The 90-year-old house at Puthiyara has a story to tell. Why? Because, the 4000-square-ft house Ajanta, set in sprawling 60 cents of greenery is still turning heads. And just how aesthetically Advocate Anoop Kishore and his wife Anitha have transformed it into a modern country-style home is the reason.
As you enter the imposing wooden gates along a path shadowed by a majestic pine tree and thick bushes, it feels like a walk through eternity. The contemporary lawn in the foreground is beautifully juxtaposed against the exterior of the house. A 600-year old gable with intricate carvings which was through from Kochi by Anitha welcomes us to the beautiful interiors.
Inherited from Anitha’s grandparents’, inside, the house has a distinct colonial feel and is adorned with traditional wooden furniture with intricate detailing. The ivory-coloured walls and tiled roofing bring about a definite drop in the temperatures to the interiors. Sunlight pours in, adding lustre to the red and off-white colour palette.
“Re-modeling the house was not required as it had all the contemporary facilities required,” says Anitha. The interiors mirror her eclectic taste and yet is devoid of any glitziness. There is a subtle use of art décor and lattice work. The artworks have been collected by Anitha during her travels and each piece has a story to tell. The dowry chests bequeathed to her hold the centre of attention.
“Depending on my mood, I keep changing the decor every week. It might start from a cushion and everything else follows,” says Anitha who feels that a house should be treated like a baby as you transform it to a home.
As you go from room to room, you will be struck by the delicate play of colours and exquisite texture. “Each room should provide a distinct feeling and I design my rooms accordingly,” she adds. The four bedrooms are designed to provide a relaxed feel with a play of simple combinations of colours like white and blue, black and white. The sparkling chandelier is the centre of attraction in the dining room. There’s a gorgeous sit-out that opens into the lush green lawns,adding to the serenity of the space.
“Balance and space are the two most important factors. There should be sufficient space for everything and must have the right balance — right from the construction to the interiors,” says Anoop who finds his house an oasis of tranquility.
