Nestled amidst the serene hills near Pune, Anant Farms beams as a haven of sustainability intertwined with rich cultural heritage. Here, Anirudha Ambekar and his wife, Sucheta, have curated a lifestyle that embodies the essence of mindful living.

Anirudha and Sucheta, both IT professionals, began their careers in the bustling tech hub of Bengaluru before settling in Pune. Despite their urban lifestyle, the call of their rural roots remained strong.

Childhood memories of Gangakhed in Marathwada, a quaint village where Anirudha grew up, lingered in his heart — the large stone house, wooden doors, and the simple joys of village life.

“It was a small village, and we lived in an old house with walls made of stone and large wooden doors. We lived as a joint family and practised farming. We even had a cow in the backyard. Growing up in such a setup, I deeply missed it when I moved out. I missed living in a bigger house, having access to farm produce, and the typical joys of going on a picnic,” he reminisces.

This longing led Anirudha and Sucheta to embark on a project to bring a piece of that rustic charm into their contemporary lives.

Their dream home, ‘Anant Farms’, is situated in Bramhanghar, about 47 kilometres from Pune city. Set against the backdrop of historic forts like Torna and Rajgad, the farm offers breathtaking views and a tranquil environment. “The area is lush green during monsoon,” Anirudha shares. “It’s like a slice of Mahabaleshwar.”

Building a home with time-tested traditions

The architecture of Anant Farms is a homage to traditional construction techniques. The home spans 3,000 square feet, featuring a central courtyard — a nod to Anirudha’s ancestral home back in Gangakhed.

This courtyard, capped with a transparent sheet to guard against heavy rains, is where family and friends gather, creating an inviting space for connection.

In an effort to preserve the rustic aesthetic, the couple sourced local and sustainable materials. Red stones........

© The Better India