Older homes have a way of keeping to themselves. Like they’ve seen enough of the world and would rather stay curled up. The windows at Toybox were no different — shy little squares, peeking out but never quite stepping forward.

So we had a quiet conversation with the house. Asked it to open up a little.

We didn’t barge in. We coaxed it. Gently.

Now, there are large sliding-folding teak doors that open wide to the verandah. Custom-built to fit the nearly 24-inch-thick walls — because yes, these walls were built before insulation had a name, and somehow still do a better job.

We carved out light wells and surprise skylights. We added a sculptural window in the kitchen that looks like it might float away. Every new opening is still rooted in the original soul of the house — just a little braver now.

Toybox is a luxury villa for sale in North Goa. Register your interest here.

Words by @arshita.mehta
Photographs by @mareena_m_

As architects, we are always on the lookout for art to incorporate into our projects, especially for our artisanal villa developments in Goa. As we design only one home at a time, we take our time with every detail, ensuring each home is unique and thoughtfully designed. One of the important aspects of this process is selecting the right art to complement the design. Over time, we've come across many wonderful galleries across Goa, and we're excited to share our favorite spots with you.

“You don’t make art, you find it”

— Pablo Picasso

Gitanjali Art Gallery

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for Arts

Kala art academy

Carpe Diem Goa

Studio Arpora

HH art spaces

Sadhana Dell Arte

The Cube Gallery

Explore more in Goa…

Standing at Miramar Beach, gazing at the structure on the nearby hill, I realized how little attention the forts of Goa receive compared to its famous beaches. Living in Goa, the narrative often revolves around the coastal beauty, but these forts hold stories of architectural and historical significance that are equally captivating.

This realization led me to explore more about these forts, and I came across Amita Kanekar’s book, "Portuguese Sea Forts – Goa with Chaul, Korlai, and Vasai." The book delves into the architectural details and historical relevance of these structures. It highlights how the forts were not just military strongholds but also played a crucial role in shaping the regions they protected.

Source: The Blue Kite

Source: Vianaar

Source: Carvel Beach Resort

Source: Carvel Beach Resort

Kanekar’s meticulous research and clear narrative reveal the unique features of each fort, from the sturdy walls of Fort Aguada to the more delicate ruins scattered across the state. She draws comparisons with similar forts in Maharashtra, showing how regional architecture has been influenced by shared histories and geographies.

This book is essential for anyone interested in the historical and architectural fabric of Goa. If you are a history geek and enjoying going to heritage walks, and explorations, this book is for you.

The recent exhibition at Art Park during Serendipity in Panjim was inspiring. It was great to see young creators bring attention to Goa’s unique architectural details and showcase its heritage in creative ways. It is important to celebrate the culture and traditions of the place we live in. Exhibitions like this remind us of the value of our surroundings.

The panels on display highlighted Goa’s traditions, culture, and design elements. Each one told a story about the region’s past and its special character. Some panels that caught my eye were:

• Goechi Deco Archives by Leaxan Freitas

• Lion Around in Goa by Deepti Megh and Saket Ghaisas

• Udka chi Tanki by Swapnil A.

Goa is celebrated for its vibrant art festivals like Serendipity and a rich art community with art schools and galleries. But have you heard of

Kaavi Art?

Kaavi Art, Picture credits: Parnavi Bangar

Kaavi Kale, or Kaavi art, is a traditional mural art form native to Goa. Known for its terracotta-colored intricate patterns against stark white backgrounds, on the inner walls of old temples and churches. 

What made Kaavi art possible was Goa’s abundant laterite stone. Craftsmen ground the Tambadi Mati (laterite dust) into a pigment, which, combined with lime and mud, became the foundation for this art. This tradition flourished in Hindu temples and church interiors, and remnants can still be found in places like the Lady of Rosary Church and the Museum of Christian Art (MOCA).

The process of creating Kaavi art was labor-intensive and required skill.

Walls were first plastered with white shell-based lime, followed by a layer of Kaavi paste. Patterns were then carved into this wet layer, revealing the white plaster beneath.

The artwork was then cured for weeks, with local stones used to tap and polish the surface, increasing its life.

