy the beauty of Coorg while farming on the neighbouring land. The home owner and his family acquired the home from Charles’s grandchildren and painstakingly restored and maintained the home to keep the old world charm alive. The property has some colonial, Victorian rococo & Lutyen influences which one can see in the decor and furniture. The home is filled with several antiques and pays homage to its original owner. The house is Victorian, with intricate, wooden framed mirrors, ornate chandeliers, a gramophone, grandfather clock and many portraits through the home. For a heritage home like this, restoration efforts are key to maintaining its charm. The owners do timely maintenance checks like roofing around the monsoons and getting the furniture lacquered from time to time, ensuring the colour palette of the wall stays the same and more to ensure this heritage home, SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow, is well-maintained and continues to keep its door open for guests.
Parsi Manor, Matheran
SaffronStays Parsi Manor is a traditional 19th-century colonial bungalow that once belonged to an erstwhile Parsi family from the hill stations of Matheran. With the recent restoration, the current owner has preserved a rich legacy for perpetuity. The 4-bedroom heritage bungalow reflects a strong Parsi cultural influence
This 130-year old Parsi-owned bungalow with its priceless curios, vintage honeycomb tiles, and earthy decor emanates an old world charm. There is also a cupboard in the home that commemorates the humanitarian work of the Home Owner’s relative in Yazd.
The Dunnottar By Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal
Nestled by the serene lake in Kodaikanal, the bungalow stands as a testament to timeless beauty and rich heritage. Steeped in history dating back to the 1890s, this exquisite 5-bedroom boutique villa has undergone meticulous restoration, preserving its charm while embracing modern comforts. Originally owned by American Missionaries back in the early 1900s and around the 1930s by Lord Chamberlain, a Scottish Immigrant, the home was acquired in 1947 by the Puliyadi family, whose legacy is interwoven with this remarkable property. Each room evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting visitors to the bygone era of the 1960s by capturing in small format pictures of the family taken in the bungalow.
The bungalow including SaffronStays Dunnottar South By Kodai Lake, and SaffronStays Dunnottar North By Kodai Lake, epitomizes a departure from the conventional luxury. From savouring wood-fired pizzas on the outdoor patio and cycling along the lake to indulging in boating, experience Kodai at its best.
Images: The Dunnottar