Villa Rashmi is a one-of-a-kind over 100-year old heritage villa in Mumbai with over 50 rooms, located on a dead-end road in the heart of the suburb of Malad.
Villa Rashmi is situated in the High Security Military COD (Central Ordinance Department) vicinity. It is surrounded by over 10,000 trees on three sides. I think of it like a well-set solitaire on heirloom jewellry. And she holds a lovely secret close to her bosom.
Villa Rashmi has an interesting history. Though privately owned, its history is deeply entwined with the history of Mumbai’s early development. And that is why I cannot feature this home without telling you first about this little snippet of Mumbai history. Villa Rashmi boasts of the most gorgeous architecture, beautifully restored spaces, and stunning interiors! So come along!
History of Villa Rashmi
Manibhai, an architect by profession, came to Mumbai from Bhadran to earn a living and build an empire with real estate. He did not have much money to begin with and his ambitions were larger than life. Bhadran is one of the 6 villages in the Kheda district and Charotar region of central/ southern Gujarat, inhabited by landowners.. It was a close-knit community, and marriages happened within the community of these 6 villages, usually. However, Manibhai defied the norm and chose to marry a rich girl who was not from the 6 villages. Samjuben was the daughter of a rich Nagarsheth of village Panetha, who brought a lot of wealth with her.
Armed with confidence and his wife’s stridhan, Manibhai bagged a sub-contract for the reclamation of Marine Drive. After several failed attempts by others, including the architect who built Eiffel Tower, in 1912, the team led by Bhagojisheth Kher and Pallonji Mistry decided to award the sub-contract to Manibhai as he was confident of being able to reclaim the land with the use of Malad Stone and a total of 27 items from all over India. Besides, he funded the project himself and asked to be paid after 5 years – that’s how confident he was. He was awarded the contract . Construction of Marine Drive (then known as Kennedy Sea Face), began in 1915. It was named after Sir Michael Kavanagh Kennedy, an engineer who was Secretary of the Bombay Public Works Department, and a General in the British Army.
In order to execute this prestigious project, in 1912, Manibhai purchased a plot of land in Malad East, at a strategic location close to the railway station. Special goods trains were commissioned to run before and after the peak hours for Manibhai, to transport the material from Malad to the reclamation site near Chowpatty.
He built a house on that plot of land, a beautiful villa, that he named ‘Bhadran Bhuvan’. Even in those days he knew the importance of a strategic home location. Today, Bhadran Bhuvan is known as Villa Rashmi, and continues to be well-connected. It is located within walking distance of the western express highway, the arterial S V Road, Malad railway station, the local bazaar, post office and the just a few metres from the railway subway that connects the eastern suburbs to the western suburbs.
The Grandeur of Bhadran Bhuvan
Bhadran Bhuvan was designed on the lines of a Spanish villa with a high stone plinth, solid Malad stone walls without any use of cement, wooden pillars to support the 15,000 square feet teak wood roof covered with Mangalore tiles. The flooring was Italian mosaic, designed like a carpet in each room.
Manibhai had specially commissioned the cast iron grills running across the entire first floor of the villa with Goddess Laxmi incorporated in the design.
It is believed that anyone who stays at or is in any way associated with the villa is endowed with success and wealth. There are plenty of examples proving this theory, starting with Manibhai himself.
The villa could host more than 36 families. Each family had an individual bedroom, bathroom and living room.As was the custom in those times, the toilet block was away from the main building, in the backyard. The kitchen was joint and managed by Samjuben herself.
The current owner, Haresh Patel was born in this historical house. He is the youngest son of Manibhai and Samjuben.
The private residence area of Samjuben was decorated with intricate colourful Italian mosaic tile work, that has been painstakingly preserved, and is in fact, for me, the most eye-catching feature of this villa.
