The building in which Dune De L’Orient is housed dates back to the 1760s, when the city of Pondicherry was being rebuilt. An inscription reading 'H. RUDER 1809' was discovered during a later restoration, strongly indicating that French residents once occupied it since at least the 1800s. It survived various historical events since then, such as both World Wars, the independence of India, and its transition to a republic. It remained with various French owners throughout the years, with its final private owners being the Sinnas family, who owned the property until 1952. From 1952, the French Department of Education took over the property and renamed it as an 'Instruction Publique' building, with the signage still affixed at the front door today, but it was soon slated to be vacated due to its condition rendering it unsafe.

It was only years later that the property experienced radical changes after it was discovered by travelers Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath, who came across its dilapidated state while on the streets of White Town during one of their visits to Pondicherry. In October 1998, Wacziarg acquired the property and initiate a process of restoring and renovating the property to serve as a publicly available accommodation. The main objective of this restoration was to retain as much of its 18th-century ambiance as possible. Ceilings, arches, and the red oxide flooring were restored, defective wooden beams were replaced, the ancient Chettinad plaster was maintained, and the bathroom was modernized with solar heating water systems and ochre terracotta epoxy paint.

By 2000, these efforts were rewarded, with the property winning the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation that same year. Now part of the broader international Dune Wellness Group of hospitality accommodations, the property continues to provide guests with its unique brand of Pondicherry hospitality.

Design and Architecture

The Dune de L'Orient is a straightforwardly simple example of Neoclassical architecture and design, which is apparent in its symmetrical and planar design, eschewing the elaborate sculptural designs or patternings that other revivalist architectural styles would have. Featuring a flat roof with a simple terrace, rectangular passageways, and windows also feature relatively modest arches that match the broader simplicity of the exterior. These arches that are a key feature of Indian design aesthetics that blend with stylish plaster walls that were once popular with the French. 

In terms of the interior, features are also similarly modest and smooth. Internal surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, use bright and clear colors, with little to no ornate engravings or decorations apart from fixtures, portraits, and paintings. The floor retains its red oxide flooring , blending nicely with much of the furniture and furnishings that are made of wood or are wood-toned. More conventional amenities available today include air conditioning, internet access, security cameras, and others.
 

Prepare your tastebuds for an amazing family-friendly culinary adventure at Chez Francis, the signature restaurant of Dune de L'Orient, which offers guests a wide selection based on French, British, and Indian cuisine. From Puducherry Creole to French gourmet, each dish they offer is effectively a trip back in time, given the organic ingredients and traditional methods used in preparing their culinary offerings.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The blend of French and Indian cultures found in Puducherry makes this city unique, which guests can explore during their stay. The property recommends further exploring Puducherry itself for its quaint French colonial houses and restaurants, shopping at the street bazaars, and cultural events at the Alliance Française. Curious visitors may also have a unique learning experience by exploring the Institut français de Pondicherry, which is open to the public and exhibits in its library books and research about South Asian studies, including ecology, biology, social science research, and others.

Alternatively, those who may have visited Sri Aurobindo's Ashram in Pondicherry may also want to visit the Auroville township just 8 kilometers south of the property. This township is the culmination of the work and ideas of Mirra Alfassa, a French disciple of Sri Aurobindo, and is the home of people from 44 various nationalities living and working together in peace.

To the north, the property recommends organizing tours for various places in and around Madurai, Cuddalore, Karaikudi, Swamimalai, Chidambaram, and other locales that provide a deeper context and understanding of local Tamil culture. For example, the ancient port of Mahabalipuram is located here, with a heritage stretching back to antiquity. Among the recommended monuments uncovered at this site are the *Descent of Ganges/Penance of Arjuna, the Temple of the Shore, the Five Ratha, and others.

To the west lie other outdoor sites for guests to explore, such as the town of Thiruvannamalai, 50 kilometers away. It features an ancient and large temple, and the sacred hill Arunachala, where the famed seer Ramana Maharshi once lived. With all of these available sites and locales, guests will have no problem finding and choosing places to explore for a unique and stimulating experience.

Other Celebrations

Although Dune de L'Orient does not have large venues for specific event usage, you can request personalized service if you have a small, special affair planned. Their on-site restaurant can put in the effort for certain dishes and drinks to help you celebrate or commemorate.