Madhav Baug is an imposing 120 year old haveli is located near Qutbuddin’s Tomb (Hazira). Built in Gothic style with beautiful jharokha balconies, it was the home of Shrimant Madhav Rao Gaekwad in 1892, cousin of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
Earlier working as the ASI’s office, and returned to it’s owners in 2002 the property had fallen into disrepair for some years. However, the building was recently restored to its former glory in the recent years.
Architecture :
Set in the midst of huge mango trees the mansion shows hints of Gothic Architecture mixed with regional styles and colonial influences. It has an imposing red and white façade, replete with arches and spires, motifs and carvings. It has Gothic turrets juxtaposed against the regional Jharoka balconies.
The mansion houses four guestrooms along with multiple common areas, including a dining hall, and many corridors. All these rooms and corridors have been arranged around beautiful courtyard. The corridors around the courtyard have been constructed out of wood again connecting it to the colonial era bungalows. The wooden elements are typically painted in white and a shade of sea green which add to it’s old world charm.
In front of the mansion is a marble fountain imported from London which acts as a ‘cherry on the top’ and completes the narrative of the mansion as a 19th century Royal Mansion.
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After the restoration, a part of it has been converted to a cozy home-stay and a restaurant, which provides a glimpse into the royal lives of the Gaekwadi Era.
Partial Source: Architectural Digest
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