The Defence Ministry of India requisitioned the Estate including the villa, in 1943 for the residence of senior army officers. It was only returned to the family as recently as in the 1987, in a state of disrepair. Haresh Patel started recieving calls from builders and politicians to hand over the estate to them at a meagre price. He also faced threats. Some wanted to convert the villa into a public school. He withstood all this pressure and harassment and maintained that he would protect and preserve this property because it was a blessing he had received from his mother.
Deval Patel, his daughter has singlehandedly carried out the restoration of the villa, without engaging any architect or interior designer. Initially she undertook the project as a surprise for her parent’s golden wedding anniversary in 2017. Over 50 rooms of the villa have been renovated with different themes and colour palettes, keeping the heritage look intact. Work on the remaining rooms is still in process. And thus Bhudran Bhuvan transformed to Villa Rashmi, now named after Deval’s mother Rashmi, who was closest and dearest to Samjuben.
The villa now serves as a retirement holiday home for the enjoyment of the family. On other days certain areas are available for use by guests, photographers and film makers, who value and appreciate heritage properties.
The Architectural Elements of the Villa
Villa Rashmi has been carefully restored to its original state similar to when it was built in in the 1900’s. It has authentic Victorian antique furniture, high wooden sloping ceilings, spacious and bright rooms with heritage tiles, private balconies, large verandahs, courtyard et cetra, but fitted with modern amenities for today’s living.
The property on which Villa Rashmi was built measures approx 40,000 square feet, about 1 acre of land. The floor area of Villa Rashmi is approximately 13,000 square feet, with two levels of 6,500 square feet each.
The stone used in the construction of Villa Rashmi is Malad stone, obtained by Manibhai from a nearby excavation to prepare a mix of debris for his reclamation project at Marine Drive.
The architectural style is Spanish Colonial Revival Style (Spanish: Arquitectura neocolonial española) an architectural stylistic movement arising in the early 20th century based on the Spanish Colonial architecture of the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Typical elements include:
1. Arches and curves
2. Wooden sloping ceilings
3. One floor
4. Terracotta tiles on the roof
5. Intricately designed mosaic tiles on flooring
6. White stucco exterior and walls
7. Balconies
8. Ornamental cast iron and wrought iron work on gates, fencing and grilles
9. Courtyards and backyards
10. Arcades, verandahs.
The floor level of Villa Rashmi houses the office and the library
Haresh Patel is an avid reader and has huge floor to ceiling libraries in each of his homes. His book collection spans diverse topics, such as law, medicine, music, politics, health, etc.
He calls himself a knowledge worker and you will rarely see him without a book with a reading light in his hand. Even when he is in a theatre… what if the show or movie is boring, is his logic! “If I can’t take my books, I won’t go,” he says while packing for holidays.
He believes that a room without books is like a body without soul.
The Tiles at Villa Rashmi
Villa Rashmi has beautiful flooring, original hand painted tiles, original Italian/ Spanish mosaic tiles with intricate European patterns, carefully laid with utmost precision in the designs.
While restoring the villa, the owner’s daughter has sourced handmade tiles from Athangudi Palace and tiles from Spain to retain the original look of the villa. It is impossible to replicate the mosaic flooring. Several artisans have been invited to see the flooring but none have the skills required to replicate the original work.
The Furniture at Villa Rashmi
Most of the furniture at Villa Rashmi is authentically antique, dating back to the early 1900s and from the private collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Manibhai had contracted with the Nizam to design and build many projects, notable amongst which was the underground sewerage system of the old Hyderabad City and building of the new palace. New furniture was commissioned for the new palace. The wooden furniture of the old palace was brought to his haveli in his village Bhadran, by Manibhai. That furniture has found its way to Villa Rashmi.
The story goes that the Nizam defaulted in payments and asked Manibhai to take some more of his furniture in compensation of a few of the instalments! Eventually Manibhai filed a money suit against the Nizam and he had to fight it before the Privy Council in London.
