Magnolia House, Mussoorie

Magnolia House is an idyllic farm stay nestled among apple, plum, peach, apricot trees and aromatic plants. Deodar, oak, rhododendron, chestnut and walnut trees ring the house which has majestic views of the high Himalayas, char dhams & their snow peaks. Located at Mussoorie Library, 5 minutes from the Mall, it is a rare serene getaway with easy access to the Mall. Cosily carpeted across two bedrooms, a drawing room, a renovated bathroom, it provides modern comforts in an orchard setting. The space Magnolia House is a part of the Duggal Villa Estate, Library, The Mall, Mussoorie. It lies between the Hillside of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration’s Indra Bhawan on the west, Birla House on the East and the Nanda Devi Snow peaks in the South. A central reservoir for rain water harvesting on the estate, has also housed fish for the last five decades. Duggal Villa Estate has an interesting history of being built in 1920s as Ilbert Lodge Estate and being a part of the private forest and hunting grounds of Sir Francis Trotter and was one of his many estates - Braceley Cottage, Roselyn Hotel, Roseleigh Estate, Snow View Hotel, Gorgehead Estate and Steyna Cottage as well as shops along the Mall Road, cumulatively called Trotter Estate. Hence it was also called Junglewali Kothi. Thanks to climate change, rapid urbanisation and formation of the new state of Uttarakhand in the year 2000, being carved out from the erstwhile state of Uttar Pradesh, part of the forest is now inhabited by many families. This has reduced the frequent visits by our winter visitors, leopards and the Indian bear, which was very normal during the British Era. However, a small part of the enchanting forests and about 9 acres of the hillside still remains to be cherished for its natural beauty in the midst of exotic Medicinal and Aromatic plants which are being cultivated for setting up the Mussoorie High Altitude Fragrance and Flavours Institute. These plants are Geranium, Camphora Galanga, Calamus, Chamomile, Lavender, Tagetes Minuta, Artemisia, Costus and Indian Spikenard called Jatamassi that renders golden oil. The hillside has Cedar wood trees, Cypress trees, Flowering Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Grapefruit, Walnut Trees, Chestnut Trees, Apricots, Peaches and a host of winged friends in a myriad colours, the most interesting being the Brain Fever Bird the local Koyal that the reputed writer Ruskin Bond refers to so often in his writings. The hillside is also visited by barking Deer during the summer months. The summers are very pleasant and winters are cold with temperatures reaching -5 degrees centigrade accompanied with snowfall. The Apartment is a blend of British feel furniture and modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Decorated with souvenirs from around the world acquired during the owners' travels; Belgium, China, Netherlands and Scandinavia as well as different parts of India, the apartment is a perfect homestay in a simple yet astonishing and captivating setting. It is carpeted end-to-end and has a cosy selection of books to give you company. It gives a feeling of being cajoled, cured and healed by nature and the refreshing mountain air. It’s an ideal place to relax, rest and rejuvenate the soul, mind and the body. It is a place which will renew the spirit to drive back to work with a renewed and revived energy. The accommodation is spaceous, the bedrooms and the drawing room tastefully decorated to give warmth without being overcrowded. There is enough space to give free movement within the rooms. Guest access For those so inclined, there is a hiking trail to the forest at the bottom of the estate. Winding down the hillside terraces, the trail is a way to lose yourself in a forest of rhododendrons, oak, walnut trees. For those who prefer to curl up with a book the balconies fringed all around by deodar, walnut, cypress trees are ideal. Meals will be provided in the dining hall upon previous day’s request if the guest informs the hosts. INR 200 for vegetarian meals and 250 for non vegetarian meals. The hosts can also arrange for a doctor and a therapist on request and additional payment if it is required in any situation. Among other services that can be arranged for on payment is pick up and drop facility by our travel agent. Those who’d like can also meet the estate’s four legged residents, who are kept away from the guests. They can be brought for a quick hi for those who love a good lick and happy bark! Other things to note If you like to wake up to birdsong and stirring views of the Himalayas, this mountain retreat is the right place for you. It is an opportunity to live amidst nature, wake up smelling pine air and spend the day looking at flowers, fruits, birds and local plants . For those in search of the slow life, Magnolia house and its estate are the perfect getaway. With its central location it gives access to walks as well as hikes for those who like to use their hiking boots. It is a unique and rare site in Mussoorie with its proximity to the mall yet complete access to vast views of the snow peaks and Himalayas and old forests of the region.