In the tradition of old sprawling joint family homes, Kariappa House also has different apartments and buildings that flow into one another. It is a cluster of interconnected houses in a half acre land, interspersed with tropical gardens and courtyards and a covered swimming pool.
We spent 5 years restoring and re-creating all the houses in a mix of traditional and contemporary styles which resonated with us and used natural material like wood and stone and lime. The interiors have been furnished with antique furniture, rich Indian textiles, locally made pieces of ceramic and art.
Two of the structures are restored Tamil Houses, the main house is re-created in a typical Franco-tamil style and the more contemporary 1970s addition has been modified into a bungalow which is called MANTRA.
Luscious tropical garden, water bodies, courtyards and a lap pool create fluid space around the houses, giving sufficient privacy to each.
The family does not live here full time and hence most of the houses/rooms are now unoccupied. Some areas are retained as private quarters.