Step Inside 4-bedroom Kochi stay that brings the backwaters to you

Ever so often, someone creates something so beautiful that it would be a crime to keep it just to themselves. Nakshatra Mana (star manor), a home nestled in the backwaters of Kochi, has a similar story.

Created as a private home over a span of many years, this 7000 sq ft property was just too good not to share with the world. It transformed into a paradisical four-bedroom stay where every corner is a sight to behold.

Who made it?

A journey of many years

Acquired and thoughtfully reimagined over several years, Nakshathra Mana was transformed into a private four-bedroom retreat for its current owners—a place designed for rest, quiet moments and simply doing nothing. At the same time, it evolved into a meaningful space where they could reconnect with their roots and spend time with family.

The owners, Sneha Iype and Prakash Verma, founders of Nirvana Films, who live in Bengaluru, wanted an idyllic retreat that captured the essence of the Kerala they knew—welcoming villages, comforting food and a rich cultural blend.

Photo: Srinath Selvan

Photo: Srinath Selvan

After purchasing the unusually designed property from a noted Keralan photographer and flautist, several sections of the house had to be dismantled and rebuilt. Materials salvaged during the process were carefully repurposed to retain the home’s distinctive character. Old mud tiles were crushed into chips and used to preserve the main walls, encouraging the growth of moss that lends them a refreshing green finish. Wooden floor panels were reused in the attic, while rustic clay tiles with a slightly pitted, unfinished texture create a subtle yet luxurious atmosphere throughout the home.

Drawing inspiration from their travels, the homeowners added personal touches to the design. They sourced old-world style latches, knobs and curios from a Mumbai artisan. Artworks also play an important role, including paintings by local artist Sara Hussain and a series by Goan artist Richa Kashelkar, both reflecting the spirit of Kerala life.

Nature remains at the heart of the property. The moss-covered walls, lush garden, natural-water pool and a serene lily-pad pond all reinforce the home’s deep connection with the outdoors. To strengthen this relationship further, every room opens out to a walkout space, ensuring guests are always just a step away from nature.

Inside the 'Star Manor'

What's behind the doors?

Nakshatra Mana is a thoughtfully designed single-level home that draws inspiration from Dutch colonial architecture and Kerala’s traditional aesthetics. At its heart lies an open-to-sky central courtyard that anchors the interiors, bringing in light and air. The standout feature, however, is the lakefront verandah that sits right on the edge of a private lake connected to the backwaters beyond. From here, you can relax with a book or simply watch the day unfold as shifting light dances across the water.

The music lounge serves as the main gathering space of the house and beautifully reflects its seamless blend of indoors and outdoors. A striking wall mural by a local artist mirrors the lilies floating on the lake outside, strengthening this connection with nature. The bedrooms feel like time capsules, showcasing the owners’ travels around the world through thoughtfully curated décor, while the bathrooms are filled with foliage and open to natural light and fresh air.

Several private outdoor spaces invite quiet moments of relaxation. An elevated palanquin overlooking the backwaters, complete with a daybed and cushions, offers the perfect spot for an afternoon nap. Guests can also cool off in the large, naturally filtered freshwater swimming pool, ideal for both a refreshing dip and a leisurely swim. By the water’s edge, a rustic sala provides a tranquil setting for a rejuvenating Ayurveda massage.

Every corner speaks

Take a tour of the house

Photo: Srinath Selvan

The Master Bedroom

A spacious and elegant room with a high-vaulted roof, the highlight is an art installation of sacred hearts from Latin America arranged into a striking heart-shaped collage.

A charming window seat overlooks the courtyard, offering serene views of the pool and backwaters throughout the day. The luxurious ensuite bathroom is a partially open-to-sky retreat set within a small, lush garden, featuring a whimsical Hobbit-style window that opens to the outdoors.

Photo: Srinath Selvan

Ground Floor Bedroom One

With its soaring ceilings and tall French windows draped in soft, elegant curtains, this room exudes a quiet, understated charm. The warm wooden vaulted ceiling and terracotta-tiled flooring lend a rustic character, while the leather-upholstered bed dressed in crisp white linens and a vibrant woven throw becomes the focal point of the space.

Sunlight filters gently through the large windows, illuminating the cosy seating corner with a leather armchair and ottoman—perfect for reading or relaxing. A small writing desk by the window adds to the room’s thoughtful design. Doors open directly onto a private sit-out that leads to the pool and the outdoor dining shack, creating a seamless connection between indoor comfort and the lush outdoors.

Photo: Srinath Selvan

Ground Floor Bedroom Two

Similar in size to Ground Floor Bedroom One, this room carries the same sense of airy elegance with its high ceilings, terracotta-tiled flooring, and tall windows dressed in soft white drapery that welcome abundant natural light. The space features classic wooden furniture, including a comfortable bed, a vintage cabinet, and a cosy leather sofa with a matching bench, creating a relaxed corner for lounging. A bright writing desk near the window adds a cheerful touch to the room. Wooden stairs within the bedroom lead to a charming loft with a single bed.

The room also opens to a walled outdoor sit-out surrounded by lush plants and offers direct access to the garden, while the tropical bathroom with wooden flooring and leafy foliage enhances its serene, nature-filled character.

Photo: Srinath Selvan

The Attic Room

Tucked away at the highest point of the house, the attic bedroom offers a cosy retreat ideal for a single traveller or teenagers seeking a private hideaway. Stairs lead up from the dining area into this charming nook, where sloped ceilings and exposed wooden rafters create a warm, intimate atmosphere. At the centre of the room stands a striking four-poster bed, surrounded by polished wooden flooring and soft, ambient lighting from vintage-style wall sconces.

A small writing desk and a comfortable seating corner make the space perfect for quiet moments of reading or reflection. A distinct stained-glass window filters in gentle, diffused light, adding character to the room. While there is no ensuite bathroom, a separate fourth full bathroom is conveniently available on the ground floor.

Photo: Srinath Selvan

Managed and marketed by Luxunlock Private Villas and blending timeless architecture with thoughtful design, Nakshatra Mana offers a stay that feels both intimate and memorable. From its airy bedrooms and charming attic retreat to its seamless connection with gardens, courtyards, and water views, every space invites moments of quiet relaxation.

Rooted in Kerala’s architectural traditions yet enriched with global influences, the home balances elegance with warmth. Whether watching the light shift across the backwaters, enjoying a peaceful garden sit-out, or simply unwinding indoors, Nakshatra Mana creates an atmosphere where comfort, beauty, and nature come together effortlessly.