Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and his spouse Radhika Dhopavkar recently provided a rare insight into their vacation residence located in Igatpuri, Maharashtra. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Sahyadri mountains and overlooking Vaitarna Lake, this expansive five-bedroom villa serves as a private family sanctuary, featuring an infinity pool, extensive gardens, balconies, and a special room dedicated to Ajinkya’s cricket memorabilia.
The couple conducted a virtual tour of their property, named Raaya Estate, explaining that the villa was constructed following the Covid-19 pandemic. Ajinkya prioritized open spaces and elevated living areas to encourage his family to spend more time outdoors.
In the accompanying video, Ajinkya expressed his desire for the holiday home to reflect his childhood memories. He drew inspiration from the summers he spent at his grandmother’s house, where he enjoyed playing outside. His aim was to create a similar atmosphere for his children, providing them ample room to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
The villa boasts five spacious king-size bedrooms, an infinity pool, a gazebo, verdant gardens, an in-house bar, and a designated play area for children. Multiple balconies throughout the property offer unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and Vaitarna Lake.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by double muted-blue doors adorned with lion-head knockers. A slate-blue wooden console table, featuring drawers and a lower shelf, is positioned against the wall, drawing attention with its floral arrangements in white vases.
The primary living area is situated on an elevated first floor and is divided into two distinct sections. One area serves as a morning space where the family enjoys tea or coffee while taking in the picturesque lake and mountain views. The other section is a more relaxed seating area, furnished with a large, comfortable sofa, perfect for evening gatherings or daytime relaxation. The interiors feature a neutral and earthy color palette, employing natural hues that create a warm and inviting atmosphere while allowing the stunning landscape to remain the focal point.
Each bedroom opens onto a generous balcony, where the couple often spends hours taking in the views.
Perhaps the most personal area in the villa is Ajinkya’s cricket memorabilia room, which showcases items collected throughout his sports career, including bats, balls, caps, and team jerseys. This room, highlighted in a feature on StayVista’s YouTube channel, also displays photographs of Ajinkya with his teammates, each piece evoking memories from his journey in cricket. He mentioned that revisiting these items is an emotional experience, and he often feels “goosebumps” upon entering the room, as it brings back various moments from his career.
Rubeena Singh, the Founder of The Verve Collective and an expert in interior design and home decoration, shared insights on how to achieve a luxurious home aesthetic without resorting to high-priced furniture or luxury brands. She emphasized that true luxury is not necessarily linked to cost. “It’s all about knowing where to invest, where to economize, and how to enhance what you already possess. You don’t have to replace a perfectly good sofa; beautiful cushions in rich fabrics can instantly elevate its appearance. An old lamp can be refreshed with a stylish patterned lampshade,” Rubeena advised.
“Likewise, an existing console can be transformed with a new coat of paint in an unexpected color… the possibilities are limitless. A luxurious home is not defined by labels or price tags; it’s about having an eye for beauty and curating elements in an engaging way,” she concluded.
