Rapid, and often uncontrolled urbanisation is fast creeping into small cities across the country. Traditional local architectural styles and designs are being replaced by monotonous multi-storied buildings. Which is why Moni Villa in Darjeeling stands out like a beacon of light!
Much like Mr. Fredricksen’s refusal to give up his childhood home surrounded by a sea of high-rises in the Disney movie ‘Up’, the Lenying family have held fast to their ancestral house, and maintained it in its old cottage style. Of Chinese descent, the family moved to Darjeeling from Calcutta. Currently, the house is occupied and maintained by 2 of the 6 sisters – Yong and Lee.
Yong Pradhan and Lee Lenying are two of the six sisters in the family who now live in Moni Villa. Their father bought it after moving here from Calcutta, but he unfortunately died soon after.
The six girls were brought up by their mother, who worked very hard to give her children the best education. Four of the sisters are now settled elsewhere, while Yong and Lee live in this house.
Apart from their beautiful house, the sisters are also well know in the neighbourhood for one other reason.
Yong and Lee’s mother passed down a secret family recipe to them for ‘Chinese sausages’ – a recipe the sisters have perfected, and now sell to locals. Part of the house has been converted to a makeshift restaurant with a table and two benches, where they serve the delicious sausages with the trademark chili-tomato paste, and of course a warm cup of tea.
Pictured here, is the younger of the sisters – Yong. While Lee makes the sausages, Yong works as a local teacher and mentors outstation students.
‘Houses of India’ is our weekly photo-story project, where we discover one home, and its story. Follow us on Instagram @housingindia, and join us on this beautiful journey across the country.
