The dream of owning a hill cottage is a common romantic notion. We chanced upon Two Chimneys – then known as the Big House in a two centimeter ad in a newspaper while looking for a flat to rent in Delhi. An impulsive trip, and we immediately fell in love with the piquant charm of the run-down shabby house sitting on a spur, with a splendid view of the valley on both sides.

When we first saw it, it was a house that children draw: a block with a slanting roof and cut-out windows and two triangular chimneys. The old house has been restored over 10 years, sporadically, as ideas and funds have trickled in. Saplings were planted that became trees. Seemingly dead wood sprouted as life was puffed into the house again, nature’s whimsical ways surround the house, and continually delight. The big prize is spotting the panther, as he passes by the house on most nights, moving between the two valleys.

As the years turned, it became clear that welcoming guests to Two Chimneys was the best way to share its beauty and to keep it in fine running condition. Two Chimneys opened for occupancy in April 2009, with 4 suites and 3 rooms.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Every old house comes soaked in myth. So a century old house had its fair share. In the 1890s the beautiful wife of a British army officer fell in love with the area and decided to put out roots. The entire hillside belonged to her. She chose the best spot to site her house – which is today Two Chimneys.

A retinue served her well. She was a statuesque woman, wore breeches, rode horses and was never seen in public without her double-barreled gun. The locals - in awe - dared not cross her line of vision.

When she died in the1940s, she left the house to her faithful retainer. It was from his descendants that we got the house.

Legend envelops the place. It is said Gandhiji had tea here in 1936 on his way to the Bhowali sanatorium to see Kamala Nehru; and Jim Corbett was a friend of the lady of the house and often came visiting.

The Goat Shed

It was originally where the goats were tied - an adjunct to the main house to keep them safe from the panther. The name’s the same, but the space has been transformed into a warm glowing suite, allowing in pouring sun, looking on to greenery everywhere.

The Olive Room

This room gets its name from an olive tree brought as a sapling from Italy. A cozy double room with a pristine white bathroom, and mother of pearl lights, and the shimmer and splash of water outside.

The Oak Suite

A luxurious suite, with a private lawn and a bright sun-room, a happy family place. Lie on the bed and watch the sun set or the twinkling lights of the Jeolikote valley. Bathe in the old stone-walled bathroom or walk down the private steps to the path leading to Land’s End. Perhaps the best sited suite in the lodge.

The Study

Originally planned as a study, this quaint room has an old cottage charm, with a fireplace and a private sit-out that has a scintillating view of the valley. A lovely all-stone bathroom with a fig tree in it and glass walls gives the feeling of being out in the open. Just the room for the happy couple.

The Deodar Suite

A capacious suite with a bedroom, a sitting room, a sprawling bathroom overlooking the Bhumiadar valley, and a gorgeous sun-kissed loft. Outside the windows of the sitting room stands the 200-year-old deodar.

The Willow Suite

Running a span from the heart of the house to its outer edge. Its bedroom overlooks the Olive Court and The Deck while the sitting room provides a grandstand view of the Bhumiadar valley. A small, cosy sleeping loft, accommodates two children, while a private balcony offers sun and breeze. Perfect for a family of two or four.

First Things

The first lived-in room in the house, all wood, with royal beds. A huge, stunning loft with stand-up windows with a view of Nainital and The Deck. Lie in the tub in the finest bathroom in the house and overlook the Jeolikote valley.


Facilities

Two Chimneys is not a five-star hotel. We don’t aim to be one. But we offer warm hospitality and old world charm. There are no TVs in rooms, but there is room service; the power supply might go on the blink in the village, but there will be no shortage of candles or assistance. It's our home and it pleases us to share its charm and joy with you.
 

...Room View...