Kolkata, West Bengal

Ayesh

Country house named by none other than Satyajit Ray

Ayesh is a revival of the traditional Bengali Baganbari—a country house set within an acre and a half estate in Barasat. Originally built in 1950 and named by filmmaker Satyajit Ray, the house served as a retreat for its previous owner, Dr. Adi Gazder. When Kham Consultants began restoration in 2006, the 1650 sq ft structure was dilapidated, yet retained the essential vocabulary of a Baganbari—a central house surrounded by gardens, oriented to the True North, with high sills, deep verandas, and minimal interiors.

Our design sensitively opened- up the structure by removing grilles, lowering sill levels, and introducing large windows to reconnect the indoors with the landscape. A sculptural steel staircase was added in place of the damaged original, and a new bedroom suite was inserted while retaining the integrity of the existing levels. Locally made bricks and terracotta were used throughout, grounding the architecture in its regional context.

The landscape plan was guided entirely by existing trees. A meandering, Ashoka-lined driveway leads to the terracotta Tulsi Mancha. The boundary wall, caretaker’s house and garage now showcase artwork inspired by the central bottlebrush tree. Water drainage was reworked using natural slopes, and composting pits were introduced for sustainability.

The thatched Gol Ghar, with its original railway benches and garden table, remains untouched, and is restored every five years. With its layered history and minimal interventions, Ayesh quietly preserves the spirit of a true Bengali country house while adapting it for contemporary use.

PROJECT STATUS

Built

Size

1.5 acres

Completion of the project

2008