‘When we got this house about 13 years ago, there was nothing here. All the trees in the house have been planted by him l’ – Shiba Shaw

One usually expects a South Delhi farmhouse to flaunt its regular paraphernalia of damask and gold-dust, a trademark that has been immortalised by label conscious and house-proud Delhi W/ens. So when you find an effortless earthiness in a home, it immediately stands out in a crowd of buildings stricken by a fevered frenzy of pure ostentation. As we step into Shiba and Sakib Shaw’s Chattarpur home, its tropical gardens spread across acres almost reminding one of a place far, far away from Delhi’s cosmopolitan glitz. You don’t find the predictable manicured lawns but tall trees carelessly dotting the landscape and forming a dense network around the house. Rare birds with colourful plumes flock around with such ease that you immediately know it’s their everyday playground. As we prepare to shoot inside the vast expanse of space used to its optimum with two storeys built to totally, relax and rejuvenate, the humdrum of a daily shooting schedule is broken by loud murmurs from the skies. Outside, it looks like the clouds are beginning to hang closer, threatening to burst any moment. “During the rains, we often find over 50-60 peacocks dancing in all their glory in our gardens. That is quite a sight,” says Shiba, creating a sense of anticipation among us, of dancing peacocks choreographing their movements to the melody of the monsoons! She is quick to give credit to her husband Sakib for all the verdant beauty outdoors. “When we got this house about 13 years ago, there was nothing here. All the trees in this house have been planted by him. He loves gardening and has even carried saplings all the way from Bali.” The couple has divided their areas of interest in a balanced way. “The interiors are all done by me and the lawns are all his contribution,” says Shiba, as if in playful competition with her better half. A large glass installation made by Japanese artist Seiki in the form of a hand mudra is the first impression one gets of the house. As we go further in, there is a treasure trove of ideas and creative trophies to discover. The floor is covered with thousands of carpets and killims in various colours, patterns and interesting provenances.The Shaws belong to the family of India’s most fabled carpet makers and exporters. Originally known as the Shaw brothers, the family has grown from strength to strength and Sakib now runs his own company by the name Shaw Palace.

“I saw this in Kerala and picked it up immediately. This boat has been used in boating races!” she elaborates, smiling.

The rear of the house also provides a perfect backdrop providing relief to the cycs, especially on a humid day like this
– the greens compliment the blue waters of the swimming pool which is tucked away in a far corner – it allows Shiba some ‘me time’ every day when she goes for a daily dip, part of her exercise regimen. On other days, it’s raided with shouts and shrieks when her two college-going ads Lylah and Zeyn have their pool parties there. There are quiet corners for one to recede into for meditative moments Shiba likes to read a book in her den and relax – and the same places are converted into big party hotspots when her kids, (who she claims are far more social than her), decide to have their parties. “I like very small and intimate gatherings. In fact I do not like parties at all. I don’t throw parties. I have dinners for friends and the number never exceeds 20. But on weekends you find a hundred odd friends of my kids’ teeming around the house,” laughs Shiba. While she has her preferences, clearly she enjoys playing an indulgent mom and often enough an indulgent host. Despite white being a predominant note in her house, Shiba maintains she’s not fussy about her linen at all. “I feel white is the easiest to maintain. I don’t know why people complain about white. I don’t care if people drop things. When they are in my house I like people to lounge and relax,” she says with a smile.

Downstairs is the den which has two contrasting rooms
– one with a white theme and the other that has a boudoir feel with upholstery dressed in red velvet and an intricately-carved gold polished day bed; together, the rooms balance the yin and the yang of this home: While the interiors evoke different themes in different parts of the house, the exteriors of the house, have a Balinese resort-like character. Natural wood sans polish and wrought iron blends into the greens – such as in their large gazebo which is filled with antiques and secrets from the seas of Indonesia.

The interesting Oriental influences heightened by. Indian sensibilities not only lend the house a unique character, but also gives guests an unusual experience. So next time you want a vacation within the confines of your own home, take a cue from Shiba Shaw and bring it to your door-step!