The Backyard – the old and the new blend
A retro-metro look graces the backyard, sometimes making you feel that you are on a sit-a-while bench in an upmarket mall, and sometimes like you are at your grandparents’ homely garden. I love the use of natural material even in the garden -live wood seats, terracotta and stone art make it look earthy.
The lamp posts are absolutely gorgeous with the elegant charm of cast iron!
This garden seating was made from an old tree that fell during the monsoon last year. (pic below)
Where the family resides
The private part of the villa where the family resides, is tastefully decorated to keep as much as the old world charm as possible, in a contemporary setting. I love how Deval has managed to bring in pops of current decor into old-world spaces and make them magically fuse!
Other parts of the private residence have a more authentic old-world feel
The Themed rooms and suites at Villa Rashmi
Villa Rashmi has some beautifully-done up rooms and suites. Presenting three of the themed spaces here.
The “Green” house – A Suite of rooms within Villa Rashmi
Green walls adorn this particular suite, which is why it is called The Green House.
A South-Indian themed bedroom
Brass and wood dominate this large bedroom, and the wall colours complement!
Pastel Yellow Bedroom
Each image carries so much within itself. There’s a story that presents itself to us, there are details, and charming old-world touches that will fill us with wonder!
Some Sepia Charm
The Gardens
Vast and put to the best use, the gardens at Villa Rashmi provide colour, leisure and bountiful harvests!
The Verandahs & Balconies
I love the romance of old world verandahs and balconies. I saved this set of images for the end, because they are my absolute favourites. The beautiful verandahs and balconies of Villa Rashmi will charm you!
Says Deval, “The Verandahs running through the villa are perpetual wind tunnels, possibly designed keeping the wind directions in mind, just like the verandahs of the Bombay High Court.”
The cast iron grilles running throughout the Verandah on the second level have been specially designed by Samjuben and feature goddess Lakshmi.
Haresh Patel believes that his father had little or no money when he purchased the land and built the villa. He used his wife’s stridhan. But the villa proved so lucky for him that he landed many prestigious projects in Bombay and outside. He invested heavily in property and eventually became one of the largest individual landowners in Bombay.
A rainy Monsoon day at Villa Rashmi
Before we close, let me leave you with visuals of a rainy day enjoyed with bhajiyas and hot chai at this charming villa!
With that, we bid goodbye to Villa Rashmi, and head back to the streets of modern Mumbai. Wasn’t that surreal? A warm thankyou to the Patel family who shared all these images, due to my inability to physically travel to Villa Rashmi to click images. Also for being so patient with me as I kept asking questions and begging for more pictures!
Pinterest these images away! You could head to our Pinterest page for Villa Rashmi and simply repin!
If you love old homes, you may possibly enjoy some trips back in time to these beauties we have featured on this blog.
This is, by far, the most extensive coverage of Villa Rashmi, till date.
Thanks Sharon, for the in-depth research and publication, the story behind Villa Rashmi adds more character to this historic home, belonging to my grandmother.
Thanks Deval, I commend your perseverence in seeing such a mammoth restoration project to completion. Not many keepers of old homes have the will and energy to do what you have done!
Sharon, it is nowhere close to completion and so you must promise to do another feature when it is done!
Very well articulated blog and the place looks so beautiful in the pictures. I can feel the positive vibes by seeing such lovely pictures and stories which make villa Rashmi a true home of wealth in happiness and joy.
Thank you, Himanshu… you have been to Villa Rashmi 30 years ago and now, so you have been a part of this journey. Thanks for encouraging me, always!
Loved the write up of Villa Rashmi. A lot of Effort Must have gone in its Restoration. A special salute to the Owner’s Daughter Deval for having Done a Fantastic Job in turning Villa Rashmi back to its Old Glamour. Very Few such houses exist in Modern Mumbai. Congratulations to the Patel Family for having done A Great Job in restoring the house and not Succumbing to pressures from The Land Sharks
Thank you, Hasitbhai.
