Our Story

About The Vintage Homestay

Stepping into our homestays is like stepping into a living story. Every one of our properties is an original vintage home, with the youngest over 100 years old and the oldest standing for nearly 250 years. These are former family homes, and in some cases, they continue to remain connected to the descendants of the families who once built and lived in them. Their walls, courtyards, and passageways carry the quiet imprint of generations.

We hand-select homes in the heart of Banaras, including properties tucked within the old city and others resting beside the riverfront. What draws us to them is not only location, but the character they have preserved through time—the original structure, the proportions of old Banarasi architecture, weathered wooden doors, handcrafted windows, aged surfaces, and the lived-in aesthetics that cannot be recreated.

Our work is centred on preserving the soul of these homes. Through careful restoration, we retain their historic identity while quietly introducing the comforts needed for a contemporary stay. The result is not simply a place to sleep, but a way to experience Banaras from within—waking to temple bells, walking through ancient galis, catching the first light over the ghats, and returning each evening to a home that still breathes with the city’s living memory. We operate as a family, and when you stay with us, you become part of that continuing story.

People Behind The Stay

Meet Our Team

Abhishu Kushwaha headshot

Abhishu Kushwaha

Founder & Creative head

The visionary behind our brand, Abhishu combines his background in Management with his expertise as a Textile Designer to curate the 'Vintage' aesthetic. He ensures that every fabric, texture, and corner of our homes reflects a perfect balance of heritage soul and minimalist design.

Hobbies

  • Heritage Walks
  • Photography
  • travelling

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Rajesh Kushwaha headshot

Rajesh Kushwaha

Partner & Host (The Vintage Homestay)

The energetic heartbeat of our streetside retreat. Rajesh is a master storyteller who, along with his family, provides a truly immersive, 'home-away-from-home' experience. His deep roots in the city help guests unlock authentic local experiences they won’t find in guidebooks.

Hobbies

  • Cultural Exchange
  • Morning walkabout
  • Antique Hunting
Sanjay Mishra headshot

Sanjay Mishra

Partner & Host (Vintage River Homestay)

A versatile personality with a legendary sense of humor, Sanjay is the driving force behind our riverfront property. Alongside his wife, he operates with a 'guest-first' philosophy, ensuring that your stay by the Ganga is as comfortable, seamless, and joyful as the river itself.

Hobbies

  • Travelling
  • Observational Humour
  • Cultural Exchange
Pragati Kushwaha headshot

Pragati Kushwaha

Creative Leader & Guest Experience Curator

The Daughter-in-Law of the house, Pragati brings a radiant aura and a gentle spirit to our team. A nature lover and gifted cook, she manages our kitchen and guest relations. Whether she is sharing a story, tending to her lush terrace garden, or preparing a soul-warming vegetarian meal, her presence makes every guest feel at peace.

Hobbies

  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Music

Social

Naveen Kumar headshot

Naveen Kumar

Head of Housekeeping

The quiet guardian of our standards. While Naveen is shy and soft-spoken, his work speaks volumes. He is the dedicated soul behind our glowing cleanliness reviews, available around the clock to ensure your environment is pristine and your every need is met with a smile.

Hobbies

  • Organising Spaces
  • Meditation
  • Helping Community
Suryansh Kushwaha headshot

Suryansh Kushwaha

Chief Technical Officer

The technical powerhouse behind all our digital operations, including this very website. Even though he lives in Singapore and works remotely, he's so engaged that it feels like he never left. Jolly, fun, and absolutely awesome to work with, Suryansh keeps our tech running smoothly from across the ocean—and yes, he is indeed writing this description of himself in the third person.

Hobbies

  • Filming
  • Coding
  • Backpacking

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