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with stucco mouldings open onto verandas. These may appear purely decorative, but have their origins in similar mouldings in the windows of Portuguese-era houses. There these elements of style were devices to help sailors identify their homes at a distance as they sailed in. The design is therefore an import but serves a similar purpose in Goa, to help construct the identity of the home. The front doors are flanked by pilaster.

dye colour of the compound wall and other areas of the house is a result of the Portuguese influences. colour was decorative and used purely to create a sensation. With a colour wash, the house looked dressed and therefore displayed the economic well-being of the family that lived in it. However, this was not completely a matter of individual choice, since during the Portuguese rule the owner of the house could be fined if his house was not painted.

in white is the result of the unwritten rule during the Portuguese occupation of Goa that no private house or building could be painted in white. Only churches and chapels enjoyed this privilege. It is understandable that the Goan Christians followed this rule, as white was associated with Virgin Mary, but the Goan Hindus also respected this practice. As a result of this code, an interesting and aesthetically pleasing trend developed, as competition among neighbours gave impetus to variety.

to a foyer which then leads to the Sala (the main hall for entertaining a large number of guests) or the Sala de Visita (a smaller hall for entertaining a small number of guests). One can still see the carved place for the chapel in the corner wall of the Sala. From here one can directly enter the rest of the house. The bedrooms flank the courtyard. The dining area is perpendicular to the rooms. Kitchen and service areas are at the rear of the house.