Belle Vue Cottage - Luxury Victorian Property

Bell Vue Cottage, recently restored, is a secluded, 6-bedroom heritage bungalow, that sits on a 160 year old historic Estate, uniquely located in a densely, green and wooded forest, in the hills of Khandala in the Western Ghats of India. The property has a distinct old-world charm and has remained with the same family - Parsi-Zoroastrians - for 7 generations. Some of the buildings were built during the reign of Queen Victoria, and the integrity and values of the Estate remain unchanged. Belle Vue Cottage is a 2-storey, secluded colonial, 6 bedroom bungalow, that sits on a private, country Estate that dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria. The property is uniquely located in the hills of Khandala and has remained with the same Parsi, Zoroastrian family for 160 years. The lineage is unbroken. The Estate sits in a densely, green and wooded forest. The property has a distinct old-world charm, and the ivy-clad bungalow, from a bygone era, is nestled among coconut trees and other age-old woodland. Ideal for relaxation and reflection, Belle Vue sits at the trail head of several mountain paths, and is, therefore, perfectly located for long walks and life outdoors. It is also a haven for artists and writers, and for those who wish to escape and think and be-at-one with themselves. Further, the Estate has never changed hands. It has been with same family since the mid 1800's. And the family continue to live on the upper Estate in their own bungalow and interact extensively with all their guests. Approximately, 150 kms, south of the city of Mumbai, 12 km from the town of Lonavala, and 60 Kms from Poona, in the state of Maharashtra in India, Belle Vue Estate is situated at the foothills of Duke's Nose and other hills. The village of Khandala has changing seasons - cool, pleasant winters, short summers and monsoons, during which the hillsides become a carpet of green. SPECIAL RATES WILL BE OFFERED FOR LONG STAYS The Cottage has its own private garden and a caretaker couple and cook who live on the Estate and take care of all the guests needs. Guests have use of the entire cottage, its grounds, and all its facilities during their stay. Most of our Parsi, Zoroastrian family have been educated at Cambridge University in the UK, and one of us went to Harvard. We were all schooled in England. We are, therefore, a totally international family who love to interact with all who come here. We are also the direct descendants of those who built the Estate. We, therefore, have a sound and thorough knowledge of the area and we frequently take guests for driver, on treks and invite them up onto the upper Estate where we live, for drinks, meals and barbecues. We also have a deep respect for privacy. Khandala is a tiny village in the Western Ghats of India. Approximately, 150 kms, south of the city of Mumbai, 12 km from the town of Lonavala, and 60 Kms from Poona, in the state of Maharashtra in India, the village of Khandala and Belle Vue Estate within it, is situated at the foothills of Duke's Nose and other hills. The Estate is secluded with just our family bungalows on either side. But the village is a 10 minute walk from the Cottage, the town of Lonavala about 20 minutes away, and both the cities of Poona and Mumbai are easily accessible. The Estate has plenty of parking. Taxis and Rickshaws (tuk tuks) can easily be hired. The caretakers have a motor bike, and we, the Estate owners have a car. There are also trains and buses available which can take you to all the far corners of India. The old British railway station is just a 10 minute walk from the Cottage. Nothing will really impact the stay of our guests as we live on the Estate most of the week, and therefore, we are always at hand to help. We can also offer guests drives to Bombay, and help them with transport arrangements.