Tucked away in the southern suburbs of Navelim, Goa, with balcões (covered porches) and large ornamental windows, typical of and reminiscent of the state’s Portuguese heritage is the Da Costa residence. Currently occupied by the 4th generation of the Da Costa clan, the house makes for a charming picture with its compound of exuberant tall palm trees and two rescue dogs - Ginger and Pepper - at the gate.
Built in 1910, the the house as it stands now is the result of expansion - one room at a time - built over a course of many years. It has high ceilings for better ventilation to suit the Goan weather and the roof is made of Mangalorean terracotta. Hand-painted red and yellow laterite floor tiles and furniture made of rosewood adorn the house.
Hanging proudly on their Living Room wall is the portrait of Tenente Jose Antonio Ambrosio Da Costa, the patriarch who built the original house. He was a Lieutenant in the Portuguese Army and served till about 1943. The sword he holds in the portrait is still a priceless possession for the Da Costa family.
With chickoo, sweet lime, custard apple and coconut trees forming their small backyard garden, Maria Wilma Avelina Furtado, her husband Joseph Agnelo Ambrosio - retired teacher and banker respectively; their youngest son Nathaniel who works in advertising and also manages musicians; and of course, rescues Ginger and Pepper, currently reside in this 20th century home.
