“It’s something to admire,” she adds. The staircase features a traditional Burmese teakwood balustrade with Kota stone steps. A ceramic-tiled wall runs along the staircase all the way up, while Victorian mirrors catch the eye at every turn. “My mom is a huge fan of Victorian-style mirrors.” They are unmissable, thoughtfully placed throughout the house. The dining area is the heart of the bungalow—not just metaphorically, but literally. Like many colonial-era homes, it is organised around a series of liminal spaces, with rooms radiating from a central core. These interconnected pathways were designed to encourage natural ventilation, allowing air to circulate freely while creating a fluid transition. The awning windows are also typical of this style of architecture.
The ornate chandeliers draw on Baroque influences, while the furniture is custom-made. The fireplace, too, is crafted from Burma teak, and the marble tabletop is as old as the house itself. Brass vessels sit tucked into niches, preserving the room’s antique personality.
The living area bears traces of the family’s extensive travels, including animal-motif sculptures from Bangkok, upholstery sourced during shopping excursions in Delhi, and fridge magnets collected from around the world. It holds history in high regard—with framed photographs of her ancestors displayed beside the bar. Avanti shares, “My dada used to host his friends here, and so does my father. It’s a place for gathering. One of my earliest photographs was taken here with my grandparents.” The bar is crafted from the same wood that lends the home much of its character. Nearly 40 years old, it has played host to countless soirées over the decades.
