TheSALVADOR DA COSTA HOUSE

Built in the late 19th century, this house is situated near the church square of Loutolim Village and is presently occupied by Senhora Costa Dias, The verandah at the entrance is pastel-painted, which lends an air of elegance to the house. Its stained-glass windows and family photographs help you trace the lineage of the family. What captures the attention is the sanctum that is open for prayers at noon.

The house has beautiful mosaic floors, an intricately carved four-poster bed in the master bedroom, Cantonese porcelain, embellished tabletops and rosewood chest of drawers.

Tip: You must contact the owner in advance either through your hotel or the tourist office in order to see the house.

MASCARENHAS MANSION

This mansion is pretty close to the tourist hotspot, Anjuna. Appreciate the fine stained-glass paintings at this mansion that has classic “balcoes” and an L-shaped seat made of expensive wood along its porch. There are also some fine stained-glass floral etchings.

DR PINTO DE ROSARIO MANSION

Located at Porvorim, Dr. Pinto De Rosario Mansion is full of antique Indo Portuguese furniture and a huge collection of European and Chinese artefacts made of cut-glass, blue china and ivory. The parlour floor is made of Italian marble and there’s a “love chair” in the mansion which is about 200 years old. An intricately designed tapestry on the sofa replicates Rembrandt’s Night Watch.

QUINTA DE HALICARNASSUS

Quinta de Halicarnassus looks impressive and has a stunning façade. Complementing the exterior of the manor is its beautiful interior. The owner, Jenepher Bramble, an Englishwoman, has imbibed both Goan and Portuguese influences and this is reflected in the manor.

Initially, Jenepher visited Goa as a tour operator and decided to make it her home along with her two brothers. One of them, Roger Bramble, has even restored a 17th-century chapel opposite the house. Architect Leonel D’Costa gave their ideas a concrete shape, thus creating a Goan house with a skylight in the centre of large white columns. Sunlight pours into the house from the skylight. There is a verandah, running around the house, that overlooks the landscaped garden and pool. A stay in this manor will keep you close to the sea but give you the privacy you desire. Kiran Patki and Paolo Baccherini, Faenza have added their distinct touch to the house.

The manor defies conventional building norms. The verandah has white mosaic but a colourful border relieves the tedium of sameness. An antique, nail-studded door opens to an old Confessional from a South Goa church. At the entrance, under the staircase, is an old Goan window with mother-of- pearl shutters. Jenepher’s house is full of pieces that she picked up from Rome. The courting seat, chaise lounges, wooden boxes — mostly in mahogany or inlaid wood - add an old-world charm that is reinforced with 19th-century China, family photographs and hand - painted ceramic dishes. Jenepher has also bought select items from Goa, Cochin and Ahmedabad. An oval dining table, side tables, a revolving bookcase, desks and cupboards are among the many eye-catching items. A bronze urli from Kerala filled with water and flowers adds a delightful Indian touch.

Across the living room are three rooms while to the right is Jenepher’s room which has an unusual apricot colour. A large king-size bed has a wrought iron headboard that has the family crest painted on a plaque. Jenepher is a connoisseur of art, music and fashion. There are innumerable paintings - ‘a few dating back to the 19th century,’ she adds. There are also paintings by Sanjay Bhattacharya, Yeshwant Sherwadkar, Shyam joshi and artists like Max Kreijn, Dutch Peter Thomson and Michael Harrison. A bronze sculpted matador by Spaniard Pablo Lozzano and creations by Arthur Ashby are on display.

The kitchen, with its green tiles and cheery yellow cabinets, give a homely touch to the house. The food is delicious, with Jenepher’s cooks pitching in their best.

A fascinating feature is a pool, shaped like a teardrop. As the manor is close to the Coco Beach, you can walk down there.
Stay options: The house is for rent from mid-December to mid-January and over Easter. It may be available at other times, on request.

The renting is handled by Lazy Days. Occasional B&B is also done, again on request.. Eight rooms.
Address: Nerul

SIOLIM HOUSE

While restoring Siolim House, Varun Sood, its owner, has plucked back the bygone era and brought it to the present. As a heritage hotel, the place has a delightful, old- world charm. This crumbling manor in Siolim was built in 1680 and restored in 1995, thanks to the enterprising Sood, He was only 26 when he set about tracing its owners. He spent a year going through its old documents and another two-and-a- half years going on a recce of Portuguese homes. Siolim Houses lost magnificence was then restored.

The manor, with its striking yellow colour and large olive windows, has beautiful gardens and an old well. Through the foyer, on the left is a passage that leads to the living room with antique chairs, beautiful side tables, an unusual teak cupboard and Queen Ann rocking chairs. A sandalwood box, belonging to the Kadamba period, occupies pride of place.

An enchanting courtyard, flanked by large white columns, has rooms on all sides. An open dining area, situated in the courtyard, has insignia- marked wrought iron gates opening to a garden and swimming pool. You can sit in the garden and eat some scrumptious home-cooked delicacies. Each bedroom has gilt and bronze-edged beds with silken fabric. Frescoes outline the walls, with some rooms having 18th-century bidriwork.
Bathrooms, with marble and wooden flooring, have a colonial style bathing