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My Houzz: French Colonial Mansion in India
A businessman's gracious, expansive beach house welcomes a host of international visitors
Wendy K. Leigh is a photojournalist from the Pacific Northwestern city of Seattle.
Wendy K. Leigh is a photojournalist from the Pacific Northwestern city... More »
Just a hundred miles from the bustling city of Chennai in South India, the former French colony of Pondicherry rolls into view with expansive cashew plantations, small fishing villages and palm-fringed beaches. This French colonial beach home on the Bay of Bengal is renowned for its hospitality in hosting international businesspeople and diplomats amidst acres of coconut groves and interior rooms filled with Indian artifacts.
Dr. S. Devendra, known as "Doc," has been graciously opening the doors to the five-bedroom estate mansion since 1991, as a beach retreat for friends and associates of Shasun Pharmaceuticals, the family business and one of the world's largest suppliers of ibuprofen.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Pondicherry, India, near the Bay of Bengal
Size: 10,000 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, multiple sunrooms, multimedia conference room
That's interesting: A raised stone platform on the grounds serves as a stage for musical performances by local bands.
Dr. S. Devendra, known as "Doc," has been graciously opening the doors to the five-bedroom estate mansion since 1991, as a beach retreat for friends and associates of Shasun Pharmaceuticals, the family business and one of the world's largest suppliers of ibuprofen.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Pondicherry, India, near the Bay of Bengal
Size: 10,000 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, multiple sunrooms, multimedia conference room
That's interesting: A raised stone platform on the grounds serves as a stage for musical performances by local bands.
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by Wendy K. Leigh
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| The main entry door was reclaimed from an ancient abandoned temple in the Tamilnadu region of South India. An antique wood carving accents the entry from above, while hand-formed vintage pottery pieces flank the entryway. |
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| The French colonial structure spreads elegantly across manicured grounds at the end of a long, winding driveway curving toward the sea. Windows line the front, back and sides, affording expansive views of the estate landscaping and beach. Ivy-covered stucco and stone form exterior walls, with curved balconies extending from bedrooms, living spaces and sunrooms. |
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| Antique furniture from the Chettinadu and Pondicherry regions in Tamilnadu give an authentic air to the interior spaces. Working with Anita Goubert, a local antiques dealer and close friend in Pondicherry, Doc has chosen each piece carefully to reflect various periods of history in South India. This wood-carved divan and surrounding chairs are decorated with colorful pillows fashioned from previously worn vintage saris. |
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| A second-floor covered sunroom is accessible from all five bedrooms in the home, with a wooden swing extended from rafters in the expansive ceiling. |
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| Bedrooms have a minimalist style with white bed coverings, mosaic tile flooring and black custom-designed solid wood window shutters. Individual bathrooms are attached to each bedroom, with modern showers installed. Doc himself makes the journey from Chennai several times a week and plans to retire here, close to the sea and the quaint, French-inspired village. |
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by Wendy K. Leigh
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| Ceramic inlays are a surprise feature inside the railings of one of the dozens of beds in this home. Designed to accommodate the many guests who are welcome here, some of the larger bedrooms have up to six single beds. |
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| A guest bathroom on the bottom floor is accessible from the estate grounds and swimming pool. It has three sinks, a separate changing room and an enclosed sauna. |
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Pottery features heavily in the décor. This lamp was fashioned from ancient earthenware and sits atop one of the many reclaimed treasures that are tucked into every corner.
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| A specially designed multimedia room allows the owner to host business conferences on a dedicated floor of the home. Outside of working hours, Doc often arranges for guests to relax by meditating in the world-famous Matrimandir, an enormous gold and marble ashram in the countryside less than five miles from the beach house. |
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| Sunrooms are scattered throughout the home, connecting outdoors to indoors, many with views of the beach and water. |
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| Family, friends and business associates can relax in the intricately tiled outdoor aquatic area, which includes two pools and a hot tub, with the bay shimmering in the background. |
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Breezy walkways connect the entire home on both floors and overlook the Bay of Bengal. Benches afford views of the sunset and sunrise from various positions on every floor.
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| Kudapah stone flooring from Kerala adorns outdoor spaces, with natural cultivated bamboo overlooking a stone water container. |
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| The bounty of the plantation grounds is on display on any given day, with mounds of coconuts heaped up outside the kitchen and pantry. Palm trees sway in the sea breezes, which are relished — temperatures in Pondicherry often reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. |
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| Coconuts are left to dry in the sun prior to being turned into delicacies by the many servants. |
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| Stone walkways on the estate grounds lead to outbuildings sheltered by coconut palms. |
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| Statues and fountains of carved stone blend into the landscaping and match the home's exterior and interior style. |
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| A traditional outdoor bowl of floating fresh flower petals offers "namaste," an expression of warmth and welcome. More: Coastal Chic Family Getaway Seaside Italian Escape Modern Beach House with a Custom Twist |
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15 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 23, 2012.
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