The Retreat

by Padmini

Heritage with a Generous Splash of Hospitality

Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
The Retreat

Story

Step into The Retreat, where history and charm blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience. This 170-year-old estate bungalow, originally part of the Bhimtal Tea Estate, has stood the test of time. Its colonial-era architecture, adorned with ancestral heirlooms and antique furniture, speaks of a bygone era. This property has been preserved lovingly by generations of the Smetacek family.

The host, Padmini, or Paddy as she’s fondly called, welcomes guests with warmth and countless tales. Her family’s connection to the estate traces back to 1951 when her father-in-law, Fred Smetacek, a German-Czech, purchased it after escaping the Gestapo. Paddy’s evenings often involve sharing these stories to create an intimate connection between the guests and the legacy of the house.

What truly sets The Retreat apart is its architecture. Walking through its verandahs and rooms feels like stepping into history. Guests can enjoy activities like guided forest walks, birdwatching, or learning to bake with Paddy, who also creates exquisite jams, breads, and desserts.

continue reading
continue
Electric Blankets
Electric Blankets
Bonfire
Bonfire
Senior Citizen Friendly
Senior Citizen Friendly
Fireplace in Rooms
Fireplace in Rooms

Policies/House Rules

  • Bonfire on request.
  • Barbecue at extra charge.
  • You are welcome to bring your own drinks and enjoy them responsibly.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside the rooms.
  • Check-in time: 12:00 PM | Check-out time: 10:00 AM
     

Experience

Parking
Handmade toiletries
Huge play area
Bonfire and Barbecue
Evening tea
No Laundry

The property has two suites and a private room. The Green Suite features a large bedroom and an annex with four beds, natural light, and a verandah access. The Blue Suite accommodates up to five guests with a main bedroom and an annex with a bunk bed. The Yellow Room has an L-shaped layout with two beds, a private study, seating area, view of open fields and hills, and its own Wi-Fi router.

The Retreat
The Retreat
The Retreat

The Green Suite

A spacious main bedroom with an adjoining annexe, offering a total of 4 beds (2 beds in each room).

Garden View

Garden View

250 sq ft

250 sq ft

1 room

1 room

2 + 2

2 + 2

The Retreat
The Retreat
The Retreat

The Blue Suite

Main bedroom with two beds, plus a small annexe with a bunk bed and a single bed (5 beds total).

Garden View

Garden View

300 sq ft

300 sq ft

1 room

1 room

2 + 3

2 + 3

The Retreat
The Retreat
The Retreat

The Yellow Room

Large L-shaped room with two beds in one arm and a study area with its own WiFi in the other.

Garden View

Garden View

1 room

1 room

350 sq ft

350 sq ft

2 + 1

2 + 1

note

Price Description: The price is for double occupancy and includes all taxes and accommodation with the meals mentioned below.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Note: Driver accommodation available

Third Person/Child: Single occupancy rate is 5940. Adult: 2700/- Child price: 1700/- (5 to 12 years must have their own bed), Below 5 years - Complementary.

Raahghar Payment Terms: Reservation is confirmed with an advance payment of 50% of the total amount at the time of booking. The balance payment is to be made 7 days prior to check-in.

Cancellation Policy (Indian Passport Holders Only):

  1. In case of a cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstance a credit note will be issued by the property to the guest for the amount paid till date.

  2. The credit note will be valid for use within one year from the period of booking. The guest can redeem the credit note against the amount of any future booking within a year and pay the balance if any as per the rates applicable on that date. This credit note is also transferable and can be used by the guest/transferee only once within the stipulated date.

  3. Raahghar would keep your credit card information secured with us and it won't be charged unless needed.

airports
Closest Airports

Pantnagar Airport is the closest, about 1.5 hours away (56 km). Bareilly Airport is 3 hours away (127 km).

train
Via Train

Kathgodam Railway Station is 50 minutes away (22 km), and Haldwani Railway Station is 1 hour 15 minutes away (28 km).

via road
Via Road

The homestay is just 15 minutes from Bhimtal town and 6.5 hours by car from Delhi (300 km).

property
Access to the Property

The property is easily accessible by car on a tar road. However, please note there might be patchy mobile network service during the drive. There is ample parking available on-site, just a short walk from the homestay.

star

The Retreat is housed in a lovingly preserved heritage building with period furniture. It sits on a sprawling estate surrounded by forest, offering both tranquility and breathtaking views.

star

The property is unique in its ability to balance heritage and eco-consciousness, blending sustainable practices such as water conservation and energy-efficient architecture with its rich colonial history.

Will be displayed soon.

Popular Searches