Refurbishing an Antique: How HomeLane Helped Restore A 200-Year-Old House In Goa

Goa, the seaside abode known for its luxurious beaches, decadent shacks, and an overall laid-back Susegad culture, is also a haven for centuries-old homes. And no, we aren’t talking about the chapels and churches alone. These are expansive villas and bungalows with solid foundations and massive potential.

Despite this, many homeowners in Goa find themselves in a pickle when it comes to renovating their ancestral homes. One such case was the 200-year-old Portuguese home in the village of Aldona, a delicate yet sturdy symbol of Goan architecture that has stood the test of time.

The homeowners approached HomeLane with a clear vision: restore a historic relic to its original glory without turning it into a museum. The result is a home that reflects its vintage charm, preserves its heritage features, and still feels warm, functional, and lived-in. Read on to discover how we brought Aldona House back to life.

About the Aldona House: The Star of the Show

The house in question is a 200-year-old Portuguese heritage villa in Aldona, Goa, spread across a sprawling 20,000 square feet. The three-bedroom home features a swimming pool, lush outdoor spaces, and interiors styled entirely with restored antique furniture to preserve its original character. 

Every corner of the home tells a story of how Portuguese homes in Goa were lived in centuries ago. From the spatial planning to the furniture placement, Aldona House is a thoughtful celebration of the Goan-Portuguese heritage.

Maintaining the Vintage Touches

The most challenging part of restoring a heritage home is knowing what not to change. Which is why the HomeLane team focused on retaining original pieces and furniture that belonged to the family that once lived there. 

Some of the architectural details that were left untouched include the unique blue glass windows, shutters, pelmets, patterned flooring, and the standout handcrafted ceiling. The pieces mentioned above were carefully restored and reintroduced into the home. 

The flooring, almost carpet-like in its intricate patterns and bordered detailing, was another standout feature. Traditionally, furniture was placed within the inner borders, leaving the edges clear for movement. HomeLane followed this same logic, preserving the original flow of the space.

Colour choices were kept intentionally subtle and true to the original house. Soft blues were incorporated into the upholstery to mirror the original blue glass windows and reflect Goa’s tropical identity. The ceiling, with its unique craftsmanship, was left untouched, becoming a quiet statement piece in its own right.

Rooms Within the Manor: The Many Facets of the Home

Unlike modern living rooms that rely on sofas pushed against walls, traditional Portuguese homes featured rows of chairs arranged centrally to encourage conversation and circulation. This layout was consciously retained.

The unique pool and garden area is ideal for hosting parties and family gatherings, as well as for refreshing swims on hot summer days. The family residing in the space has made great use of it, even hosting barbecues, game nights, and movie-under-the-stars events. 

The foyer is another space decorated with unique console tables and a statement art piece, reflecting the home’s interesting nature.

The bedrooms maintain their own personality while staying rooted in the home’s character. Furniture in these rooms includes carved vintage four-poster beds with sofa seating at the foot, handwoven cane chairs, and wardrobes with intricate detailing, blending old-world charm with modern sensibilities. Even storage solutions were retained, showcasing design sensibilities rarely seen in contemporary homes.

The dining area, which overlooks the pool and garden, was designed as a visual break from the rest of the home. This also became the only space with a pop of colour and a curated art theme. It is embellished with statement art pieces across all the walls, a vintage dining space, and two hand-carved crockery units. 

How the HomeLane Transformation Took Place

The HomeLane approach to the Aldona House was rooted in respect for the structure, the materials, and the stories written on the walls. Rather than imposing a modern design language, the team worked around the home’s existing strengths.

Caption: The three bedrooms in the house have vintage four-poster beds and drapes that add an old-world charm to the areas of rest.

The transformation began with a careful assessment of the structure to ensure its longevity while preserving its original bones. Restoration across furniture, architectural details, and layout planning was prioritised. In fact, the owners spent 40 lakh on Furniture and 10 lakh on accessorising the space using linens and soft furnishings.

Modern comforts were introduced subtly. Comfortable seating was added alongside vintage pieces, lighting was upgraded without overpowering the space, and functional zones were thoughtfully defined. Outdoor areas were designed to complement the home’s social spirit. And transition spaces retained their own unique aesthetic and personality.

Throughout the process, HomeLane ensured that every design decision enhanced the home’s usability without diluting its heritage value. The result is a space that feels timeless, welcoming, and deeply personal.

The Final Word

This Aldona House stands as proof that heritage homes don’t need to be frozen in time. With the right design partner, they can evolve gracefully, preserving the past while embracing the present.

If you’re looking to restore, renovate, or reimagine a home with history, HomeLane helps you do it thoughtfully:  without losing what makes your space truly special.