DANUSKA DA GAMA
It was in 2001 that Alinto Coelho was requested to restore a part of an ancestral home, that of the Costa Frias', in Candolim. This began his sojourn of visiting Goan homes for documentation and restoration.
“That project gave me so much satisfaction that it inspired me to go around and document heritage houses across Goa,” says Coelho.
Having visited over 200 houses, Coelho explains that each home has a story that has been told to him by the descendants, and there are so many interesting architectural gems inside these homes that await a new lease of life.
“These homes are not mere structures. They connect generations and are no less than living memories. We should value these homes, not just monetarily,” he mentions.
This passion of his, got him to restore several historic homes, including the Walter Mergulhao Carvalho house in Sinquetim and the Loyola Convent in Orlim, in South Goa.
Today, Goans know about his commitment to breathing new life into Goa’s architectural past as he showcases these homes on Facebook. Over time, people have been able to understand much of history and Goan homes through his pictures and explanations.
His unique approach combines technical expertise with a deep respect for the cultural significance embedded within these houses.
“I started posting pictures of the homes I visited on Facebook, and the positive feedback was overwhelming,” he explains.
This initiative grew into a significant effort to chronicle the beauty and history of these houses, capturing intricate wooden balconies, spacious raj aangans (courtyards), ornate balcaos (verandas), furniture, chapels within homes, windows, you name it.
He reiterates that no two houses are alike, that there may be similarities, but he has never found two identical façades.
He explains how space is used within homes. “In Hindu houses, the courtyard is the heart of the home, while in Catholic homes, the balcao serves as a welcoming area, often adorned with columns and ornate plasterwork,” he says.
For Coelho, restoring a heritage home is more than a technical endeavour— it is a way of respecting history.
"It’s heartbreaking to see crumbling facades and collapsing walls. My goal is to preserve the original features, while seamlessly integrating modern amenities,” he says, adding that for him, ensuring that every restoration complements the home’s historical essence is given utmost priority.
He also believes that beyond preserving heritage for heritage's sake, the potential of having sources of income for their owners should be explored. Examples like Cotta Mansion, in Agacaim, Goa's first heritage house-turned-wedding venue, and the transformation of Casa Araujo Alvares, in Loutolim, into a museum are successful, he says.
“Besides preserving history, it generates revenue to sustain the maintenance of these homes and preserve them for future generations,” he says.
I write down my experiences and insights, and also pen articles for international publications such as the Bulletin of the Goan Association of New JerseyAlinto Coelho
Coelho ensures his work is documented. “I write down my experiences and insights, and also pen articles for international publications such as the Bulletin of the Goan Association of New Jersey,” Coelho tells us.
Through his writings he dissects unique features of Goan homes, such as chapels and altars, sliding windows and vintage furniture, offering readers a window into the past.
“There’s enough material to fill volumes,” he says as he contemplates authoring a book. He makes a humble plea to homeowners to not demolish these heritage structures.
“Maintain your homes and create avenues to fund their upkeep, so the charm of Goa’s history isn’t lost,” he pleads.
In May this year, he was invited to make a presentation on Goan homes at the VIII International Colloquium, 'The Manor House: Anatomia Dos Interiores' at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, where he shared the platform with professors and researchers from various universities of Brazil and Portugal. Coelho was the only Asian at the forum.
As he continues his mission, Coelho looks forward to discovering another 200 homes, each with its own unique story to tell.
His passion is contagious, inspiring families and communities across Goa to see the value in their heritage and become custodians of history.
If you want to know more about traditional Goan homes or want to get one restored, Alinto Coelho can be contacted at:
LOCATION: Coelho’s Heritage Studio
CONTACT: +91 98811 35415
E-mail: heritage.goa@coelhosolutions.com