DOWN BY THE RIVER

In the lap of nature, a filmmaker's dream home in an idyllic North Goan village comes to life with building blocks of light and breeze, crafted by Ini Chatterji and design studio VAN

- KUNAL BHATIA

“It was quite in the boonies!” exclaims filmmaker Shirsha Guha Thakurta as she recalls the initial time when she purchased land in the island-village of Calvim, near Aldona in North Goa. Although barely anyone had heard of this location, its verdant setting by the banks of a winding river and surrounded by fields proved idyllic for her forever home.

She yearned to be close to nature, languidly napping in the sultry breeze, or hopping out on a rowboat at the drop of a hat. To materialise these visions, she brought on board veteran architect Ini Chatterji, who conceived the project with his signature contemporary tropical sensibilities.

Ini masterfully sited the home to overlook the river, dividing it into two linear bays, each framing multiple countryside views.

The 4,050 sq ft expanse encompasses a living, dining and kitchen area on the lower level; whereas three ensuites occupy the upper level.