Thursday, August 09, 2007

The rustic charm of a restored 'Haveli'

Restoration noun-The act of making new or as if new again.

This word brings immense happiness to my heart, whether it is rescuing the old door from a demolished Chettinad mansion and giving it a place in our living room or giving a new lease of life to antique dowry chest picked up from the bylanes of a village.
Arches frame the open courtyards
This Haveli built in 1776 on the outskirts of Delhi was restored by art historians Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath. The Haveli which is a synthesis of Hindu & Islamic architectural style had been abandoned for 50 years.

The exteriors were left untouched, all the 46 windows were opened to view the open landscape outside and only the courtyard & rooms were renovated & painted.
White-washed walls with a charpoy as a bed and absolutely gorgeous red bedcover...Antique low folding Shekahawati chairs (which were once used by women while churning butter) on the open verandah...
A room off the central courtyard has minimum furnishings like this iron-bound dowry chest and an old low cot...
Oil lamps and a 19th century stone bull occupy the window recess...

I just can't get over this spectacular space of the central courtyard. This courtyard comes alive with the warm glow of lamps in the evening during the celebration of festival of Lakshmi.
What a romantic space to unwind on a weekend with friends :-)
Close-up of one of the corners of the courtyard.
Brass studded door with colourful applique work window shades and entrance to a raised shutter door leading to the veranda...Just look at this dining room*sigh*
The table is a high bed (Takht) which has been raised on four stone drums. So innovative!

What a great job done by Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath. This fantastic 'Haveli' not only reflects the charm of the past but also accomodates the modern needs.

(Images from Indian Style-by Suzanne Slesin & Stafford Cliff)

19 comments:

Peggy said...

Aaah. Thank you for this post. What a lovely way to start my morning. This type of decor is really speaking to me lately.

The love organic simplicity and the romance of it. Seems it would sooth the soul to be there.

What causes the incredible glow? Is that a part of the architecture? Wish I was resting there right now, under the red cover.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely Breathtaking and beautiful in a way that I adore!!
Haveli speaks to me too Arch!

Anonymous said...

Hi Arch,
Has this haveli been turned into a hotel?/ How did you manage to get in? And excuse my ignorance but what does chettinad mean ? Is it a place or a term? We have a restaurant here Chettinad palace..
http://www.chettinaadpalace.com/Chettinaad_Palace_files/Menu/Index.htm
I always thought its just a name for an indian restaurant.
Vinita

Green Mirchi said...

wow....i would love to spend a weekend there.

Anonymous said...

Oh how I love courtyards! So inspiring! Thanks!!!

Gill said...

Oh to sip chai in that courtyard and listen to the night. What a magical place to be. This is why I adore India!
The room with the red bedspead is so peaceful and beautiful...simple.
xo
Blue

Sheila said...

These rooms have such a tranquil air about them. They are cosy and warm, but airy at the same time. Not cluttered but with enough detail to make them welcoming. It is a harmonious balance of colour and light. The pieces are so interesting, and the overall effect is restful. I must look at the details more closely, this is a look to be emulated..!
Thanks Archana..!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I just discovered your blog and am so happy to have found it. It's full of wonderful eye candy.

katiedid said...

Thanks you so much for the post! This is such a lovely dream! I hope I never wake up.:)

Vineeta said...

This is so beautiful. I love that the walls are white with colour from the Indian fabrics. I especially loved the 'Shekhawati' chairs. And that lamplit courtyard..'sigh'... Lovely post :)

Mélanie said...

It is wonderful . I love this ambiance .
Mélanie

Anonymous said...

Everything looks so warm and inviting.....

Justina said...

I just came across your blog...I love all of your colorful ideas and articles relating to your beautiful culture! Please check out my blog if you would like. I just started it and I have a few posts up already. I am lookin to make some new artsy friends on here ! :-D

Justina said...

I just came across your blog...I love all of your colorful ideas and articles relating to your beautiful culture! Please check out my blog if you would like. I just started it and I have a few posts up already. I am lookin to make some new artsy friends on here ! :-D

madelyn said...

I am just sooo enchanted with that courtyard -
i would love to entertain friends there with
chatter and chai -
and that lovely "quiet' yet vivid bedroom with
the splash of red!

I am already packing up my books to
move in:)

such a lovely post Arch - just a true treat -

:)

Anonymous said...

Hi, thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for linking to me!

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

Those chairs are amazing. I am so depressed I don't own any.

On another note, I was wondering if you knew anywhere where I could see decorative stone containers (carved). I remember seeing them in India. I am also looking for images of carved stone fountains, if you happen to know any - I would be so grateful.

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

peggy, constance- Thanks a lot!

vinita- I am not too sure if this has been turned into a hotel...
Chettinad is a region in Tamilnadu which is the land of Nattukotai Chettiars...the cuisine of this region is v popular:-))

pacchai- Yes, isn't it beautiful!

joanna dyckhoff- Thanks :-))

blue, sheila, monica, katie, melanie, britt-arnhild, vineeta, justina, maryam - Thanks a lot:-))

Lisa said...

WOW...I love all these pictures!
Just beautiful!!

Lisa