How We Fell in Love with a Museum-cum-Homestay in South Goa That Pre-dates the Taj Mahal

If you have been to Goa, you would be aware that this state is well known for it's hidden gems. One such place in South Goa is the village of 'Loutolim'. And the most eye catching house located amidst paddy fields is the iconic 'Figueiredo House'.

The Figueiredo House is a legendary mansion which stands in pride not just for South Goa, but for entire India. Let us take you back to the time when the Portuguese invaded India.

The Figueiredo Mansion was built in the year 1590 (80 years after the Portuguese came to Goa). Yes, you read that right! Standing steady with pride and honor for last 430 years, when this mansion was built, this world was quite a different place. Emperor Akbar had just invaded India. Forget about discovery of gravity, Sir Issac Newton wasn't even born. William Shakespeare had just begun writing his poems and plays, and the British was far, far away from setting their first colony in India. It's much older than we could ever imagine.

The Figueiredo family has opened its doors to guests worldwide, offering a breathtaking museum that takes you back to the 1590's era and an inn for experiencing vintage stays! They had initially opened 5 rooms for it's guests whose decor and vibes takes you back to the Indo- Portuguese ere. Now, this has been further extended with the opening of a few more rooms for the guests with a family pool as well!

The Figueiredo House is a 430 years old Indo-Portuguese mansion in the lilting town of Loutolim in Goa

As you enter into the gates of this 430 years mansion, it's pistachio green colored walls with brownish-red roof will welcome you with wide stairs case giving a royal king-like feeling!

The royal vibes which the guests feel here are completely unmatched and will cherish for a long, long time!

The Figueiredo's have not left a corner in the entire house, which would make you feel ordinary.

The common area is studded with antiques, vintage furniture, paintings and warm colors. Large windows would make sure the area is well ventilated. How about enjoying a hot masala tea here?

How about an special home-made Goan lunch with your special one?

The irresistible Prawns and lemon rice. All the meals that are cooked by the staff here is guided, instructed and prepared under the supervision of Fatima - who manages the entire house, and is a lovely lady to interact with!

The dining area sets a perfect mood for that lavish grand dinner underneath the shimmering chandelier.

The dining area hosts high-tea and formal dinners as well! The windows open to paddy fields outside on the opposite side of the road.

The rooms in the mansion are as luxurious as one may need with the real feel of vintage decor. They are fully furnished, well air-conditioned, spacious, and has a bathroom equipped with all the modern amenities. The large colonial bed would make sure you sleep comfortably and get up stress free!

They are all named after the illustrious women of the house.

Not just the museum, but several areas of the house has Italian Terracotta tiles, while some have wooden flooring planned for insulation and ventilation.

The furniture is made up of first class teak wood from the richest parts of the country, which still preserved with utmost care.

The Figueiredo family has contributed immensely to Goa, with family members who were lawyers, diplomats, ambassadors, members of the Portuguese parliament and of Goa’s legislature.

There's also an indoor garden which was then made for maids and other workers.

The other half of the house is actually a museum which is open for all, and we genuinely recommend you to visit it even if you are not staying at The Figueiredo's house.

Every interior here is planned in detail using the first components from across the world.

The museum opens to a huge hall with a shimmering chandelier, porcelain plates hanging on the wall, vintage wooden chairs and tables with carvings on them.

There is art in each and every corner of this house and as you walk around the house through those corridors, old vases, photo frames, paintings, Chinaware, and even the tiles will grab your attention.

You are free to click pictures here while you grab some knowledge and facts about the place.

You just cannot take off your eyes from these artistic masterpieces which are as old as the house.

The house is owned by the Figueiredo family, and till date they stay in the house reliving the stories of the past and rejoicing it's grandeur.