You have always encouraged me with your quiet support and I’ve taken many a plunge knowing that you have my back!!
A beautiful write up and pictures of Villa Rashmi. Interesting history.
Fortunate enough to have seen the place and a witness the hard work and love put in by Deval to make it what it is today.
Very tastefully done, keeping the heritage value alive.
It truly is a beauty! And would just sum up in one word..Magnificent!
Dearest Khushboo, you have motivated me maybe even without knowing so, with your brilliant creative ideas and encouraging comments on our family group!
Wow ! Very nicely described ? by Sharon DSouza . It was a beautiful journey in Villa Rashmi . The lovely pictures ? made it more interesting and awesome ? . Any one will fall in love ❤ with Villa Rashmi . Congratulations ? to you Deval for restoration and you have done it so well ?? . Stay Blessed ? always in the beautiful ? gorgeous Villa . ? ?
My dearest Kananbhabhi,
Your enthusiasm is unparalleled and I always wish it rubs off on me so I never ever get tired!! Thank you for being so actively involved in my life. ♥️
Deval what a mammoth task it must have been to undertake work of this magnitude single handedly. You have restored it authentically and intricately. Every detail is well thought of and well sourced. It’s impressive- both the villa and your efforts.
Waiting to host you at Villa Rashmi soon, Ami!
Dear Deval, this indeed is a labour of love. Without strong emotions like love and passion, it’ s just not possible to restore and maintain such a lovely property and make it a warm home. Tastefully decorated, exuding warmth and sofistication, Rashmi villa is iconic. Having personally visited Rashmi Villa, I can vouch for the minute detailing, labour and love that has made what it is today, cherry on top being the hospitality and comfort. Best wishes for future endeavours and many more treasurable memories at the villa.
Thanks Anjali.
Every word you have written is a treasure and I will cherish your thoughts forever! ♥️
Beautiful photographs of a wonderfully preserved slice of rich family history and gorgeous architectural heritage. The way you have painstakingly restored this historical family home of over 100 years is a testament to your dedication and commitment. Very nice design elements and personal touches throughout the home. Congratulations on this accomplishment, Deval. Best wishes for continued success.
Have been to Villa Rashmi a few times. Deval, my close friend and a fellow solicitor, has nurtured the ancestral home by her sweat blood brains and funds.
Most lovingly passionately and all by herself. It’s blossomed into a beautiful charming classic warm hearth. Right here in Mumbai.
My fondest compliments to Deval and her dad for restoring beautifying and maintaining their legacy!!
Aww… thank you Shashank for the kindest words!
I learnt from you that a Solicitor could also be creative!! ?
I do appreciate your making it (albeit late) at every RCBQN event at Villa Rashmi… even the picnic we had there 30 years ago!
Great job Deval. Your sustained efforts for this restoration and assimilating the history is testimony of your love and passion and your talent. Proud of you.
Best wishes.
Thank you, Hemantkaka. ?
Absolutely stunning…it was a visual treat. Deval, Rashmi Villa made our QMS 1986 50th
reunion extra special. Reading g the history of the place was so interesting. May you continue doing such great work.May you always be blessed in this beautiful home.
Thank you, Tanaz.
Looking forward to having you over again! ?
Once you get inside the gates of the magical Villa Rashmi , you will feel as if you are transported to a charming colonial place in Europe . This old world , contemporary house in the middle of mumbai is unimaginable . Apart from the beautiful restoration done in the house , I love the organic garden from where you get the most fresh vegetables – farm to home concept .large ancient trees adorn the front yard , providing shelter to a lot of different kind of birds and bestowing a sense of tranquility and calmness . Special mention to Deval Patel who has very patiently , laboriously and with a lot of love has slowly over 4-5 years restored the house from a completley debilitated state to its former glory as a special gift for her parents . Each artefact , tile, furniture , every single object has been personally restored or curated by Deval and it is due to her relentless dedication that Villa Rashmi is outstanding and very different from any house we encounter in a busy metropolitan like Mumbai .
