Old World Orchard Retreat | 2BR | GF by Homeyhuts

Welcome to Our Heritage Home in Kotkhai, Shimla – A 100-Year-Old Legacy Stay Step into a home that has stood the test of time for over a century. Nestled in the heart of Kotkhai, just 1.5 hours from Shimla, our heritage home showcases the timeless Kathkuni architecture of Himachal Pradesh. Lovingly restored years ago to maintain its old-world charm, this home belongs to your hosts—a warm and welcoming couple who reside in a private unit on the first floor. The space Welcome to our ancestral home, a unique and lovingly maintained 2 bedrooms on ground floor of the property steeped in over a hundred years of family history. Nestled amidst sprawling apple orchards, this isn't just a stay; it's an immersive experience in authentic Shimla architecture and the warmth of generational hospitality. As you enter from the parking, a small front lawn welcomes you with its old-world grace. Walk into the living room and you'll feel the history around you—upholstered vintage sofas, wooden interiors passed down through generations, and a fireplace to cozy up by. You’ll also find a handpicked collection of books, board games, and a still-functional ancestral radio that whispers stories from the past. The living room on the mezzanine level features a TV, while the bedrooms remain screen-free for a peaceful stay. A few steps down brings you to the dining space—an antique table and bench set the stage for shared meals. Behind it lies the kitchen, exclusively used by staff. Guests are welcome to use the microwave, refrigerator, and water purifier, but cooking is not permitted. Rooms & Layout Ground Floor: 2 bedrooms with a dedicated washroom, each with sit-out areas and views Beds: 1 queen bed, 1 double bed Each room includes enclosed verandas for a private sit-out Comforts & Add-ons Heaters and fans available on request (no extra cost) Basic toiletries provided in common dispensers (includes shampoo, conditioner, and body wash) Extra mattresses available for additional guests at an additional cost: 1 mattress each can be provided in the first-floor rooms. We have a selection of board games including Chess, Jenga, XO, Carrom, Monopoly, Uno, and Tic Tac Toe, as well as badminton and cricket equipment for some outdoor fun. Washing machine available. Iron on request. Complimentary Wi-Fi provided. Portable fans and heaters as per seasonal needs. Complimentary breakfast provided. Step Outdoors: Our property is embraced by beautiful gardens both in the front and a quaint kitchen garden in the back. A gazebo in the backyard provides a tranquil spot to unwind, complete with a traditional old bonfire and BBQ pit (available at an additional charge: bonfire ₹500/hour, BBQ ₹2500 for veg and ₹3000 for non-veg). For a unique evening experience, we offer an open-air cinema in the backyard – perfect for movie nights under the stars. The highlight, without a doubt, is the breathtaking view overlooking vast apple orchards. We encourage you to take a leisurely farm or orchard walk to truly experience our local culture and the beauty of our surroundings. Self-guided tours and a 30-minute river trek (5-minute drive to the starting point) can also be arranged. House Rules • No shoes or slippers in the house, we provide slippers that can be worn inside the house. • No smoking inside the house or in the rooms. • No food or eatables allowed in the rooms. • The meals will be served in the dining area or outside in the lawn. • No cooking allowed in the kitchen • No loud music allowed inside or outside the house at night after 9:00pm Meals will only be served between these timings • Breakfast - 7:30pm- 10:30 am • Lunch - 1:00pm- 3:00pm • Dinner - 7:00pm -10:00 pm Guest access Guests have full access to the entire ground floor, including two comfortable bedrooms, a dedicated bathroom, a dining area, and a lobby with a cozy fireplace. The mezzanine floor features a TV lounge for your relaxation. Please note that the top floor is our private residence and is not accessible to guests. Feel free to enjoy the lovely outdoor areas, including the sit-out spots and the beautiful apple orchard. We invite you to make the most of this serene space and feel right at home! During your stay As your hosts, we live on the first floor of the property and are readily available to assist you with any questions or needs you may have during your stay. We are happy to share local tips, insights into the property's history, and ensure you have a comfortable and memorable experience. We can also help arrange pick-up and drop-off services, as well as rental bikes, cars, and local taxis for your convenience. If our schedule permits, we would even be delighted to accompany you on some local sightseeing trips to share the beauty of our region firsthand. While we respect your privacy, we also enjoy interacting with our guests and sharing the unique charm of our ancestral home. Feel free to reach out to us whenever you need anything. Other things to note Kindly Note To preserve the unique character and history of our home, we kindly request that you refrain from rearranging or damaging any items or spaces. Please treat everything with the utmost care, as many pieces are rare and have been cherished for generations. We also ask that you remove your footwear inside the property (slippers can be provided). Please be aware that our home is not fully wheelchair friendly, as there are steps required to access different areas. While we adore animals, we are unable to accommodate pets as we have our own friendly dog on the property, along with cattle and chickens as part of our farming activities. Quiet hours are observed after 9 PM to ensure a peaceful stay for everyone. The approach road to the property is a bit steep and narrow (about 200 meters from the highway); if you have any concerns, we, your hosts, are happy to assist with pick-up and parking. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, inverter with 12-hour backup, and CCTV cameras are installed for your safety. Additional beds are provided at extra cost per person. This home isn’t just a stay—it’s a step back in time, a chance to experience luxury rooted in legacy. We invite you to slow down, connect, and become a part of our story.