“It will end like it began, with a piece of cloth” ~ James Ferreira
James is renowned for having a unique design sensibility. His creations are flowing masterpieces with intricate drapes, all made from one continuous piece of cloth. He ducks in and out of Indian and Western design influences like only a true master can, and the result is always the same – unique, yet signature James.
It is no wonder then, that the same can be said for James’ home, Ferreira House. On Houses of India, we discover a bit about both – the man, and his home.
Go to Khotachiwadi, a heritage village near South Bombay, and ask for James’ home, and residents will point you to the 200 year old, two-storied, timeless Ferreira House. Khotachiwadi has changed immensely over the years, but Ferreira House has remained constant.
Perhaps the most famous resident in Khotachi Wadi, James’ lineage is illustrious as well. He traces his ancestry back to De Almeida, who was the Portuguese ambassador at the time when Mumbai was handed over to the British in 1661. Ferreira’s family was also bestowed large parts of Mumbai’s land; parts that today cover Sion, Kalina, Santa Cruz’s airport area and Powai.
Though the heritage of the house has been preserved, James has added his own flair to every inch of it.
On the outside, Ferreira House looks similar to the other Portuguese-style homes native to Khotachiwadi. But once you step in, you get drawn into James’ world – a world that is beautiful and unique.
The house is part studio, part museum, and part home. James surrounds himself with his art and inspiration. Pictures, curios and countless Ferreira family heirlooms are scattered everywhere, giving you a glimpse into the 200-year old history of the house. Everywhere you look, you find timeless beauty.
James is the most distinguished member of Khotachiwadi, and is a walking-talking encyclopedia about this heritage village, as well as most of the older parts of Bombay City. Spend some time talking to him, and he will happily take you on a journey to Bombay back in the day.
The beauty of old localities like Khotachiwadi, and homes like Ferreira House, are their steadfast loyalty to the past and its beauty. Sadly many of the older houses in this area were removed to make way for high rises in a city that can’t seem to contain its race towards the future. But in places like these, the old soul of Bombay still lives on.
‘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.
