The Tea Garden Home

Set amidst eleven acres of tea plantation in the Nilgiris, this old family bungalow was carefully restored while being subtly reworked for contemporary living. The original load-bearing stone structure remained largely untouched, with the interventions focused on opening the house to its extraordinary setting.

The roof was reconfigured to create a new master suite and private balcony overlooking the blue mountains. At ground level, the existing patio was extended into a long verandah, its black-and-white marble chequerboard floor and slender cast-iron columns giving the new addition a quiet, period character. The verandah leads to a pergola at the edge of the house, creating an informal outdoor room that brings the landscape right into daily life.

Elsewhere, new openings were introduced to capture the valley views and changing mountain light, while original details such as the sloping roof, barge boards and deep eaves were carefully retained.

Inside, vintage pieces, whimsical chandeliers, colour and fresh flowers from the estate gardens bring a sense of ease and personality. The result is a home that feels rooted in its history, yet entirely at home in the present.