Information on Koder House (Ernakulam, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Koder House is a century old unique mansion built by an eminent Jewish personal named Samuel S. Koder. This mansion is an important landmark in Fort Kochi area, for its mix of Indo European architecture. This house is a symbol of colonial period in the Kerala's history. It is on the, Tower Road, Fort Kochi, Cochin City, Ernakulum District of Kerala State in India.

Koder House Architecture

Koder House is a built in a combination of the Dutch and Portugal pattern of architecture. Basically it was meant for a family residential house, but Koder built it differently that no other house matches this building in that area. He added a mix of contemporary and Neo Colonial style of luxury in its structure. This mansion was constructed with Red bricks, granite stones, rock debris, clay tiles, teak woods and Belgium glasses. It is a 3 storied mansion built elegantly on a strong teak wood ceiling. This building is wholly constructed with large red bricks, which makes it a unique look in the red color. It was built near to the Arabian Sea, therefore many big sized windows and doors were planned with glass frames to view the sea from the mansion. These glasses were shipped through sea from Belgium. On the third floor a strong balcony is built of wood viewing towards the sea. It has triangular shaped domes on its terrace, which were hid with clay tiles of red color. On the inside of the mansion, real luxuries were sort by well carved wooden furniture and modern amenities that were shipped from European countries of that present time. Its floor is tiled in Black and White squares, which resembles a chess board looks. Inside there are spacious rooms and halls, which are totally fitted with European luxury articles. It had a slanting steps built of teak woods to reach its other stairs which are beautifully carved. It has a small swimming pool and a hanging bridge made out of wood.

Koder House History

Koder House is still a unique structure in Red in the Fort Kochi area. It was built in the year 1905 AD. This was earlier a Portuguese mansion in the 1800 AD, which he acquired and recreated in to an elegant mansion of his style. The builder of this mansion Samuel S. Koder was a renowned Jewish personality in that time. He was the man behind the Kochi Electric Company. He was a follower of Free Masons, who locally had radicals with Kochi peoples. The Jew settlements were very less in numbers when compared to the other European peoples. He made a land mark of Jew by constructing this red mansion in Kochi. Koder's family lived here for more than a century and his grandson betrayed this mansion to a private party, which turned out to a luxury hotel. This Koder house as a luxury hotel has accommodated many diplomats and celebrities who come to Cochin. The last colonial guest was the Dutch ambassador. Presently the Koder House is a famous luxury hotel for week end hangouts, corporate parties and meeting place in Cochin. It is well known for its luxurious suit rooms.

Koder House Tourism Importance

Koder House is an historic mansion built by a Jew, which is an important landmark in the Cochin City. It is a heritage monument and currently functioning as luxury hotel of the Neo Classical style. This mansion is the last ever constructed buildings towards the end period of colonialism in the Cochin history. This mansion is in the top list of foreign tourist who come here and stay, for its past historic glory and luxuries.