BACKWATERS OF MAPUSA RIVER
Casa Britona
Boutique, heritage
Indo-Portuguese homestay
Time travel to Goa of the past and experience the sussegado way of life at Casa Britona by The Férias House, a boutique, heritage Indo-Portuguese homestay, magnificently perched in a typical fishing village kissing the backwaters of the Mandovi River. This meticulously restored haven harks back to over 300 years, showcasing 8 rooms bedecked with vintage furniture housing indoor and outdoor sit outs, sumptuous salas, manicured lawns with a swimming pool and pavilion - set against the pristine backdrop of the bucolic surroundings.
The space
Nestled amidst lush palm trees and verdant tropical foliage in glorious seclusion, Casa Britona by The Férias House is an exceptional eight-bedroom villa which boasts the most breathtaking, panoramic views of the Mandovi River. Decorated with flair and surrounded by some of the most sublime Goan countryside, it captures the spirit of the Portuguese aristocracy of yore. Set in the sleepy village of Britona, you can live like a local as you explore this beautiful corner of Goa, and experience typical Goan life as it's been lived for centuries – laid back, languid, and relaxed under the warm sunshine. The classic colonnade structure with terracotta roof tiles of Casa Britona creates an atmosphere of stability and serenity. Outside, the capacious poolside pavilion and al fresco dining by the river provides ample seating and lounging for everyone, while the surrounding garden begs to be explored. A large outdoor swimming pool is floodlit at night, ideal for a swim beneath the stars. The beautifully-lit terrace is a haven of warm ambience and splendour as the night draws in, peppered with cosy lounge areas showcasing spectacular vistas. Inside, the home is composed of a combination of gorgeous, traditional patterned tiles – as well as wooden and IPS floors, striped feature walls, hand-painted wall motifs, and vibrant colours. A choice of two elegant, light-filled and generously-sized salas or living areas (one on the ground floor and one on the first) – offers plenty of room for the whole family to cosy up, complete with plush sofas and armchairs, and beautiful dark wood furnishings. Creating a wonderful setting to relax and connect, these spaces are a refuge of comfort, illuminated by chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces, and lavishly decorated with Baroque-style furnishings, gilded mirror frames, as well as artworks and murals which breathe life into the walls. Vintage artefacts and objets d’art complement the quaint vibe of this home, while heirlooms coexist with thrift-buys and old-fashioned bric-a-brac across the space. The sala on the first level provides a cosy nook to gather around the high-definition Smart TV. From here, you can step out onto the sunny terrace – a place to enjoy a quiet coffee or even an al fresco meal with the backdrop of the Mandovi River, contained within the pristine, bucolic surroundings. This regal villa's eight bedrooms (with nine beds) showcase individual character, opulently designed using traditional colour palettes, beautiful antiques, rich fabrics, and ornately-carved bed frames and furniture. All bedroom suites boast king-sized beds, sumptuous linens, private ensuite bathrooms, and both – individual indoor and outdoor private seating areas. Glorious French doors in practically every room ensure the spaces are flooded with sunlight, and the outdoors is only just a few steps away. Step outside the front door and you will find an abundance of attractions and landmarks within easy reach. Enjoy a spot of retail therapy as well as a multitude of new-age, gourmet cafes and restaurants in the historic UNESCO Heritage Zone of Fontainhas (also known as Goa’s Latin Quarters), which is known for narrow lanes full of colourful Portuguese villas with balconies and red-tiled roofs – or discover the unique artworks within the Museum of Christian Art, or explore the abandoned Reis Magos Fort – all within close proximity of this premise. Casa Britona is extraordinary – a true classical Indo-Portuguese masterpiece that is as elegant and grandiose today, as when it was first built over 300 years ago.