Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 28: Tucked away in a quiet lane beyond the bustling Mumbai-Pune highway, a 200-year-old abbey in Khandala has been lovingly restored and reintroduced as Abbey 301, a cultural space set to open its doors to the public on January 30.

The heritage structure, once decommissioned in 1973, was acquired by the Kotak family, who have since worked across phases to conserve and revive the space while retaining its original charm.

“It would not have been in the form it is today, but it was always here,” said Kamini Kotak, owner of Abbey 301, recalling how the property’s serene surroundings once echoed with classical music during family walks.

The first phase of conservation began in the early 2000s with renowned conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, which brought in features such as visually striking stained-glass windows. The latest restoration was executed within a short window between September and December 2025, led by Adil Dholakia’s Five Cross Architects.

Creative director Pushan Kripalani, who described falling in love with the place at first sight, said the space required minimal intervention. “It was as much a transformation as it was a conservation,” he noted, highlighting the natural harmonics and dormer windows that flood the interiors with light.

With the guiding principle of minimalism and reversible improvements, the restoration incorporated heritage materials such as old Burma teak and Mangalore tiles, ensuring the building’s character remained intact.

The opening event will feature a lineup of artistes including Rakesh Chaurasia, poet Kausar Munir, the Sanjay Divecha Trio, and singer-songwriter Nikhil D’Souza. The team also plans to explore theatre showcases and community outreach initiatives, including programmes for schools, to build a wider cultural ecosystem around the venue.