When I saw this on the cover of
Inside Outside Magazine few years back I just wanted to be there on the swing...
This country retreat is designed by Nimesh Patel & Parul Zaveri of
Abhikram, for their friend
Mallika Sarabhai a famous Indian dancer, activist & environmentalist.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuOqMieYYHSvaeRkReccMVh3quPQogyAlCqjF-L6_KQb4HBH_joL4RMw9G8vuZZucNsTHaHV0kJVlUiJGeLhfS5x7j-eIekJNWkxE9m0Zd4fLgdWhKp1ETDoex_Dqypu0iMLqDQ/s400/ms2.jpg)
This is a traditional Gujrati
Hitchkar (swing) which can be moved either way to face inwards or outwards.
A place in a natural setting where one can rejuvenate and escape from the stressful city life.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RTya4G5wdH_kzqWORor0PXF0Rz7Tmz__HKkogc-RODPKYUoVYXgnhXGSm5ykOt4aNe8xwo1XFe3-sz7aaE2lUFzfVDPl3Uvw4TVqKJHRGgMt6OWlMHGq6g37EvkGbfYujE1YDw/s400/ms3.jpg)
A series of wood sculptures of birds & serpents are scattered around the place.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpgIiPwLitlpQQyytlYC8W3Oq1G94WzzVYgDOyThNUnaA9u3NBLBRtLtD1JAqdN4HWzN7wHxKcHPH-X6PaG4HNgSrjEMIAUxCb5GURlxGjHObJ7pK-GjbcY-A3g4jKuhyphenhyphen_jzlzQ/s400/ms4.jpg)
The walls of the house are plastered with mud to provide natural insulation against heat. The wall has mud patterns with small mirrors fixed on them. ( Lovely!)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwC8NvqHSCazxqRopNEzCnWLG73OE6YAmflPO0N3OMbLrnX3SQBm9KRJRcHbH2mLFOGyuILYejbqj7mVHfsOw5fARv6Wj9gFayQtmQUNcXxycYVbMh1ofxRhBgSM8Vvbycrw2-w/s400/ms6.jpg)
Her living space reflects her beliefs of conserving natural resources & importance of indigenous traditions. The sofas are made of natural materials like cane, jute & handloom.
Mallika's love for traditional crafts of Kutch can be seen in the hand embroidered covers and quilted bedcovers in her rooms.
( images from Inside Outside Magazine, June 2003 issue)