Today, Kaavi art is almost forgotten. Many local craftsmen are no longer familiar with its original techniques. However, efforts to conserve and revive this art are taken and stencil-work is done in some churches to conserve the art form. Organizations like MOCA are conducting workshops to reintroduce Kaavi art to the people. Although modern methods were used in this workshop, they bring much-needed attention to this forgotten tradition.

Next time you visit a Goan church, take a closer look at its walls. You might just find the timeless beauty of Kaavi Kale quietly waiting to tell its story.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Picture Credits: Parnavi Bangar

Know more about Kaavi Art.

Know more about Goa and art in Goa.

know more about our projects in Goa or Toybox, Villa in Goa is available for Sale.

PC: Parnavi Bangar

The owl house cafe close to our Toybox Villa, available for sale now, has become a favourite spot for our office meet-ups and onsite lunches. Of all the cafes in Goa, this is special. It is the perfect spot for a calming afternoon after a busy day on site. The peaceful atmosphere of simple living, roof detailing and vibrant wall art & paintings feel refreshing.

What truly makes The Owl House Café special is that they give opportunities to individuals with neurological conditions, offering them a supportive environment. They also host courses, therapies, and training sessions for similar individuals.

They have a lovely souvenir shop at the back with handmade goods from bookmarks to jewellery. All made by differently able, giving them a platform with a supportive environment.

Owl House Cafe is the combination of great food, peaceful surroundings, and a heartwarming purpose. Here’s a glimpse of our recent office meetup there! If you're in Goa or you're living in Goa, this is our recommendation to enjoy the slow living life in Goa.

Read more such blogs

PC Parnavi Bangar

A compelling statue of Abbe Faria has been standing in the middle of a public square in Panjim, for 75 years, depicting him hypnotizing a woman. At a liminal place, between the current Panjim city and the history of Goa, with a forgotten legacy.  

Abbe Faria

(31 May 1756 – 20 September 1819)

was a Goan Catholic priest and one of the pioneers in the scientific study of hypnotism. Born José Custódio de Faria in Candolim, Bardez, Goa, he moved to Lisbon with his father in 1771.

Convincing the King of Portugal to support his studies, he went to Rome to pursue the priesthood, earning a doctorate and another degree focused on the Holy Spirit.

Faria departed from the then-popular theory of "magnetic fluid" in hypnotism, emphasizing instead the power of suggestion and the concept of autosuggestion. He demonstrated that what he termed "nervous sleep" was a natural state, laying the groundwork for modern hypnotism.

Faria’s impact extended beyond his scientific work; he also inspired the character Abbé Faria in Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel "The Count of Monte Cristo." In the novel, the character is an imprisoned priest who teaches the protagonist various skills, reflecting Faria's real-life intellectual legacy.

PC Gaurav Sawant

Interestingly, the statue's location across from the gaudy casino boats on the Mandovi River offers a striking contrast. This juxtaposition encourages tourists to consider Goa beyond its party image, appreciating its rich history and Panjim’s historic urban fabric. The statue is hard to miss for those living in Goa or driving into Panjim, forgotten but in plain sight.

At Grounded, we design villas in Goa that embrace the cultural roots of the state. Each of our projects reflects the essence of living in Goa, connecting with the rich heritage and slow, peaceful ‘Sussegad’ lifestyle. You’ll find home objects familiar to Goa in every corner of our designs, from rooster-shaped water jugs to coconut shell spoons and charming terracotta figurines. 

To find these unique artifacts we love to go treasure hunting at the special Friday market of Mapusa in North Goa. A labyrinth of streets, the market is filled with local flavor and vigor. Village ladies travel from all over Goa to sell their wares, local produce, and home-cooked goodies. 

mapusa market, north goa

In the bylanes, there is a section dedicated to the local terracotta pottery only on Fridays. Along with the famous Goan terracotta roof figurines, one can find other lovely pieces of pottery like terracotta wall hangings, Ghumotts (terracotta musical instruments), piggy banks, pots, and a lot more. It is the pinnacle of local arts and crafts. The collection keeps changing as new designs and new pieces are made. Every item is handmade, showcasing craftsmanship and offering a glimpse into the traditional Goan way of life.