Thanks Malay, for always being there… always! You have seen me going through the rough times more than anyone else because I would call you and vent out my frustration… like when the workers or my manager didn’t listen to me! ?
Dear Deval, Heritage properties are hard to find. Needless to say the maintenance and the effort that goes in has its own story to tell. You have nurtured this home with such love and care which stands so picture perfect!! Wishing you a lot of luck, strength and prosperity as you warmly continue hosting. ♥️
Magnificent!
Visiting a house like this would be a dream come true for me. Loved everything about it. The layout of the house, the outdoor space, the use of colours, antique furniture, and most of all, the beautiful floor tiles.
Thank you Alpa, for your encouraging words.
I’m looking forward to our scheduled chat this weekend and seeing you in Mumbai sometime soon!
Congratulations!You have also contributed in making Villa Rashmi what it is today. It was interesting to know about history of the building. Well done!Keep it up.
Thank you, Kiranbhai, for your suggestions always! You always have our best interest at heart!! ?
Deval, just by looking at your fabulous home, one can make out that a lot of time, effort, love and resources have been pooled to restore this thing of beauty! It is truly a magical experience to see each and every tiny detail which are in every room. It’s a place fairytales are made of but here there’s your warmth along with the beauty. Very few have the opportunity to improve on there grandparents work. Which you have done best. My daughters too were awestruck by your home? God Bless?
Those are beautiful words, Khush.
Forever to be treasured! Thanks ?
Wow Deval… This is absolutely stunning. In the day and age of selling off old properties to make a quick buck, your family has chosen to build on it’s heritage. Kudos to all of you. What an amazing job you have done (and it sounds like so much fun). It’s clear that it’s a labor of love and that comes through clearly in the attention to detail. Good luck with everything. Please continue to keep us posted.
Thanks Kermeen. I’m really blessed to have this legacy and this opportunity.
Great job, Deval! Can imagine how much effort you have put in to restore this heritage property of your family. It’s absolutely beautiful. I am so glad I could make it for our school reunion and see this beautiful home and experience your warm hospitality. Thanks
Thanks Ferzeen. See you again soon. ?
Deval!!! It’s absolutely beautiful!!! It’s heritage, quintessential Indian, surreal but above all a labour of love. And how that shows, in every minute detail, colour scheme, lighting- I could go on and on.
And of course like Anjali very aptly said – The Deval brand of hospitality- unbeatable combination!!!
Missed it last time but really looking forward to it in the near future?????
Thanks Anu,
But you had better come here first and then talk about my hospitality!! ?
Extremely tastefully designed and decorated. I was not aware that your place has such a rich heritage? Your grandfather has left a historical legacy and you seem to have inherited his skills. I shall consult you when I do the interiors of my place
Thanks Arshad.
I have a fall-back career option!
Construction and designing is in my blood… I may give up all the drafting and pleading any day now!
Hats off to the owners of Villa Rashmi for breathing life into this awesome property.
Well-articulated, Sharon. Congratulations.
Thank you!
It’s beautiful beyond words……..
Dear Deval, You are lucky to have been born in such an illustrious family and in return they too are, to have you as the सुपात्र कि जिसके क़ाबिल हाथों में यह बेनज़ीर तोहफ़ा और भी संवरता जा रहा।
बेनज़ीर=incomparable
Wow Gunjan… that’s so beautiful! ♥️
So it’s YOUR home that we’ve seen and marveled at in various movies!!! Truly beautiful. The reno has walked the line between staying faithful to the craftsmanship of the original I’m sure & modernizing it. Very cool.
Thanks Smrutha.
Yes Villa Rashmi has featured in over 150 shoots, in less than 3 years! ? ?
Amazing work, Deval???
Your love and commitment to your roots and above all, your parents – shines through ??
