OFTEN, while I am out on the field, and especially with projects related to the conservation of heritage structures, I always look for lessons from a practical perspective, and how it can be incorporated in lived-in, private spaces. I don’t come from a space of an expert’s view, but there are plenty of takeaways even from an observers’ viewpoint. More often than not the approaches are relatable. Recently, I was reminded of this while visiting the restored twin residential spaces of Ashley House and Somerset House in Colaba that date back nearly a hundred years. It needed the necessary TLC that comes with maintaining such legacies.