Raj Vilas: A Historic Mysore Bungalow's Revival as a Timeless Retreat
In the vibrant city of Mysore, India, a historic bungalow known as Raj Vilas has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a dilapidated structure into a cherished weekend sanctuary. Initially envisioned as a boutique hotel, this residence, owned by the descendants of Mysore's former Maharaja, Aditya Guru Dev and Samyukta Lakshmi, now serves as a private family retreat. The restoration project, spearheaded by designer Shruti Jaipuria of MAIA Design Studio and conservation architect Sanjog Shetty, meticulously blends historical accuracy with contemporary comfort, creating a truly authentic experience. Every detail, from the bird-inspired bedroom colors to the carefully chosen antique furnishings, reflects a deep respect for the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage, ensuring that Raj Vilas stands as a testament to timeless design and thoughtful preservation.
The meticulous revival of Raj Vilas was a journey of passion and precision, beginning in 2019. The aim was not merely to renovate but to resurrect the bungalow's original splendor while adapting it for modern living. Designer Shruti Jaipuria immersed herself in Mysore's avian diversity, translating the hues of local birds—such as the soft ochre of a yellow-throated bulbul and the vibrant blues of an Indian roller—into the distinctive color palette for each bedroom. This unique approach imbues the home with a sense of place and narrative, making the interior spaces feel deeply connected to their natural surroundings. The family's decision to transform the property into a personal haven rather than a commercial venture underscored their commitment to preserving its soul and creating a space that genuinely resonated with their history and preferences.
A Symphony of Restoration and Design
The journey of revitalizing Raj Vilas was an ambitious undertaking, meticulously executed by a team dedicated to preserving its historical essence. Conservation architect Sanjog Shetty, a long-time friend of Guru Dev, embarked on a comprehensive structural restoration. The bungalow, despite its strong foundational elements, showed significant signs of age, including decaying roof rafters, worn window frames, and crumbling lime cornices. Shetty's approach was one of reverence: he carefully removed later additions, reapplied lime mortar to the plaster, and reconstructed the pitched roof using traditional Mangalore tiles. Salvaged timber was treated and reused, ensuring that the building retained its original character and structural integrity. This commitment to authentic construction techniques was crucial, as Shetty believed that without it, the restoration would lack the true spirit of the edifice.
The interior design, led by Shruti Jaipuria, mirrored this dedication to authenticity. Jaipuria's vision was to restore and replicate elements wherever possible, ensuring that new interventions seamlessly blended with the existing historical fabric. The team studied traditional Mysore interiors, reintroducing details like the distinctive three-foot-high colored bands along the walls, which now carry each room's unique color story inspired by local birds. Furniture was a blend of meticulously sourced antiques from cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kerala, alongside custom pieces crafted to match the original aesthetic. Even modern amenities were integrated with a vintage sensibility, such as colonial-inspired bathrooms and kitchens featuring period-appropriate fixtures and brass fittings. The emphasis on comfort was paramount, proving that historical design could coexist harmoniously with contemporary living without sacrificing either.
Crafting a Timeless Interior
The interior of Raj Vilas is a testament to timeless elegance, meticulously curated to reflect the bungalow's rich history while offering modern comfort. Designer Shruti Jaipuria's guiding principle was to restore and replicate, ensuring that every new addition honored the original structure. This meant meticulously matching new doors, windows, and POP moldings to their antique counterparts, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between the old and the new. The original 120-year-old staircase, a central feature, was carefully preserved, with only the landing railings being replaced to perfectly complement its historic design. Throughout the home, terra-cotta flooring by Royal Engraved Tiles provides a consistent, earthy foundation that enhances the vintage aesthetic, while lighting fixtures from Hesperus and Prism add subtle illumination that highlights the architectural details. This harmonious blend of preservation and thoughtful intervention ensures that the bungalow's interior remains a captivating journey through time, rich in character and authentic charm.
Beyond the architectural elements, the artistic and decorative pieces within Raj Vilas tell their own compelling stories, drawing deeply from the region's cultural legacy. Jaipuria discovered the Sri Tattva Nidhi, a historical compilation of art, music, and literature by Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, and reproduced prints from it now adorn the walls, connecting the home to the royal heritage of Mysore. The bungalow also features exquisite Kinnala dolls, sourced from a 500-year-old woodcraft cluster in Koppal, adding a unique touch of traditional Indian artistry. Furniture, carefully selected from antique dealers across India and complemented by pieces from Saanchi, Gulmohar Lane, Mahendra Doshi, and Accurate Antiques, is arranged to create inviting spaces under skylights and in sitting rooms, each piece contributing to a distinct narrative. The kitchen and bathrooms evoke a colonial charm, with modern fixtures designed to appear vintage, set against Basel tile floors and brass fittings that echo the early 20th century. This holistic approach to design ensures that every element, from the grand staircase to the smallest decorative doll, contributes to an immersive experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply rooted in historical and cultural significance, without compromising on contemporary functionality.