Ekaant: A Secluded Hilltop Villa Redefining Tranquility and Nature-Inspired Design in Alibaug
Perched on a serene hilltop in Alibaug, the 3,500-square-foot villa named Ekaant is more than a luxurious retreat—it’s a haven of peace and introspection. Crafted by the visionary duo Sachin and Shami Goregaoker of GA Design, Ekaant perfectly captures the essence of simplicity and serenity. True to its name, which means "quietude," the villa masterfully integrates rustic, nature-inspired interiors with stunning valley views, offering an ideal sanctuary from Mumbai's frenetic pace and an environment that fosters deep reflection and tranquility.
A Refuge of Tranquility
Ekaant’s essence lies in its profound serenity. The villa is enveloped in the soothing sounds of nature, where the chirping of birds and the gentle patter of rain replace the noise of city life. Surrounded by a picturesque blend of sky blue and valley green, the villa exudes a peaceful ambiance that permeates the entire property. The name ‘Ekaant,’ meaning quietude, is not just a label but a true reflection of the villa’s core purpose—to serve as a sacred space for relaxation, introspection, and family bonding.
Design in Perfect Harmony with Nature
The architectural design of Ekaant is a seamless integration of natural materials, organic shapes, and earthy color tones. The villa’s large windows perfectly frame the surrounding valley’s stunning views, allowing the natural beauty to take center stage. The design brief given to Sachin and Shami Goregaoker emphasized the creation of spacious bedrooms, open areas for yoga, and interiors that are minimalist yet warm and inviting.
The veranda, adorned with printed tiles from Gujarat and cane lights from Claymango, offers an ideal spot to soak in the valley views. Inside, a combination of custom-made furniture, crafted in collaboration with Rustic Home Mumbai, and earthy pieces sourced from Bali, complements the villa’s rustic charm. The designers focused on creating an uncluttered, airy environment where light and wind flow freely, enhancing the overall sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
Celebrating Nature Through Design
The interiors of Ekaant are a celebration of natural materials and earthy aesthetics. The leather-textured Kota stone floors add a rustic, unfinished charm that harmonizes with the villa’s overall design. Pale textured walls provide a subtle backdrop for the exposed brick and wood rafters, which are central to the villa’s aesthetic. Cotton upholstery and linen curtains maintain a cool and comfortable atmosphere, while custom-made rustic wood cabinets and bamboo pendant lights add a touch of artisanal craftsmanship.
The villa’s furniture is a carefully curated mix of custom-made pieces and items sourced from Bali. The center tables in the living room, crafted from wood cut in florets, stand out as a unique feature, adding an element of natural beauty to the décor. Decorative accents, including woven baskets, terracotta pots, and stoneware, further enhance the organic ambiance, staying true to the villa’s nature-inspired theme.
Thoughtful Space Planning for Relaxation
The Goregaokers took an existing structure and transformed it into Ekaant by making thoughtful changes that enhanced both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. They expanded the bedrooms to create a more spacious feel, rearranged the kitchen and dining room to optimize flow, and added decorative elements to the façade to enhance the villa’s visual appeal. The result is a space that feels both expansive and intimate, with every corner designed to invite relaxation and contemplation.
The ground floor of the villa houses the kitchen, guest room, study, and dining room. The dining room, with its weathered-effect table and chairs from Bali and cane and bamboo lights from Claymango, exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. The living room, featuring a sloped, double-height ceiling, leather-finished Kota floor, and cane pendant lamps, is a central gathering space where the family can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Seamlessly Blending Indoors with Outdoors
One of Ekaant’s most striking features is its seamless integration with the outdoors. The living room and adjacent bar open onto a veranda that overlooks the pool, offering an ideal setting for languid days spent basking in the valley views. The son’s bedroom, located on the ground floor, shares the same open view, creating a deep sense of connection with the natural world.
Upstairs, the master bedroom and daughter’s bedroom are accessed via a wooden staircase with skylights, which add warmth and natural light to the space. The color palette throughout the villa is a soothing mix of beige, white, and earthy brown, with tranquil green and grey accents in the children’s bedrooms. These carefully chosen hues reflect the natural tones of the surrounding landscape, bringing a touch of the outdoors into each room.
Crafting a Retreat for Mindful Living
Ekaant is designed not just as a holiday home but as a space for mindful living. The Goregaokers envisioned the villa as a retreat where the family could disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature and each other. The absence of network connectivity is seen as a blessing, providing uninterrupted moments of calm and reflection. This mindful approach to design ensures that Ekaant is a place where simplicity, thoughtful design, and the beauty of the natural world come together to create a sanctuary from the demands of everyday life.
Conclusion:
Ekaant stands as a testament to the transformative power of nature-inspired design. This serene villa in Alibaug offers a perfect retreat where simplicity, thoughtful design, and the beauty of the natural world converge. It is a place designed for quiet reflection and rejuvenation, providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In Ekaant, the family can truly connect with nature, finding peace and calm in the tranquil surroundings.
Image source- architecturaldigest.in