Charming elements of Goan houses that hold timeless memories

TIMELESS MAGIC

Ever entered an old Goan house only to be completely in awe of its beauty? Apart from their charm, these houses often hold memories intertwined with their unique architectural features.

TILED, SLOPING ROOFS

Back in the day, roofs in Goa were made of Mangalorean tiles, flat interlocking clay tiles. And, during the rains, these often ended up leaking, sending the occupants scrambling for a quick solution or bucket!

SHUTTERED WINDOWS

These distinctive oyster shell windows weren't merely decorative features. They also served as convenient spots from where the residents beckoned vegetable vendors passing by.

FANCY SENTINELS

Apart from filling up the gap where tiles from three or four corners met, terracotta sentinels from the Portuguese era also served as landmarks to guide friends to the location of a game.

THE BALCAO

The Goan balcao, an entry porch, provided ample space to sit and take in the afternoon breeze. It's here, that plenty of interesting village stories were exchanged.

TULSI VRINDAVAN

In the courtyards of Hindu houses, this was a classic feature. Mornings often included spotting an elderly resident offering prayers to the tulsi plant (sacred basil), while kids headed school.

BIG ENTRY WAY

These elaborate gates demarcated boundaries, symbolising safety. They helped escape a chasing dog, held letters and became a welcoming space for those heading home.

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