The Kumaon hills winds and winds till the Bhimtal lake and we see it shine in its emerald greens.A winding road to the side of the Bhimtal lake takes you upto the Retreat. Its all part of the Jones Estate.Retreat owned by the Smetaceks family. As you climb up the steep mossy green steps,the green tin sheeted roofs could be seen from far. I fell in love at the first glance of the long verandah and the sundappled corners of the home.
It has a lovely old world charm to it..To see it is to believe it.
The Retreat,in Bhimtal is a lovely colonial,19th century built, old-world oozing beautiful cottage.The mud-and-stone walls,glass panes in the doors,wood and tin roof, antique furniture and ancient knick-knacks lend beauty inside. The forests and wilderness around are kept protected.The pines and conifers which lend the spaces an effect of a deep forest.The rustic lime-washed mud-plastered walls and wooden ceilings keep the rooms warm even in winter.
The windows of the rooms overlook the wilderness that surrounds the home and you could wake up to the sweet chirping of birds.
The common lounge area of the house features a sitting area around an old fireplace, complete with books and antique décor that has been in the family for generations. The outdoor sit-outs are great for relaxing in the sounds of nature.
The place is run lovingly by Padmini (Paddy), her sons and daughters.
One of the blessed spaces to be in monsoons,I always thought i could weave stories and my frames could bring magic to the place.I am yet to see Bhimtal in Monsoons and i think this monsoons i could be there..When your minds seeks loneliness and inner peace,I always thought this is the right place to be :)-
