Too tempting to take eyes off this beautiful Kochi mansion

Rani, who works as the AGM of the South Indian Bank shares her experiences of building their dream abode in Vennala, Kochi, Kerala. Her husband Biju is a chartered accountant in Bengaluru and the couple has three children.

“Our house is designed in manner catering to the interests and preferences of all five of us. As ours is a nuclear family, the furnishing materials, which would make maintenance easier were selected. The exteriors of the house emanate the classy elegance of contemporary style of architecture. The pristine white hue on the exterior walls adds a special radiance to the house. The dormer windows on the roof perfectly remind one of the regality of the colonial architectural style,” explains Rani.

There are family and formal living areas, dining space, kitchen, upper living area and four bedrooms in this 3650 sq ft house that stands majestically in an 8 cents plot.

The interiors are designed in the open style as the family was not interested to create partitions between the spaces using concrete walls.

The spaces are inter-connected which makes it look vast and ensures excellent ventilation as well. However, the bedrooms are designed by ensuring enough privacy. The beautiful semi partitions are crafted in teak wood. Curios and other exquisite decorative features are aesthetically arranged here.

The windows that line the walls are bigger than the usual ones, which let in lots of pleasant sunshine and cool breeze. The elegance of Italian marble adorns the ground floor while vitrified tiles are paved on the upper storey. As Rani admires plants, she has tried to add a touch of greenery by arranging beautiful indoor plants. The courtyard, paved with artificial grass and shiny pebbles, is a highlighting feature adjacent to the stairway.

A swing cot in wood completes the formal living area. The TV unit is set in the family living space. The dining space is arranged by ensuring privacy. The bedrooms are designed according to the tastes and preferences of the family members. Roller blinds, which can be raised or pulled down, separate the kids’ beds. Full length wardrobes are arranged for storage. Dressing areas too are arranged in the bath-attached bedrooms.

Balconies which open to the beautiful sceneries outside are built in all the bedrooms. These balconies are the favorite spots for the family members to have a gathering in the evenings.

The modular open kitchen is designed in such a way that it would be easy for the person to move around comfortably and access everything. The cupboards are done in glass finish and nano white is paved on the counter top.

“We had many dreams about our home. So, from the initial stages of the construction itself, I and my husband had actively cooperated with creative inputs. Now that the house-warming ceremony is over, we feel confident enough to write a handbook on getting a house constructed. We are extremely happy when our friends and relatives turn to us for suggestions and advices when it comes to building a house,” says Rani with a smile.

Project Facts

Location – Vennala, Ernakulam

Area – 3650 sq ft

Plot – 8.6 cents

Owners – Biju and Rani

Architect – Pradeep Associates

Interior design – Wilson Xavier