India’s favourite showman couturier, Rohit Bal, presents his oeuvre in a rather domestic setting. Bal’s latest project will involve designing One City Group’s Sagrados Luxury Villas in Goa. It will be located in the heart of Morjim in North Goa, and close to Ashwem beach on the banks of the river Chapora. “Sagrados means sacred in Portuguese and, to me, designing this project is something very close to my heart,” says Bal. “My passion for beauty and my passion for Goa is what has resulted in Sagrados,” he adds. “Beauty is really all about purity for me, purity of the soul and thought. And, to me, Goa is a trip if you know what I mean. It represents a particular kind of a charm, a freedom, a sense of lazy sensuality, a warm spirit,” says the designer who claims that these villas will be an expression—and a colourful extension—of his personality. “Think gorgeous cobblestone pathways, arched doors and windows and lushly textured warm coloured walls,” he says.
Not only will the project showcase a smart reinterpretation of Goa’s multi-cultural rich architectural legacy but it will be a clever amalgamation of the best of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese aestheticism. “The inspiration and the style of Sagrados actually comes from any sleepy, lazy Mediterranean village where time stands still, where nothing else matters, except our space and our world.”
Designed by Delhi-based Jyoti Rath Architects, and a team led by Bal, the 12 villas will be spread over 6,900 sqm space. “It is like a fantasy, a dreamland that I am trying to create. I’m trying to make this a gorgeous space with my philosophy of peace, quiet and serenity.” That seems certain. Each villa—set to be complete by 2016—will be spread over two spacious floors, a plunge pool, jacuzzi and a terrace with gorgeous views.
The project is floated by Ashish Singh of One City Promoters that is known to create state-of-the-art townships across the country. “Something like Sagrados is meant for travel aficionados who value the beauty of distinctive design. This project is an extension of Rohit Bal’s dynamic personality and showcases his love for opulence and luxe living.” he says.
Bal says that all he is trying to do is create a space that we call home. With the gentle waft of the sea waves teasing our ankles and the sound of chirping birds and the smell of mangroves around us, it might just be a fabulous idea to make Goa our home.