Villa Lisbao

Go back in time to the days of Goa’s colonial past. Villa Lisbao, tucked away in a quiet Arpora village, is a 400 year old heritage property, which has survived battles with the Marathas. Its historical roots are strong. To this day, you will see a small arch-shaped cut-out for rifles in one of the doors. The house has also seen the age of the hippies. The owner, who is a famous author and historian, worked with the architect Rochelle Santimano to restore and redesign this North Goa villa, but with careful attention to retain many of its original architecture and designs.

Spread over 21,000-square-feet, Villa Lisbao is “a cocoon in itself”. You will be surrounded by outdoor areas that include a swimming pool, barbeque, front garden, and a huge place where small events can be held. The neighborhood is very serene and quiet. The villa is very close to Baga beach, and yet, away from the crowds.

Villa Description

Staying in this villa is a luxury experience through which you can learn about Goa tumultuous history and enjoy many Portuguese delights.

• Traditional Portuguese façade
• Interior with an elegant décor
• 4 bedrooms
• Spread over 21,000 square feet
• House covers 4,500 square feet
• Private swimming pool
• Barbecue area
• Lush tropical garden

Bedrooms – Villa Lisbao has 4 bedrooms for 8 guests. A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated. The walls are almost two-feet thick, which means you have more privacy compared to hotel rooms. Also, these thick walls keep the rooms naturally cool. All the 4 bedrooms have king beds. They have different color themes, which make them unique. All the bedrooms are also air-conditioned. The upholstery is made from block print fabrics and recycled saris, purchased from Mapusa and Panjim. The artwork is also from the local Goan artists.

Bathrooms – The bathrooms all have showers. Bespoke toiletries, hand towels, face towels, bath towels, and pool towels are provided.

Living Room – The living room is a huge hall complete with a sofa, two couches, and a TV. There is a reading corner with an antique chair, rug, and a lamp. You will also find a study desk by the far window. Throughout the house, you will find plenty of books on shelves or on tables. Some of them are rare books. The lanterns have been sourced from an antique vendor who has rescued them from old Goan houses. The room has the traditional terracotta flooring and wooden-beamed ceiling. You will also find several other smaller lounging areas, often with old paintings of Goa.

Dining, Kitchen – The dining room has an eight-sitter antique table, which also comes from the personal collection of the villa owner. The chairs have been sourced from an antique dealer. The bench adds a warm, modern touch to the dining space. Originally, the kitchen was in a narrow corridor outside the bedrooms. It is now a lounge area, complete with a daybed and side-tables. The new kitchen is in an old storeroom outside the main house. The ceramic tiles here are inspired by traditional Portuguese azulejos.

Swimming Pool – Villa Lisbao’s exterior is divided into various zones. The first zone is a beautiful garden with a lovely chickoo tree. A grey stone pathway leads around towards the kitchen. There is a separate gate to enter the backyard. A pathway leads to the swimming pool, which used to be a small 8-shaped pond. Sprinkled through the trees are hand-woven lanterns.

Services, Amenities

• Breakfast included
• Satellite televisions
• Wi-Fi internet
• Private swimming pool
• Hot water in the bathrooms
• Towels and toiletries
• Fresh linens and pillows
• All the rooms are air-conditioned
• 24x7 security
• Power backup
• Hair dryers

Neighborhood

Villa Lisbao is at Arpora in North Goa. You will be only a 5-minute drive from the Baga beach, which has many nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, massage centers, tattoo parlors, and supermarkets. You can walk down to the Benz Celebrity Wax Museum and the Arpora Saturday Night Market.

Good For

• History buffs
• Antique and culture lovers
• Luxury stay with privacy
• Eco-friendly living