Archana Chandhoke’s Penthouse Paradise

We recently spoke to one of our dear homeowners, Archana Chandhoke, of Tamil television fame. This relationship is as special to us, as it is to her. Here is what Archana, who lives in Appaswamy’s Cerus in Saligramam, had to say.

Could you introduce yourself for the readers?

Hi, I’m Archana. This is my husband, Commander Vineet, and we have a beautiful daughter called Zaara.

Could you tell us about the relationship you share with Appaswamy and what it means to you?

Our relationship with Appaswamy is a decade old. It is almost as long, as our daughter is old. We bought the first home of our lives as a couple, in January 2008, the year our daughter was born. Your first home always holds a special place in your life, and that’s just the kind of home Appaswamy gave us…a very special one, at Triumph, Arumbakkam.

Later, as you grow in life, you reach a juncture where you are ready to take a plunge into the kind of life you have always dreamt about. We were ready for our dream home. I wanted a spacious house in the heart of the city that was also affordable, and loan friendly. Vineet and I saw a couple of places only to be disappointed. Who would even think of a penthouse in the middle of the city?   

We then heard of Appaswamy Cerus. We were just blown over when we saw the apartment. The moment we saw the home, my daughter looked around and said, “Can this be my birthday gift?” There was no second question then. Daddy said yes, mummy said yes. And that’s how it happened!

Appaswamy went out of their way to accommodate all our requirements. In about 3 and a half months, from what was just all bricks, we had our own dream home.

Could you tell us about some of the requirements that you had for your dream home? How was the handover process?

We bought this home on the 19th of January, 2018, and moved in on the 6th of May, which also happens to be our wedding anniversary. People wouldn’t believe it that it had only been three and a half months. For a builder to be able to do the interiors, the woodwork, the tiling of the house, and false ceiling, in that time frame is commendable. We also had the entire plumbing, lighting, and electrical lines changed. Practically everything happened as we asked.  

Appaswamy has become more of a family now. The handing over was like an older family member blessing you with a happy home, you know.

How do you use the space outside your apartment? How do you like the amenities at Cerus?

Vineet :

Any community living requires a good social infrastructure to thrive. We have a lovely gymnasium and squash court, which not many apartments in the city can boast of, as space is always a problem. We have a swimming pool, a small children’s park, a community hall, yoga deck, 2 party halls, and a mini theatre where we watch the IPL matches. I should say we are blessed. There is also a temple here, which was passed on from people who were here before us. Overall, it is a very blessed community.

Archana :

Appaswamy has a knack for making nature work for them. You can see the apartment is well ventilated and breezy. The property is also bang on the main road, so commuting is not a problem. Everything from schools, hospitals, and shopping malls are accessible within 500 m to 1 km.

Both of us are huge party animals, and we love to host people at home. Twice a month, we have about 25 to 30 people over the weekends. Our guests always look at us and say, “You live in such a fabulous community.”

Being in the media industry, how do you feel about the privacy and security here?

Security is supreme. In fact, security is so tight that if I had a haircut and came back, they wouldn’t let me in. The security staff know all the owners, residents, and tenants, and each block has specific access cards, doubling up on security.  

I think, for me and Zaara, media is just another profession. You need privacy, regardless of your profession. We are so lucky to be blessed with that.

What is the one thing you would like to tell people who are considering Appaswamy?

My first and only response to people would be, “If you are considering a home, then you should be at Appaswamy.”

I have seen many flats in Chennai. And for a property to be bang on the main road, to be easily accessible, cost friendly , competitive, to have these kind of amenities, and beyond all of that, to provide all of this on platter, isn’t all that common. Appaswamy just has it all.

They have 7 supremely prime properties just on Arcot road. Ours is the 6th. You will never see them throwing up prices, only to later say it’s slashed for you, or anything like that. There is a standard that you have about Appaswamy.  

If you are looking for properties in Chennai, look no further. Anyone seeking a home, a dream home of any size, or budget, I think Appaswamy would definitely be able to cater to it.

Just 2 and a half years ago, every time I crossed Cerus on my way to a shoot, I would think to myself that one day I have to own a house in a place like this. And then when it happens, you are just so happy for everything!

Archana lives in Appswamy’s Cerus with her husband, daughter, mother and sister.

14 Dec 2021