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Fit for a king

by Selina Denman on Nov 23, 2009

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The lounge has traditional jhula and colonial-style furniture.
The lounge has traditional jhula and colonial-style furniture.
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The small outhouse, which originally served as a kitchen cum caretaker’s room, was converted into the dining room and kitchen, with a wide verandah all around.

Other interesting features are the ‘padippura’ (entrance gatehouse) and the ‘kulam’ (pond) lined with laterite stone with a traditional ‘kulappura’ (sheltered entrance).

These were worked out strictly as per Vaastu guidelines and built with laterite stone that has been neatly pointed and finished. An old wooden door leading to the beautiful granite steps was moved here from another royal home.

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I think i know this place as we (lot of kids) at that time studied in a school and I guess this building was part of the

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Amidst the confusing myriad choices of architectural and construction technology, one is often left wondering what is genuinely useful, what is possible within spatial and budget constraints, how to integrate them all and yet retain or enhance the aesthetics of an existing building or landscape – especially when it is a traditional building that is being completely overhauled.

The restoration of this palace is an attempt to address these issues in a sensitive manner. The icing on the cake is that it’s a good economic proposition for the owners too.

At dusk, when the setting sun casts a golden glow on the bungalow and its lawn, the verandah overlooking the backwaters is the place to be.

The landscaping in the garden is subtle, with an emphasis on local plants, trees and shrubs. A small boat jetty lends access to the palace and permits special guests to arrive in complete privacy.

This jetty is also used to transport martial artists, dancers or singers for private performances in the garden.

This small haven of peace and tranquillity makes a statement about recreating the traditional grandeur of the palace, but with all the comforts of a contemporary resort. The target audience is the crème de la crème of discerning travellers, who cherish their solitude while holidaying.




Readers' Comments


Arush Augustine (Feb 16, 2011)
kochi
India

Isnt this the old kovilakam
I think i know this place as we (lot of kids) at that time studied in a school and I guess this building was part of the school then. I recognise the whole place and the big mango tree in the front of the house.


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