Kudos to you for all the patience , thought and diligence with which you continue to care for your lovely home!
Am excited and hopeful to experience your warm hospitality sometime … ?
Thank you, Reshma, for these lovely words of encouragement. ♥️
Can’t wait to see you here when you are next in India.
Just took a trip around Villa Rashmi,fantastic,you have done lot lot more work on it from the time we last were there.Great,really enjoyed the article?????????
Thank you Sheela.
Come to Mumbai soon. We miss you!
I am speechless watching the current state of villa Rashmi.
We were there just 4 years back and I can not imagine the amount of restoration / renovation work that have been carried out in between to give it the current awesome look despite all odds like pandemic and lockdown and ……
It needed high voltage passion, grit and determination from you and your family members I am sure.
It was so interesting to read the heritage history that I was glued from the beginning till end.
My best wishes to you and your family members for further improvement of this property in future together with a grand and peaceful living for everyone.
Thank you, Debu-da.
yes, it looks quite different now and I look forward to hosting the whole KASI-81 gang at Villa Rashmi again.
Exquisite article. Does justice to the villa & the family that built & maintains it. The photographs truly capture the vivid colours of Villa Rashmi.
Thank you, Nirav.
Wish you spent more time here! ?
This mammoth of a project taken up by Deval as a loving daughter’s tribute to her parents and is clearly a labour of love.
Was honored to be hosted there and wish the Patel family many years of continued happy memories in this gorgeous home.
Thank you, dearest Priya.
I wish some of your energy and determination rubs off on me!
See you when you are next in Mumbai.
Wow! Deval! It is amazing and I am speechless ! And you restored the house to surprise your dad ! And did it without an architect! Proud of all the things you do !
Thanks Alpana.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
You promised to stay over at my Pune home and now you’ve got to come to Villa Rashmi as well.
Deval,
Your house is gorgeous, Anahita has said it so beautifully
The size and scale of the restoration would have daunted any normal, regular person
Kudos to you for doing it all with your characteristic energy
Missed on seeing the insides..,the rooms, the tiling, the furniture, the nooks and corners, would love to spend time absorbing those details some other time….what better legacy could u leave behind Deval… what better ode could you dedicate to your parents….you are inspiring at so many levels.
Thanks Shamita.
Your words are very motivating. ♥️
You must return and spend more time at Villa Rashmi.
What a transformation from military barracks of 70’s to Villa Rashmi of today.
This villa has been well articulated by Sharon and presented with wonderful pictures and history of 100 years.
High roof rooms with apt antiques and decor in each room and soothing environment make it more interesting for all residents as well as visitors.
Deval, your untiring efforts of last decade has given fruits now to enjoy.
Keep enjoying and continue improvising to make it most suitable site for pictures shooting site as well.
Well done and keep it up.
Thank you, mama… for always being there for us. We wish to see you more often.
And my dearest mama,
Your practical ideas and suggestions for improvement are always welcome and much treasured!
Absolutely awesome to see how years of your painstaking efforts have borne fruit. Villa Rashmi has been transformed bit-by-bit into a charming and elegant residence.
Your penchant for detail combined with a keen sense of aesthetics is reflected in every element. .. And you did it individually – not with the help of any fancy interior/exterior specialists – who would say ! You could thus imprint your own vision of the house, while keeping budgets in tight rein… for which your strong technical and commercial acumen too helped, in no small measure.
The malad-stone walls, teak wood on interior ceilings and on verandah columns and hand-made floor tiling are all returned to their prime-day glory – to name just a few. The garden with its charming water-well and airy cast-iron gazebo and its neatly laid-out vegetable patch and fruit trees are a delight to experience.
That you started on this venture as a gift to your parents on their golden wedding anniversary is very noble and praiseworthy. They’ve so often expressed their happiness in residing in a beautiful home with an old-world charm while being within the city itself and close to the amenities it provides. Not surprising that you share your dad’s enthusiasm to entertain family and friends over the evening at the villa.
