The Builder's Vision

This beautiful home was built in 1938 by Late A. V. Raghavachar, an engineer who studied in Manchester in the 1920s. When he returned to India, he decided to build a house, likely inspired by the architecture he saw during his time in the UK.

A Blend of Styles

The result is a fascinating mix of Art Deco and colonial bungalow styles with distinctly Indian touches. The foundation and front verandah columns are built from natural stone, while the rest of the structure uses traditional mud and lime mortar construction. All the windows and doors are made of teakwood, with the doors featuring an intricate reeding pattern. The metal 'jalis' on the fanlight are particularly striking, with Art Deco-inspired designs including unusual oval and sunburst-like patterns.

Interior Details

Inside, the flooring combines terrazzo and red oxide finishes. The windows feature patterned glass in greens and yellows—colors that were popular during that time. The beautifully detailed staircase has Victorian-styled wrought iron balusters, a teak wood handrail, and interesting precast concrete treads supported by small precast brackets.

Living Traditions and Preservation

The family still follows many traditional practices, including using an old-style 'anda' (water boiler) to heat water for bathing. The extensive garden has been lovingly cared for by the family and turned into a green haven. Restorations done in the 2000s carefully kept the house's vintage charm and Art Deco character, making sure this architectural gem continues to reflect its 1930s heritage.