Modern hotel in the reconstructed palace of the XVII century Devi Garh (India, Rajasthan): minimalism with a slight Indian accent - the predominant interior design solution

Passing the gallery

Materials: - (c) Henry Wilson

Text: Natalia Kazakova

Magazine: N4 (71) 2003

The Devi Garh Palace, built in the 18th century, is located in India, the state of Rajasthan. Located on top of a picturesque hill, it resembles the great cathedrals of medieval Europe, evoking reverent feelings with its scope and grandeur. Until recently, it seemed that the centuries of fame, chivalry and wealth of Devi Garha were forever in the past Such massive palaces and fortresses have become an unnecessary burden for their owners. The Devi Garh Palace slowly collapsed and was almost looted. However, the winds of change associated with the development of tourism touched the fabulous legendary heritage of India. In 1984, Lekha and Anupam Poddar, a mother and son from a well-known family of Indian industrialists, purchased the palace, deciding to restore it and build a modern hotel there. Subtle connoisseurs of art, the new owners decided on a bold act - to do not what the Maharaja wanted to create in the past, but what he would have created in the present century. Therefore, it is minimalism with a slight Indian accent that has become the dominant design solution in the hotel's interior. A similar idea was fully justified: "Devi Garh" is one of the most respectable hotels in the country. The palace architecture - with galleries, courtyards, towers and flat roofs - defined the originality of the interior design. The hotel has only 23 rooms. Those of them, which are decorated with white marble, can be likened to pearls in the common crown "Devi Garha". The predominance of white makes them solemn and calm: the monochrome is as if contrasted by the multicolored local landscape. The patterns on the furniture are mirrored in a Venetian mosaic on the floor. These rooms have either a bay window or a large window, from which there is a magnificent view of the mountains and flowering gardens. Landscape is an integral part of the interior of the hotel. And interspersed with semiprecious stones (malachite, lapis lazuli, etc.) and pearls in a mosaic of the floor is a defiant luxury, which is possible only in a country of immense wealth. Another type of recreation in the hotel "Devi Garh" - "garden" suites. Each one is a bedroom, garden and covered terrace. All sorts of green, dominant in decoration, soothe and tune the lyrical mood. Living in a room where a tree of life carved out of marble props up the head of the bed - it’s almost to feel like in paradise. For lovers of thrills, Devi Garh offers tents set right along the castle walls. To feel the atmosphere of bygone times, to get in touch with wildlife, having at the same time the benefits of civilized life, is a rather rare opportunity. "Devi Garh" provides it. The feeling of a starry sky above your head gives a patterned ceiling with twinkling stars created with the help of mirrors. The level of comfort is not inferior to the degree of exoticism of such a home. The tent has everything you need for a comfortable stay: telephone, heater, air conditioning system and a bathroom decorated with natural marble. The most luxurious room, deluxe suite, which area is almost 300 m², is the same name as the hotel - "Devi Garh". The room is located independently of the main building and includes a living room, two bedrooms, a private pool of black marble. The Russian merchant Afanasy Nikitin, going on a long journey beyond the three seas, wanted to find a mysterious land in which, according to rumors, precious stones were scooped by buckets, and the sun, as if on a palm, was setting on the very edge of the earth. Expecting to get rich, he prepared for many trials, but, of course, did not think that he would lose his peace forever, having once been in India, this amazing country struck him so much. A modern European, coming to India, has almost the same feelings as a Russian traveler. India acts on the imagination of people from the West instantly, shrill and forever.