Little Xanti Residency – Goa
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, far from the madding crowd, tucked away in a peaceful corner of North Goa, in the village of Chicalim lies LITTLE XANTI (the Romi Konkani spelling of ‘shanti’). LITTLE XANTI is an independent cottage that is part of a family home, set on one acre of forested slopes and gardens overlooking rice fields. This renovated Goan house has a large bedroom suite with a bathroom and a kitchenette, a shared studio space and a verandah with a traditional ‘sopo’ to sit and watch the fields, the birds, the coconut palms or the occasional passing neighbour.
LITTLE XANTI welcomes artists, writers, designers, researchers and other thinkers, looking for a little shanti to work, think or just to be inspired.
THE FACILITIES
The cottage is furnished with two single beds, a cupboard, seating, a small dining table and a televison.
The kitchen is fitted with a fridge, microwave and cooktop and has the essential crockery, cutlery and cookware. There is an air conditioner and medium speed wifi (If hi-speed is essential it is advisable to get a Reliance Jio dongle, which does have service in Chicalim). The adjoining room is a large open studio space shared with the owners and has work tables. There is a caretaker family with 2 young children on the property.
LOCATION
While LITTLE XANTI is a haven away from the touristy bustle of Goa, it is not more than 15 minutes by car or scooter from Mapusa, the main town in North Goa, where you can get everything – from single estate coffee and blue cheese to fresh vegetables and all daily needs. Panjim is 20 kms, straight down the highway and Morjim, one of the nicest North Goa beaches, is 15 kms away. Vagator and Anjuna, where you will find every kind of restaurant offering every kind of cuisine are 12-15 kms away.
THE VILLAGE
Chicalim is a small village on the Chapora river, home to a modest farming community. Since the residents are mostly Goans the village still retains its traditional character and embodies the characteristic Goan ‘susegad’,
or sense of contentment. Because the forested areas in the village are still undisturbed, they are inhabited by an impressive variety of birds including peacocks and Malabar pied hornbills. There is an active village temple, a chapel and small grocery shops. A bus service to Mapusa is available though it’s advisable to rent a car, motorbike or scooter.
WEATHER
Goa is beautiful all through the year though it is at its most enchanting in the monsoon months which are June to September, when the landscape wears every shade of green and to watch the torrents of rain come down is a special experience. The summer months of April and May are warm and humid though the nights are usually pleasant and breezy.
THE OWNERS
Little Xanti is owned by Anuraag, an architect and Gopika, a graphic designer. They spend their time between Delhi and Goa so may or may not be in residence. When they are in Goa, they are hospitable hosts and will be happy to help with information, logistics, introduction to other artists, designers, galleries in Goa – and invite you over for a meal or drinks.
AVAILABILITY
LITTLE XANTI is available on rent for short periods for
a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 3 months between 1st March to 30th November 2017.
RATES
For single person INR 25,000 per month
For two people INR 30,000 per month
INCLUSIONS
Independent bedroom suite
(with 2 single beds)
Kitchenette
Bathroom
Use of shared studio
Bed and bath linen
Daily cleaning
Weekly laundry
Air conditioning
WiFi
For additional details contact: gopikachowfla@gmail.com