The Ambanis own one of the most expensive houses in the world—Antilla. The 400,000 sq. ft. property is situated on Altamount Road, one of Mumbai’s most expensive localities, and is priced at 15000 crores. But while we all are dazzled by their lavish abode, Ambanis’ ancestral house in Gujarat is something that not many people are aware of.
Located in the coastal village of Chorwad, Gujarat, the house is 100 years old and was built by Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani’s grandfather. It is now known as The Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House. Scroll down to know everything about their stunning ancestral home.
The Ancestral House
The Ambani ancestral house was earlier known as Mangarolvalano Delo. Dhirubhai Ambani spent his childhood days there. The Ambani family didn’t own the house back then. Dhirubhai’s father, a primary school teacher, had rented a small portion of this huge mansion.
Even after moving to Aden (now Yemen) and then to Mumbai, the place remained very close to Dhirubhai’s heart. In 2002, the Ambanis purchased the whole property and turned it into a memorial, which is now maintained by the Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation.
Dhirubhai Ambani used to visit the place with his family every once in a while to cherish the old memories. Kokilaben Ambani continues to visit the property after her husband’s demise.
Family Feud & Inauguration
After the demise of Dirubhai Amabni in 2002, Mukesh and Anil took over the family business. However, after a very public and bitter feud, the two decided to divide the business. Mukesh heads Reliance Industries Limited now, whereas Anil leads Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.
It was in 2011, that the brothers reunited for the inauguration of the memorial house (their ancestral home) which has now been restored to its former glory. The house is also open for the general public who can visit it throughout the week, except Mondays, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
More About The Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House
The house is an architectural marvel that perfectly blends traditional Gujarati design with modern amenities. Amitabh Teaotia Designs lead the landscape design and restoration of the house. The building restoration was then taken care of by Abhikram, a leading restorative architectural company.
The house has been split into two parts. One portion is for their private use and the other is open to the public. They both have separate exit and entry points. In addition to this, the property features a garden that has been again divided into three parts—one for the public and the other two (a courtyard and a coconut palm grove) for the family’s private use.
They have restored the private courtyard and added some additional features like a Mughal-style fountain that goes well with the style of the building. The Ambani family has even kept the original trees and coconut plan grooves by nursing them back to health, along with new shrubs and hedges. They have restored the dirt path of the courtyard with a Mughal-influenced red mandana stone pathway. The giant doors, a window entrance, and the elevation of the large building are kept unchanged though.
Reportedly, there’s also a cafeteria and a souvenir shop for tourists, and the entry fee is just Rs 2. The Ambani ancestral house has become a tourist attraction among Gir, Junagadh, Somnath, and others spots in the city.
Honestly, I’d love to visit this house. BRB, planning a trip to Chorwad ASAP!
Featured Image: DHA Memorial House
