If you love heritage homes with character, this one in North Goa will instantly catch your eye. In a March 2 Instagram video shared by Tpb Realty, a beautifully restored Indo-Portuguese villa in Moira, North Goa, takes centre stage. They wrote, “A designer bought a crumbling home in north Goa that nobody wanted.” (Also read: ₹16 crore Mumbai penthouse filled with global art and handmade pieces by her kids”>Step inside Sunny Leone’s ‘LA-style’ ₹16 crore Mumbai penthouse filled with global art and handmade pieces by her kids )
Spread across 700 sqm, the five-bedroom home features lime-plastered walls, an original balcao and a serene pool that blends heritage charm with laid-back luxury. Let’s take a look inside this timeless Goan retreat.
What makes the entrance so captivating
The entrance alone sets the tone for what unfolds inside this restored villa. Vintage cast iron lion sculptures sit proudly atop crisp white pillars, lending the gateway a storybook-like charm. Creepers spill gently over the compound walls, while lantern-style lights and carved wooden details enhance the old-world appeal.
Step through the doors and you’re greeted by a serene balcao, the traditional Goan sit-out that forms the soul of the home. With built-in seating, a solid rustic wooden door and arched windows outlined in soft pastel trims, the space feels both intimate and inviting. Exposed wooden rafters and a tiled sloping roof add texture and warmth, while sunlight filters in naturally, creating a calm, airy atmosphere. The restoration team placed special emphasis on preserving authenticity here, retaining the original columns and roof beams to protect the structural integrity and historical character of the villa.
How the villa balance heritage craftsmanship with modern living
Beyond the porch, the craftsmanship throughout the property is striking. Hand-carved Burma teak railings showcase a level of detailing rarely seen in contemporary construction, while carefully restored masonry seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern durability. Every corner reflects a thoughtful balance between preservation and practicality.
What truly sets the home apart, however, is its deep respect for nature. Built under a strict no-cut policy, not a single tree was removed during construction. Instead, the architecture adapts to its surroundings, quite literally. In certain hallways, trees grow through the structure, with floors and rooflines designed to accommodate their natural course. The result is a living, breathing home that feels organically connected to the forested landscape around it.
What makes this home a true ‘living with nature’ retreat
The living spaces are finished with traditional lime plaster rather than synthetic paints, a choice that is both aesthetic and functional. Lime plaster allows the walls to breathe and helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping the home cool in Goa’s tropical climate. The dining hall, designed as a communal gathering space, features soaring ceilings and arched windows that flood the room with natural light. A skylight above the sculptural staircase casts shifting patterns of light and shadow across the walls throughout the day.
Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a private sanctuary. Defined by double-height ceilings and its own lounge area, it opens onto balconies and a rooftop terrace overlooking a canopy of treetops. Completing the retreat is a secluded private pool, framed by minimalist wooden decking and enveloped in lush greenery. It feels tranquil and intimate, a quiet escape that captures the slow, unhurried rhythm of Goan living.
