Set amidst verdant fruit orchards, the villa exudes a piquant charm. Soothing for the senses and rejuvenating to the soul, the villa and its surrounding orchards offer a natural sanctuary close to the heart of Srinagar.
Overlooking the Dal Lake and facing the Zabarwan range, the villa is located on the eastern slope of the Shankaracharya hill, also known as the Takht-e-Suleiman. There is a sense of serenity as one enters the gate of the estate, from the Boulevard that skirts the Dal Lake, belying the bustle of the nearby Dalgate area with its shops and restaurants.
Nestled amongst Apple, Cherry and Plum trees, the villa and estate are a part of the larger private estate of the erstwhile Dogra royal family. The orchard consists of a mix of old fruit trees and new plantations which is part of a rejuvenation effort by the owners.
The main house, the villa, built over eighty years ago is beautifully designed in red brick and stone and occupies center stage. The villa and the independent and cozy cottage make up the group of buildings set in an expanse of green overlooking the Dal Lake. There is a large back garden which is used exclusively by guests and which, once a year in May, is the location for the Dara Shikoh Festival of the Arts.
Perennials and annuals add color to the landscape. The vegetable garden has all kinds of organic produce and the fruits from the orchard are also used in the making of jams and preserves.
The villa is a unique building, with a central atrium soaring to about thirty-six feet. The symmetrical structure has rooms with bay windows on all four sides on the ground floor. The dining area and seating are also located on the ground floor with a large adjoining kitchen. The inviting entrance lobby opens into the main dramatic space and a wooden staircase and cantilevered catwalk leads up to the TV lounge and upstairs rooms. The T.V lounge with its magnificent view of the lake has a wide collection of books, films, music and indoor games. A large back veranda provides seating on the first floor and a covered space on the rear for AL-fresco dining.
There are three bedrooms on the first floor with wall to wall carpeting and attached bathrooms, each with a unique view of the lake, orchards and hill. The three rooms on the ground floor also have attached bathrooms and with easy access to the rear lawns, are ideal for the elderly and families with small children.
The basement is being recreated as a multi- purpose space and will offer facilities for conferences, entertainment and exhibitions.
Guests at the villa are taken care of by a team of well trained and courteous staff. As we do not offer room service, electric kettles, tea and coffee sachets are provided in all rooms. Refreshments are available for elevenses and at tea-time.
Meals at the villa are an elaborate affair. Breakfast with an array of choicest fresh fruits, cereal, eggs to order and a vegetarian Indian option, all included in the tariff. Our home- made preserves and jams are a firm favorite with guests and are available for sale as well.
We offer guests the option of ordering a non-vegetarian or vegetarian dinner before leaving for the day. With a wide choice of farm fresh produce from our orchard and vegetable gardens that include potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, beans, greens and herbs, our chef is famous for rustling up some delicious Indian and continental meals.
The cottage is a self-contained cozy space with two bedrooms, attached bathrooms and sit-outs, a kitchen and a lobby. Situated approximately 200 meters away from the main house, the cottage is the perfect place for guests looking for some seclusion and privacy, and for those who may drive up accompanied by staff.
Bathroom 1 info not found.
Stringent: No charges will be levied if booking is canceled 61 days prior to check-in. If cancellation is done between 30 to 60 days prior to check-in, 50% of the total booking amount will be charged. Post that, there will be no refund.
Loud Music not allowed.