TV star Gayathri’s house is modern yet traditional | Video

Mini screen star Gayathri’s house is in a quaint little village called Madakkal near Cherthala, Alappuzha. The house built in the traditional architectural style stands in a vast 80 cents plot full of trees and plants. Roof tiles are paved on sloped structure and it further enhances the traditional charm of the house. The car porch is built separately, adjacent to the house and the same design of the exterior is repeated here.

The sit-out is spacious and open from where the beautiful garden in the courtyard can be enjoyed. Gayathri lives in this elegant abode with her husband Arun, daughter Kalyani and Arun’s parents.

“We renovated our old house as time was taking a toll on the old structure. In the beginning we had planned to construct one or two extra rooms. But as we proceeded, the entire house got a revamp. However, we made it a point that the house retained its traditional look. Avishkar Architects have redesigned the house for us,” says the actress.

As soon as we enter the house, a huge shelf captures our attention which also acts as a partition. Various awards and mementos won by Gayathri are exhibited in this shelf.

The dining table is a simple design where six people can be comfortably seated. A pergola skylight on the ceiling lets ample natural light into the interiors. Wash area and a crockery unit completes the dining hall.

The unique design of the staircase done in wood and steel is one of the attractive features here. The area beneath the stairway has been converted into a reading space. Saffron colored tiles are paved on the floor here. An indoor plant and a wall painting which depicts a Kathakali face enhance the charm of this area.

The landing of the stairway on the first storey leads to a mini living area. Roller blinds in place of curtains add to the elegance of windows in the house. There is a bedroom on this floor, and the terrace area has been converted into a utility space by doing the tress work. The small garden on the terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the soothing breeze in the evenings.

There are three bedrooms on the ground floor of the house. Drawings and sketches done by Gayathri’s daughter Kalyani are beautifully framed and they adorn the walls of the kid’s room. One of the walls in the kid’s room is highlighted in a bright red hue, and a study table too is arranged here.

“I have a huge collection of apparels that I use for TV serials and award functions. I was very particular that I wanted a huge wardrobe where I could neatly arrange all my clothes. That is how we built the ceiling to floor wardrobes,” says Gayathri.

Kitchen and the work area are arranged like a single spacious hall. Lots of cupboards too are built here for storage. Gayathri who loves to cook has an impressive collection of crockery which is elegantly arranged on the specially designed crockery unit. There is a beautiful meadow in the front courtyard and a small pond too.

Gayathri says that her friends who reside in the cities often gather at her house. “The pond is in fact their favorite area. We would catch fish from this pond and will have a barbecue party, which is so much fun,” says Gayathri excitedly.

Since the plot is vast and spacious, the family grows three cows and a small vegetable garden as well. Fresh milk and organically grown vegetables are abundantly available for the family’s daily use.

“It is this little happiness at home, that I really miss whenever I am away shooting for the serials,” concludes Gayathri.

Project Facts

Location – Cherthala, Alappuzha

Designers – Athira, Subi

Avishkar Architects, Kadavanthra, kochi

Mob – 9995045579, 8129043076