Authentic Goan vaddo experience at Gormand

Tucked away into a quiet 'vaddo' in Cuncolim, Salcette, 'Gormand' is a 1915 built Indo-Portuguese bungalow, where you will experience the authentic village ambiance of South Goa. Since we have family living in this room listed, you may reserve your stay at our newly upgraded accomodation airbnb.com/h/benkleacottage within the same premises. Kindly check out the link. Looking forward to welcoming you to our home! The space Cuncolim and its neighbouring villages of Velim and Assolna reflect the harmonious character of Goa’s complex demography. Bounded on one side by hilly tracts and on the other by the Sal River’s verdant banks, Cuncolim is especially resplendent during the monsoon, but remains scenic year-round. Dotted with a rich smattering of Portuguese era architecture, this stretch of inland country is certainly worth exploring along quaint country roads. With active municipal representation and a strong sense of community, development here has been steady and sustainable – the local way of life, uncompromised. So, what to look out for? The local ‘poder’ (pau seller) cycling past at furious pace - horn bleating; municipal garbage-collectors playing hide-and-seek, even as their whistles give them away; chatty knife-sharpeners and fish-mongers bringing traditional mobile service and home-delivery. At the heart of the South Goan ‘susegad’ lifestyle is an essential afternoon siesta between 2-5 pm, that is observed with unyielding commitment. Can’t blame the locals really - a delicious fish thali lunch demands such a riposte. our home Typical of any family in a village, 'Gormand' is always buzzing with activity. People and pets are woven into the fabric of our home which presents like a vividly coloured tapestry. Our ever-growing pack of dogs is led by Podimas, who serves as mascot and gate-keeper all at once. Along with his brother Teddy, sister Lizzie, little brother Shadow, and a host of outside attendees, this furry bunch keeps us both safe and entertained at all hours. getting here Conveniently situated along the coastal highway, Cuncolim serves as the last major settlement before the hilly tracts of Canacona to the South. Straddling India’s own ‘Route 66’ (NH-66) which runs from Bombay all the way through Kerala, the town is appox. 12 km south of Madgaon, which is also the closest railway station. Both Goa airports are easily reached via the highway, with Dabolim Airport (GOI) 45 km away, and the newer MOPA (GOX) about 75 km and 2 hours away. Pre-paid taxis cost INR 1,800-2,000 one-way to/from Dabolim airport, INR 3,500-3800 for MOPA, and about INR 1,000 from the railway station. Cuncolim is also well connected by bus, with frequent public and private buses plying from the Cuncolim bus stand to Madgaon, and from there further to Vasco, Panjim, and Mapusa. Private transfers by local taxi to these and other locations can be organised at cost with advance notice. essentials for your stay room Opening directly into the tropical garden, our cozy guestroom comes complete with an attached bathroom, a separate outdoor-kitchen unit under the breadfruit tree, and a sit-out pergola. Furnished with antique wooden furniture, in keeping with the rest of 'Gormand', the room accommodates 2 persons very comfortably. Fitted with air-conditioning, mini-refrigerator, geyser, television and safe-checked with mosquito proofing, you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep and a hot bath here. Enter through the back gate, trek across the garden and you’re there! terrace access Accessed by a spiral staircase, this open lounge space offers great views of the traditional Mangalore-tiled rooftops all around. Get comfortable in our easy chairs and relax with a book or catch-up on work and emails with WiFi access. laundry If you would like to do your laundry (at additional charge), please let us know so we can assist. long stays For stays of 4 nights or more, linen change and other housekeeping services will be provided at a nominal fee. kitchen We have provided some basic kitchenware, including a toaster, coffee-maker, microwave-oven, kettle, utensils, crockery, and cutlery. You are expected to clean what you use and ensure that all appliances are treated with care. If you require our staff to assist in washing vessels and other cleaning services, these can be arranged at additional charge. eating in Tea and coffee (self-service) is available. Homemade breakfast (additional charge) can be served between 8.30-9.30am to get the morning going. Lunches and dinners can be pre-ordered (additional charge) the previous day, or latest by 09:00 am (same day) and with options of veg and non-veg home-cooked meals. beach visits If you are headed to the beach, we are happy to provide beach-mats, beach-towels, and other essentials on request and at an additional fee. Towels provided in the room should not be taken to the beach. Please do not bring wet clothes and sandy footwear inside the room, and kindly wash off any sand on your feet at the shower area behind the outdoor kitchen. garbage Food and eating are permitted only in the kitchen, and pergola areas, and is strictly not allowed inside the room. Separate bins for segregated wet and dry waste have been provided in the outside kitchen. breakage Guests will be charged additionally for any breakage or damage to property (movable or immovable) during their stay. electricity While this is included in the room rate, guests are advised to keep all appliances switched off when not in use to avoid additional charges. safety As with any tropical garden setting, our home is also home to many insects, reptiles and other living things. While we co-exist, we advise that you keep your doors and windows closed to avoid any unwanted visitors - including mosquitoes. Please do not leave open food items in the room or kitchen. Podimas, Teddy, Lizzie and Shadow ensure our home is well-surveyed throughout the day, but you are ultimately responsible for the security of your own belongings. Our staff may inspect the room and public areas to ensure everything is maintained as per house rules. Guest access The garden is a work-in-progress and may be accessed by our staff for maintenance and watering when necessary. There is a separate entrance to the guest room which you are advised to keep locked when not on the premises. We request that the back gate too remains locked at all times. During your stay Our family stays in the adjoining main bungalow and will respect your privacy; in return ask for the same. Other things to note During the monsoon season (Jun-Sep), covered terrace may not be available for use. Additionally, WiFi may be patchy on occasion. Registration Details HOTS001140