This 100-year-old mansion in North Goa has been restored into a palatial villa

The Verve Estate in Guirim, North Goa, is a meticulously restored century-old Indo-Portuguese bungalow that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern luxury. Originally built in 1925, the estate was once owned by renowned surgeon Dr. Aquilino Almeida, with its 26-foot-high ceilings signifying wealth and status. Rubeena Singh, her husband Vivek Soni, and their daughter Valeska discovered the property in 2020 and embarked on a dedicated restoration project. They enlisted Goa-based architect Paul Rodrigues, known for his expertise in heritage restoration, to revive the mansion while preserving its original architectural integrity. The restoration focused on retaining elements like the sloping tiled roof, arched doorways, and a grand balcão, while integrating contemporary comforts like a heated swimming pool and a gazebo overlooking paddy fields. The property, once dilapidated with a sagging roof and overgrown gardens, has been transformed into a palatial villa. The restoration process involved skilled masons from Gujarat to delicately repair and restore the lime plaster on the walls. New additions for modern amenities, such as air-conditioning ducting, were carefully concealed within extended ceiling mouldings to maintain the original aesthetic. The result is a home featuring hand-laid hexagonal mosaic floors, vintage chandeliers, and restored colonial-style beds and furniture across its six majestic suites. Each of the six suites at The Verve Estate offers a unique experience. The French Room, with its gilded mirror and freestanding bathtub, evokes the elegance of a Parisian apartment. Another suite boasts a towering rosewood four-poster bed, requiring a teak step stool to access. The master suite, spanning 1,250 square feet, includes three Juliet balconies, a lavish boudoir with a bay window, and a palatial bath retreat with a vintage cast-iron tub. The former kitchen, now a lofted suite, features a 10-foot-high mezzanine with a reading nook and an exposed laterite wall adorned with letters and photographs of Dr. Almeida, offering a glimpse into his life and travels. Beyond the private suites, the estate comprises wide and airy common spaces. The grand hall is divided into three sections: a light-filled lounge, a colonial club-style library bar, and a 14-seater dining table. Antique mirrors and framed botanical prints enhance the ambiance, reflecting the lush gardens outside. Guests can enjoy leisurely moments on the breezy front porch or under the eagle-tailed eaves-board shaded balcão overlooking the paddy fields. Dining at The Verve Estate is a personalized experience, with staff sourcing fresh local produce and meats to prepare meals tailored to guests' preferences. Breakfast options include toddy-fermented sannas with Goan-spiced salami, while lunch might feature poached black pomfret or a Thai feast. Evenings offer private dining, with a mixologist crafting bespoke cocktails and the option of a BBQ picnic-style dinner with live acoustic music. The estate also arranges guided tours to Mapusa market for guests interested in local culinary traditions. The service at The Verve Estate is characterized by the warmth of a private home combined with the efficiency of a luxury retreat, offering amenities such as private yoga sessions, massages, sunset cruises, and flea market shopping tours. The estate is also wheelchair-friendly, featuring gentle slopes, an accessible pool, and spacious suites, catering thoughtfully to guests with mobility concerns. Leisure activities are more tranquil, focusing on cultural and historical tours of Goa's Indo-Portuguese sites or indulging in spa treatments within the comfort of the suites. The Verve Collective, a curated collection of vintage treasures displayed throughout the home, allows guests to acquire antique pieces as mementos. #Goa #NorthGoa #HeritageRestoration #LuxuryVilla #IndoPortugueseArchitecture #HistoricalMansion #BoutiqueStay #TravelIndia #HomeDesign #Goa #NorthGoa #HeritageRestoration #LuxuryVilla #IndoPortugueseArchitecture #HistoricalMansion #BoutiqueStay #TravelIndia #HomeDesign