<p>You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘walk in the footsteps of Ghandi,’ as an expression to live your life a certain way. But if you ever wanted to take that expression literally, you can in the leafy Orchards suburb north of downtown Johannesburg. The Satyagraha House, also called the Ghandi House, was the Indian non-violence activist’s residence between 1908 and 1909. From this place, Ghandi developed his ideas of Satyagraha, or passive resistance, that drove his activism in India; “After leaving South Africa, I became what I am now,” he said. The restored stucco-walled and thatched roof abode has had some additions – including a new wing and a cottage out back – that allow it to function both as a seven room guesthouse and a modern mini-museum of Ghandi’s time in South Africa.</p><p>Museum exhibitions are woven throughout the living space: Images and information about the man wrap the curved front foyer walls and black and white photographs surround the guesthouse’s simple dining room with a wooden table and white cloth lampshades. Copies of letters written between Ghandi and his close friend (and architect of the home) Hermann Kallenbach are bound for reading from fireside couches in the main living space. Each guestroom’s sparse and clean white décor evokes the simplicity with which Ghandi lived. Though you don’t have to stay overnight to visit, a dark and quiet evening in Satyagraha House was designed to inspire contemplation and afford a truly immersive experience.</p>

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