Terracotta pottery and figurines

Whether you’re looking for unique Goan home décor or simply want to immerse yourself in retail therapy, this market is a must-visit for finding Goan treasures in North Goa. Everything from local pottery to everyday life is available here in one place. 

Read more about the Mapusa market here. 

Read about the significance of Terracotta Figurines. 

At Grounded, where our office has been in Goa since 2010, we often go on heritage walks and bird-watching expeditions as a team to get to know each other as well as to get to know Goa. This time, we ventured into South Goa, villages of Assolna and Velim for a heritage walk organized by the Museum of Christian Art. Headed by Clive Figueiredo and Noah Fernandes. Our walk began at the Holy Cross Chapel Baradi, with stunning views of the area that we were about to explore. Followed by St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim, and Regina Martyrum Church, Assolna. 

Goa has more spoken traditions than written records. One such cultural tradition makes Velim village, important for the locals. The Churches here are not as elaborate as the churches in the north or other parts of Goa but have a historical importance. We started with St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim established in the 19th century. The facade of this chapel has a bell tower at the top center which is neoclassical, and has minimal features having IHS insignia. The facade can also be counted as Art Deco in Goa because of the sunburst on the sides. 

As we went inside the Church we were briefed about the iconography associated with elaborate features of the structure. For example, in Asolna the majority of locals are shipbearers so the Our Lady in the church holds a silver or wooden carved ship in her hand. We also learned about dying features like the Pulpit. Which is not in use anymore and some churches are removing those elements. In this church, because the staircase on the other side of the wall leading to the pulpit is now removed, it just floats on the wall with no way to access it. 

Pulpit

As the time passes, both the churches have gone through some modifications. We learned how by observing the color, sometimes the material, and intricacy in ornamentation we can tell the time period of that object. Both the churches we visited were of a different time -so we could observe the variations in detail and changes done over time. 

Our final stop was Regina Martyrum Church, Assolna. There is photographic evidence of this church having a fort wall remains in its premises back in the day. This chapel was more elaborate and huge with its school premises, offices, cemetery, and the Cristo Rei monument! We learned about the church and its mosaic tiles, wooden carvings, and iconography. One of the most fascinating moments of the walk was exploring the closet of ceremonial items inside the church building. 

It was a very good effort by the Museum of Christian Art to bring together a group of interested people from different backgrounds. We were also accompanied by residents from the Museum of Christian Art Society for the walk. The heritage walk was not just for architects, it was a wonderful gathering of local enthusiasts, conservationists, and historians, all passionate about Goa's rich cultural fabric. Whether you're living in Goa or you are new to Goa, this heritage walk can help you connect with the city a little better.

Holy Cross Chapel, Baradi

St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim

Regina Martyrum Church, Assolna

Cristo Rei, Assolna

Read more about South Goa and Goan Heritage

During a recent visit to HH Art Spaces in Aldona, Goa opened in 2014, I saw the ‘Déjà vu’ exhibition, which was a part of a few live performances. This exhibition, photographed by Shivani Gupta, with a focus on performances using masks as props beautifully captured the essence of live performances. The photographs preserved the emotions and energy of the performances, allowing viewers to engage with themes of identity and change even after the live acts ended. One photograph of the exhibit particularly stood out to me, it was Farah Naz Moon’s performance with a green paper sheet.

In this simple piece Called 'How to live together?’, the artist held a large sheet of green paper that moved with her breath and the wind, seemingly merging her with the background. The paper gently covered her face, blurring her identity while locating her presence in the space. Like she was becoming one with her surroundings, not by disappearing but by blending into the context around her.

How to live together?

This reminded me of our architectural practice- Grounded in Goa. When we design villas in Goa, especially with projects that engage with the natural beauty of the land like the House with Three Pavilions and Nivim, we strive for something similar. Architecture that doesn’t dominate but complements. We don’t hide the building behind metaphorical paper sheets, but we design in a way that responds to the environment. 

Spaces that belong

HH Art Spaces

If you're in Goa and love art, be sure to visit HH Art Spaces in Aldona. Located beside a beautiful St. Thomas’ Church with a stunning view, they showcase exhibitions that bring together contemporary art and performance. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, young artists, and art collectors looking to explore something unique.

St. Thomas’ Church