A Serene Retreat

Architects Priyanka P Mehra and Piyush Mehra transform a villa in Lonavala into a lovely holiday home.

- Brinda Gill

Lonavala, located at a height of 2047 feet, in the Sahyadri Mountain range, within convenient driving distance of Mumbai and Pune, has long been a popular holiday destination for residents of both cities. The hill-station is a sanctuary in the summer to escape the heat; in the monsoon to revel in the rains, cool breeze, waterfalls and sweeping views of the verdant countryside; and in the winter to soak in the sunshine and breathe the crisp air. And for many it is an ideal town to have a holiday home to soak in a bit of peace and quiet, and savour the sights and sounds of nature.

It was at a serene spot at Aamby Valley, Lonavala, that architects Priyanka P Mehra and Piyush Mehra, a young architect couple who founded P S Design, a Mumbai-based architecture and interior design studio, were shown a 4,500 sq ft bungalow, owned by Nitin Nyati, a Pune-based real estate developer. Going through the four-bedroom, two-level villa, its surrounding area, and taking in the panoramic views from its windows and sit-outs, the architects realized the potential to enhance the space and design to create a plush holiday home was present. And as the client said he wanted to transform the villa into a luxurious yet easy to maintain holiday home, they were enthused by his proposal and were soon well immersed in discussions and drawings related to it!

Transforming Interiors and Exteriors