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The splendour of Goan houses
ETW Staff - Goa
Besides sun and sand, Goa boasts of having the most elegant
and prominent houses, many of them built in the 18th and the 19th century. The
Goans have used locally available leaterite and seasoned wood, which has helped
them build spacious houses with arched windows and intricate railings. In most
of the houses they have a 'balcao', which is like an open space in front, where
visitors were made to seat and converse.
Goa-based tour operator Rene Mendes, says, "Besides enjoying the Goan atmosphere,
a visit to the colonial Goan architecture house would add to the splendour of
the visit."
Goan houses also normally contain a large reception hall, bedrooms, a large
kitchen and a well-ventilated storeroom. In certain families till today, earthenware
pots are used for cooking and the critics say that it gives better flavour to
the Goan dishes. Garden potted plants surround many of the prominent Goan mansions.
These houses are normally white-washed after the monsoon and ready for the on-coming
festival season.
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