Our Story
Keeth — The Memory of the Land
The leaves carry the memory of the soil—the warmth of the earth they once sprouted from, the water that coursed through their veins, the air that whispered along their edges. The reeds remember how the river flowed around them, bending and swaying, yet never breaking. And the houses—woven from these very leaves and reeds—carry the imprints of the people who shaped them: the hands that wove them together, turning what once belonged to the wilderness into a home.
Keeth House is more than a shelter; it is a memory of the land and its people. A house that breathes, sways with the wind, absorbs the rains, and dries under the sun. A house that ages, just as we do.
A Living, Breathing House
Life in a Keeth House is not separate from nature—it is intertwined with it. Just as we call it home, other creatures find comfort here too. Squirrels scurry across the roof, while frogs, foxes, snakes, and even peacocks pass by, reminding you that the water channel is near and the land is still wild and undisturbed enough for them to belong.
They are not intruders; they are neighbours—living proof of a world where the boundaries between humans and nature blur.
Craft We Choose to Keep Alive
Keeth is a symbol of climate adaptability—a craft honed over generations, yet slowly disappearing. India's traditional architecture is known for structures that have endured time and nature. Some stand strong in durability, while others, like Keeth Houses, thrive in adaptability. Woven from coconut or palm leaves, these homes remain naturally cool, their elevated roofs allowing hot air to escape. One can find them across South India, where the summers are intense. When layered with Vezhal (reed), it further strengthens the structure, shielding from the monsoons and the winters.
These homes do not resist nature—they move with it, breathe with it, and adapt to it. With each Keeth House we build, we also ensure that this craft stays alive.
Bringing Back the Culture of Nurture
A Keeth House is not a place you simply live in—it is a home that asks for your care. Unlike a concrete structure, it does not stand apart from you, demanding nothing in return. Instead, it invites you into a relationship. It asks you to watch over it, to tend to it, to ensure the ants do not feed on its fibers, to check if its structure remains intact. It asks you to build a community, one where people come together when the rain falls, repairing and restoring what the seasons take away.
To live in a Keeth House is to understand the rhythm of nature. It is to embrace the cycle of building, tending, and renewing. It is to cherish what is closest to us—both the Earth and the people who share it with us.
From Land, Back to Land
With every Keeth House that is built, a piece of land is spared from the weight of concrete. With every home woven from leaves and reeds, a craft is kept alive. Livelihoods are created for artisans who still remember the old ways, and through them, more people find their way back to the wisdom of using natural materials. We hope to create a space that gives back more than it takes—a space where the land is honoured, the craft is protected, and life coexists in harmony with nature.
A Keeth House is more than a home. It is a story of the land. A story of the people. A story that continues, as long as we choose to remember.
Meet Sankar N S
My love for exploring new places and connecting with people has been with me since childhood. Living in the heart of Auroville gave me the opportunity to meet travellers from around the world, and before I even realised it, I had started hosting — a passion that quickly became a way of life.
Through Couchsurfing, I began opening my home to guests from different cultures and walks of life. Listening to their stories, learning about their journeys, and sharing a part of mine became an experience I cherished deeply.
Keeth House was born from this passion — a dream nurtured by the little things I love. What began as a small personal project for my family and me gradually blossomed into a warm and welcoming eco-stay, opening its doors to guests in 2019.
Rooted in a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle, Keeth House reflects my values in every detail. From working with local artisans to using natural, organic materials, each element was thoughtfully chosen to create an authentic and grounded experience.
After four fulfilling years of hosting in Keeth House Phase 1, we felt inspired to grow. With months of planning and dedication, Keeth House Phase 2 came to life — adding three unique cottages and a cosy tree house, bringing our total to seven distinctive stays designed to reconnect you with nature and simplicity.
We invite you to experience Keeth House — where every corner tells a story, and every stay feels like home.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated people who make Keeth House a place of warmth, comfort, and natural beauty. A team bringing together local knowledge, traditional skills, and a shared passion for sustainable living.
Our Extended Family
At Keeth House, we're more than just a team — we're a family. Many of our staff members come from nearby villages, carrying generations of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship that shape the experience we offer.
From skilled artisans who maintain our bamboo structures to kitchen staff who prepare local cuisine, each person plays a vital role in the Keeth House experience.
Guest-relations managers, hospitality leads, chefs cooking from locally-sourced ingredients, grounds keepers and housekeepers — each one tends to a corner of the home.
Our Values
Sustainability
A commitment to environmentally responsible practices in every part of how we build and host.
Community
Supporting local communities by providing employment and sourcing materials close to home.
Authenticity
Preserving and sharing traditional knowledge and craft with every guest who arrives.
Recognition
A quiet kind of applause
Keeth House has been recognised across leading booking platforms for our commitment to sustainable living and guest experiences.
Airbnb
Superhost Status
4.9 / 5
Make My Trip
Unique Homestay of the Year 2022
Exceptional
Airbnb Featured Property
Keeth House I was the first property from India to be featured on Airbnb's social media, drawing global attention — maintaining a Superhost title for around 6 years.
Award-Winning Properties
Awarded twice by Times of India and Make My Trip for Keeth House II and The Khaya Nest under the top 10 unique homestays in India out of 7,500 properties.