theidealhomeandgarden.com

...they were the best part of Shakuntala and Ramesh Gopinath’s Kodi home

Impressions and Images : Aruna Rathod

A cool climate, plenty of greenery and colourful flowers, a great view of plunging valleys on the outside - Shakuntala (known as Shaku by friends) and Rameesh Gopinath’s bungalow in Kodaikanal has it all.
Drive up a steep slope and the stone-walled bungalow is reminiscent of England with its picturesque white windows and tiled roof, colourful garden, lawn and neatly kept potted plants on both sides of the driveway.
Shaku’s inherent sense of beauty and her growing up years have all translated into the beauty of the bungalow. “My interest in a good home and garden goes back to my childhood. My father worked as a manager in the tea plantations of Sri Lanka and the Nilgiris. I had the good fortune and experience of living in sprawling bungalows each one with its own charm, beauty and elegance.
“Even as a child I noticed how every thing was spic and span. The furniture was all antique, the gardens were beautiful and had a serenity of their own. Since we had fai­thful servants, maintaining these large properties was not an issue at all.”

A well-polished wooden floor, soft lights and pastel shades all make the living room inviting. French windows bring in the greenery while the stone walls, fire place and interesting corners add to the personality of the room. A tall bamboo twig that has turned light brown, placed in an urn, lends an interesting element to the sitting area. “I just cut the twig when it is green and place it indoors, then with time it turns brown but I love the look,” says Shaku.

Inspite of the spacious interiors, Shaku didn’t go in for the typical large sofa sets. There are loose pieces of wooden furniture, some of them with a woven back lend a light feel to the room. “I blend  some new and some old pieces of furniture by placing them at vantage points,” says Shaku.

The good life was naturally reflected in her bungalow. The house has a medium-sized garden with a lovely lawn and a tiny pond too. A patio, large living room, dining area, guest bedroom are all on the ground level while the family room and three bedrooms are on the first floor. Each room has a different view of the flora and fauna around thanks to the French windows – some of it created by the Gopinaths while some of it natural.

A staircase takes one up the bedrooms, and the landing has a few artefacts and plants that are a continuity of the beauty existing at all levels in the house. The family room is placed centrally making it a meeting point outside the three bedrooms. It has the work station, television, library and a rocking chair.
Daughter Shreya’s room is in pink and has a bay window to enjoy the view, while son Mithran’s room is a typical boy’s room with a sit out and posters of Bob Marley and his medals, trophies he has won being in athletics.
The best compliments that Shaku receives regarding her beautiful home are from her family, friends and her architect.  “My husband appreciates my sense of aesthetics, which is very encouraging and I like his attention to details.” she says. A great combination of talent that makes for a fine home.