Pet-friendly? Yes!!
If there’s one thing sure to recharge my batteries, it’s a weekend away with my people. Staying in a stunning holiday cottage does wonders. And that’s how I celebrated spring (April) this year!
The property, booked through Hushstays, was Gurney House – surely the dreamiest mountain cottage in the whole of Nainital! We had a beautiful stay here.
Overview
Constructed in 1885 for Jim Corbett, the historic Gurney House stands proudly on Ayarpatta Hill, 3.5 km from Nainital Mall Road. As we wandered through the house, we encountered artifacts.
Read my other blog posts dedicated to Jim Corbett. Yes, we are fans!!
Jim Corbett Museum
On International Museum Day, I bring to you the smallest museum I’ve ever visited!
But a small size =/= less impactful !!
My <500 words #blogpost on the #jimcorbett Museum that honors the extraordinary Late Jim Corbett.
We know him as a skilled hunter but was that all about him?…
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Beat The Heat! – 2
A few folks reached out to us to know more about the three destinations we recommended in Part I to escape the Indian summer. Glad we could be of help! But, three destinations are inadequate for six months of the intense north Indian summer. So, we bring three more long…
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We saw novels and writings preserved from the time Jim Corbett and his sister Maggie Corbett resided here.
From the living room, we stepped into the garden. Here, rhododendron, pine, and kharsu trees set the backdrop. They painted a picture of tranquility against the twinkling lights of Nainital town at night.
Gurney House sleeps four people in two bedrooms (both with ensuite bathrooms) and is perfect for friends or family. The bedrooms are elegantly appointed, offering a tranquil retreat.
The first bedroom is accessible through the living room. It boasts an attached study room. The study has Jim Corbett’s books, novels, and writings. This allows you to delve deeper into history.
Everything about Gurney House was a delight. No expense was spared on its renovation and preservation. From the entrance and the log fireplaces to the fabulous bedrooms, staying here was quite unforgettable.
The Highlights
- Gurney House retains its old-world allure. It was preserved as a museum. Now, it has been graciously transformed into a Cottage. This transformation transports you back in time. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and a spirit of adventure.
- Gurney House is a cottage from the British era. It has been painstakingly maintained. The artifacts, from Jim Corbett’s life, are an absolute delight. The living room, especially, is filled with the scent of old books and a sense of calm. We had a happy time walking around the house, seeing & appreciating each of the artifacts.
- The dining room has crockery from Corbett’s time. A huge wooden dining table for social dining is the centerpiece.
- Gurney House has a small garden where our dog Fluffy loved to play. The surrounding trees were teeming with birds. The aroma of pine trees hung in the air.
- Gurney House had outdoor seating spaces. The verandah had cushioned seating and enough chairs to allow us to spend time out here even at night.
The Location
Gurney House had a winning location. In spite of being in the heart of Nainital, it felt exclusive & secluded. It was not so isolated that we could not order a delivery from Zomato.
Gurney House was quiet enough for us to enjoy birdsong. Which is exactly the right level of isolated.
The city is Nainital. It is a nice place to visit. That is, if you can leave Gurney House. Nearby towns like Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal are also worth a trip if you are planning a longer stay.
The Hospitality
Mrs. Dalmia, the owner, was charming to chat to. She took us on a history walk through Gurney House. She also shared her family’s association with it.
Ganesh bhaiya, the caretaker, was extremely helpful when we called him almost a dozen times to get the directions right. Once there, he & Bhagwati didi made us feel comfortable and at home.
Ganesh bhaiya regaled us with stories about Nainital. Bhagwati didi was always there to serve us. She had a smile and attended to whatever we wanted. Calling the hospitality ‘inviting’ is an understatement.
The Food
Speaking about food, simple, home-cooked meals that tasted wonderful and were made with love. If you do not want to step out, you can order food in too. Zomato is available; Ganesh bhaiya can give a few restaurant numbers too.
Conclusion
Gurney House is a stunning property that would be perfect for making a special occasion memorable. I will not forget my stay in a hurry and absolutely recommend a stay here!
Immerse yourself in heritage. Step into Gurney House & feel as though you are spending the night in a living museum.
