Heritage with a Generous Splash of Hospitality
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.
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Room Overview:
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.
A spacious main bedroom with an adjoining annexe, offering a total of 4 beds (2 beds in each room).
Garden View
250 sq ft
1 room
2 + 2
Main bedroom with two beds, plus a small annexe with a bunk bed and a single bed (5 beds total).
Garden View
300 sq ft
1 room
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2 + 3
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Large L-shaped room with two beds in one arm and a study area with its own WiFi in the other.
Garden View
1 room
350 sq ft
2 + 1
Price Description: The price is for double occupancy and includes all taxes and accommodation with the following meals. This pricing is dynamic and may vary during Weekends, Public Holidays and Peak Season so please call us to get the latest quote. Speak to us to get the Single Occupancy Rates.
Meals: Breakfast (✓), Lunch (₹), Dinner (₹)
Third Person/Child: Extra Adult - Rs. 3024/- (Above 12 years of age) Extra Child - Rs. 1904/- (5-12 years)
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):
In case of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstance, the property will issue a credit note to the guest for the amount paid till date.
The credit note will be valid for one year from the original date of booking, is transferable, and can be redeemed only once against a future booking at the rates applicable on the date of redemption.
If the credit note is not redeemed within one year from the original date of booking, it will automatically become null and void.
Pantnagar Airport is the closest, about 1.5 hours away (56 km). Bareilly Airport is 3 hours away (127 km).
Kathgodam Railway Station is 50 minutes away (22 km), and Haldwani Railway Station is 1 hour 15 minutes away (28 km).
The homestay is just 15 minutes from Bhimtal town and 6.5 hours by car from Delhi (300 km).
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.
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.
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.
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