Rashmi Villa is itself a wonderful award that you so richly deserve. Congratulations, Deval !
I couldn’t have asked for a better friend than you, Ravi. You have not just been there for me but also helped with your engineering skills to custom design some crucial elements like the extra-wide spiral staircase and the spacious garden gazebo. We made changes on the go (I remember you physically shifting the gazebo pillars) which made the design special, as compared to having outsourced the fabrication to a contractor!! It was fun too!
Thanks for making this project easier for me and helping me make my crazy unworkable design ideas work out somehow!
Awesome job Deval! ?? Pictures of Villa Rashmi are a visual treat. Truly a labor of love. patience and tremendous effort. Hoping some day I can visit it.
Thank you, Friya.
I look forward to seeing you during your next trip to India!
Dear Deval, Rashmi villa is a piece of heaven designed by you on this earth. Every bit of it is aesthetic as it can be. Every nook of the house and property reflects your taste. The house is a home built with tender care and love. Loved reading about its history. Stay blessed and May your beautiful house hold celebrations galore in the coming years ♥️
Thank you, Swati.
May your words come true, I hope to make many memories at Villa Rashmi.
Waiting for you to visit, too. ♥️
My dearest DEVAL, RASHMI VILLA speaks the language of Love! No force can stop someone from doing what they have strongly chosen to. The fulfilment of that intent, then, does not depend upon the hurdles in its path, but on the power of single-minded focus. This is the spirit which is the foundation of RASHMI VILLA and lives on through YOU! RASHMI VILLA is a beautiful culmination of history, architecture, culture and aesthetic surrounded by bountiful nature. I have had the honour and utmost pleasure to experience your lovely home and warm hospitality. The depth of love is most evident in every corner. Stunning interiors. Giving us a chance to understand the perspective of your family and culture, including details about your heritage that are Paragon. Thank you dear! Keep up the legacy. God Bless!
Oh my gosh, Ferzana, your words are as beautiful as you! ♥️
Thanks for being in my life and keeping me motivated, always.
Deval, what a fantastic article. It was interesting to read about the history of this home. It is a great achievement by you to completely restore it and revive it. I missed seeing it at the reunion but the next time I am in India I will surely visit you.
We go back a long way, Hemali! You’ve got to come over and bring your lovely daughters too!
It is absolutely delightful to have experienced Villa Rashmi in person. Special shout out to what you have achieved with your dedication and vision.
The pictures here gives a glimpse into the splendour which needs to be experienced first hand!! Hope to visit soon.
Thank you, Marisha!
See you here soon.
The villa is really very beautiful such nicely maintained and take care of all the areas, really awesome and my previlage to be there for some time during our shoot.
Thank you Vishalji.
Now you know why I don’t allow nails and screws on the walls during shoots!
Villa Rashmi is a labour of selfless love by Deval. I have known Deval from school and even though we lost touch in between we took off from where we left a few years ago and I know she wanted to restore this beautiful Villa to its former glory so that papa and mummy could enjoy it ?
I remember how the workers would harass her especially when the roof needed to be done !
It is an architectural treat and one can just marvel at the beauty of the place once you enter the gates . My favourite place is the area near the swing where we sip chai and do gupshup! I have yet to devour the books in the library .
Another favourite is the garden area which is incredible! No words can do it justice .
This place is like having a slice of heaven right here on earth !
Thank you so much, my dearest Kavita, for all the days and hours you have spent with us … in sickness and in health… during doctor visits and celebrations… and sometimes just like that, at Villa Rashmi! ♥️ Your steady support means a lot to me.
Wowwwww ? It’s beautifully designed and pictures.l really loved it .Your villa is as good as people who live in it and going by that, your villa is the best!!!? Deval didi.
Thank you, my sweet Vaishali!
