In the heart of South Mumbai, where modern glass towers rise alongside colonial facades, lies an architectural treasure that seems untouched by time – Diana Penty’s century-old ancestral home. Tucked within
a quiet lane, the two-storeyed bungalow holds a story that spans generations, reflecting the grace and grandeur of a bygone era. Recently, filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan stepped into this historic haven for her YouTube vlog, instantly captivated by its poetic beauty and familial warmth.
A Legacy Carved In Wood And Memory
Built by Diana Penty’s great-grandfather, the residence stands as a love letter to the city’s heritage. Its colonial-style verandahs, arched windows, and solid wooden doors whisper tales from another century. The space, infused with Parsi architectural details, feels at once European and deeply Indian – an embodiment of Mumbai’s cultural duality. Within these walls, heirlooms gleam softly against sunlit corners, floral curtains frame vintage furniture, and pastel hues lend a gentle calm to every room.
For the Penty family, preservation isn’t about perfection. It’s about continuity. Each object, from a carved mirror to an age-worn dining table, has been cherished and repurposed through generations. The home’s design sensibility is both nostalgic and lived-in, where beauty comes not from opulence but from authenticity.
A Living Museum With A Modern Heart
Farah’s tour through the home unfolded like a scene from a vintage film. She wandered through sun-dappled hallways, marvelling at the scale and serenity of the space, which is rare in Mumbai’s crowded skyline. Her playful observations, comparing the home’s grandeur to Bollywood’s most famous mansions, underscored its almost cinematic charm.
Upstairs, Diana’s private sanctuary blends old-world charm with contemporary ease. Downstairs, her mother’s kitchen remains the heart of the home – warm, aromatic, and welcoming. The terrace, filled with potted greens and pink sofas, feels like a secret garden in the sky, where city noise fades into birdsong.
A Heritage That Lives On
Beyond its vintage aesthetics, the Penty residence tells a story of belonging and legacy. It stands as a reminder that luxury isn’t always about marble floors or chandeliers. It’s about soul, history, and the quiet elegance of things built to last.
Farah Khan may have arrived as a guest, but she left as an admirer of not just the home’s beauty, but of the enduring spirit it represents. For Diana Penty, this house isn’t merely an address. It’s a living inheritance, where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony.
