4 serene Goa villas that are the definition of tropical paradise

A Bungalow That Merges with its Lush Surroundings

In the quaint village of Siolim, Goa a beautiful canal twinkles under the setting sun. Here, where the water skims the shore, rises a house, appearing as if it has been rooted in the land since the beginning of time. Aptly christened the ‘Earth House’, its rustic stone and teak wood textures, exposed concrete roofs, large overhangs, shaded courtyards and towering palm trees help merge its form with the surrounding nature. The home is designed by Amita Kulkarni and Vikrant Tike of SAV Architecture + Design.

A custom-crafted, louvred teakwood front door heralds visitors into a semi-open verandah, where sunlight, projected through perforations, veil the cool concrete floor. Says Tike, “The interior-exterior concept has evolved with a focus on permeability and openness. A variety of landscapes, louvres, screens, sculptures and water features weave a seamless tapestry across the indoor and outdoor realms.” Akin to a water sanctuary is the double-height living room, which, along with the palm-lined pool and surrounding landscape, forms an aesthetic elemental trifecta. The ground floor rooms have internal courtyards, from where the sunlight filters in fluidly through the trees. The upper rooms are connected to private terraces that offer an expansive view of the luxuriant treetops.