Gudhaam — where antiques whisper stories and coffee stirs the soul

Nestled in a serene side street of Kozhikode’s Gujarati Street—known more familiarly by its older name—is a spot that seems to belong to a different era. Upon entering Gudhaam—meaning “warehouse”—the atmosphere changes. Soft lights reflect off classic mirrors, long-forgotten gramophones sit beside artisan-painted tiles, and the fragrance of aged wood blends with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

It doesn’t feel like a store, or an exhibition space, or even just a café. It resembles a tale—one that has been awaiting its turn to be shared.

That tale begins with Badayakandy Basheer—a man who has devoted his life not only to antiques but to memories.

A childhood of trains and trinkets

Basheer was raised in Thalassery, the youngest member of a big, vibrant family. Weekends often involved journeys to Kozhikode with his mother—uncomplicated train rides that felt like small adventures. Those travels, adorned with fleeting views and quiet moments, kindled in him a subtle affection for ancient places, forgotten things, and the comfort of reminiscence.

From a young age, he felt captivated by the allure of history—the gentle squeak of ancient wooden doors, the shimmer of brass lamps, the hidden narratives in worn family pictures. He wasn't aware at the time, but those early encounters were quietly shaping a vision. Years later, that subtle fondness would manifest as Gudhaam—a homage to the enduring elegance of memories and cherished items.

From Dubai Police to Antique Hunter

In 1976, Basheer relocated to Dubai and spent nearly twenty years working as an assistant accountant with the Dubai Police. He later returned to India to take over the family’s furniture business, eventually expanding its reach to international markets.

But his true passion emerged during his travels. Whether strolling through the alleys of Istanbul or browsing flea markets in Italy, he felt drawn to items steeped in history. Lamps, typewriters, clocks, artwork—Basheer began collecting them, not merely as a hobby, but as a way of preserving moments.

“I didn’t want to just leave them in boxes,” he says. “I wanted to create a space where others could feel what I felt.”

Bringing Gudhaam to life

The place he chose for his vision was close to home—his wife’s ancestral rice warehouse, over 160 years old, nestled in the heart of Kozhikode’s old Gujarati Street. The structure, once a forgotten warehouse, was transformed brick by brick into something magical. He named it Gudhaam—a word that means “storehouse”—but it was far more than a place for storage.

It became a living museum of memories, filled with treasures from around the world: intricately carved furniture from Rajasthan, elegant chandeliers from Europe, ceramics from Damascus, and more.

But Gudhaam is about more than its rare collection. It’s a place where art exhibitions unfold under soft, golden light, where artists sketch quietly against the backdrop of classical music. Where friends reconnect over brewed coffee, surrounded by a collection of clocks—each ticking to its own rhythm.

A space with soul

What makes Gudhaam unique is that it doesn’t demand attention. It quietly invites you in, like a long-time companion. Every corner tells a story, and every object carries a past. You don’t simply visit Gudhaam—you experience it.

For Basheer, this was always more than just a business idea. “I wanted to create something lasting,” he says. “An experience people remember not just visually, but emotionally.”

Today, Gudhaam is celebrated as one of Kozhikode’s most cherished cultural spaces—a place where the past and present coexist. Where history is not forgotten but honoured.

The man behind it all

Basheer’s journey—from a boy in Thalassery to a world traveller, collector, and ultimately the creator of Gudhaam—proves that some dreams may be quiet, but they can leave a powerful mark.

His life is etched into every beam and brick of the space. He didn’t just build a gallery. He gave Kozhikode a place to pause. To breathe. To remember.

In a world that rushes forward, Gudhaam stays still. It stays silent. And in that stillness, it helps us rediscover parts of ourselves we didn’t know we’d lost.