You make our lives at Villa Rashmi so much easier. Everyone who has been to Villa Rashmi has experienced your loving hospitality as well.
You have contributed immensely in making Villa Rashmi a warm and special home that we visit and never want to leave!!
Saw, read and enjoyed the article. Your home truly is a labor of love ❤️ I loved everything about your home ? and hope to experience it in person. Two things I am waiting to savor- Uncles library and your Mom’s garden ?. I think your home is a piece of heaven on earth ? Feel like I am in love again. Wish I was closer!
Yes Mani, you should’ve been closer.
I miss witnessing your endless conversations with papa!
Come to India soon and spend time with us. I need gardening tips from you too!! ?
Fantastic work Deval! ? As always, you’ve put your heart and soul into the restoration of Villa Rashmi… and kept the heritage intact. Hats off to you… ?
Thank you, Mon. ?
You made some ԁecent points there. I checked on thｅ net for additіonal informatіon about thе issue and found most individᥙals will go along with your views on this site.
Beautiful photographs of a wonderfully preserved slice of rich family history and gorgeous architectural heritage. The way you have painstakingly restored this historical family home of over 100 years is a testament to your dedication and commitment. Very nice design elements and personal touches throughout the home. Congratulations on this accomplishment, Deval. Best wishes for continued success.
Thank you, Suryakaki.
It is all because of my parents’ blessings and solid support.
And I am a neat freak because you were the first one to put your hand on my head on the day I was born! ?
Dear Deval,
Wonderful recreation of history of this building. Never knew all this. You have taken extreme painstaking efforts to recreate this home without losing its heritage. Hats off to you!
You have been particular to restore every small detail starting from roof to interiors and exteriors. I am glad I was of some assistance to you in this project. This is a treat of learning for any architectural and construction engineering student. Think of arranging visits for them. Your parents should be proud of your achievement and so are we.
Dearest Tejas,
You know how much I’ve relied on you for the structural strengthening… and you have always been there for me, made my ideas work. I couldn’t have continued the work without your ‘solid’ support!!!
The entire project has been a great learning experience for me amd I am still learning every single day. I was confident because I believe that if I ever mess up something, you and Ravi would have my back! ? Thank you so much!!!
Beautiful photographs of a wonderfully preserved slice of rich family history and gorgeous architectural heritage. The way you have painstakingly restored this historical family home of over 100 years is a testament to your dedication and commitment. Very nice design elements and personal touches throughout the home. Congratulations on this accomplishment, Deval. Best wishes for continued success.
What a splendid preserved grand old property and followed into grandfathers footsteps kept his legacy alive in the modern era takes a lot of hard work n commitment a very proud BHADRANVASI WELLDONE ???❤️❤️????
All that I read today, being a Bharanite, sitting here in New Jersey, just seems unbelievable in a city like Mumbai, which has so many diverse conditions, situations, and limitations, but this is just unbelievable, my since salutes to everyone in the family, from the greatest Architect that Bhadran (our village) may have known of till know, working with stalwarts like Saphurji Pallonji in those days, for the Marine Drive, Uuufff, just cannot imagine his reach, capability, and sincerity.
Coming back to what you restored DEVALJI, with all those difficulties, is unbelievable, to be brief, I would say, I do not find a single word in the dictionary which would wrap up in one long word, that would reflect, Architectural restoration with the labour of love, family bondings, an excellent reflection of HIGHBROW tastes combined with soulful responsibility to restore what parents did …. I will keep looking for that word.
All in all, I request please inform me how we can be in touch with you and enable our visit sometime, when we are there in Mumbai / India and may for every Bhardranite, even for half a day.
With tons and tons of respect for your divine restoration of your parent’s place.
“LOVED your awesome coverage of Rashmi Villa. I love old homes so I went on to see your other posts of heritage houses.
“LOVED your awesome coverage of Rashmi Villa. I love old homes so I went on to see your other posts of heritage houses.