I gazed at the spectacular Himalayan range through my bedroom window in the Edward Suite, just as British India’s last Viceroy and his lady (Lord and Lady Mountbatten) may have once done, over 60 years ago. Then stepped across the wooden floor of this splendid old British Heritage rest house, a floor that has been touched by many celebrity feet, (including, apparently, those of Jawaharlal Nehru).

The biggest attraction here is the experience of staying in an old heritage building that has changed little since it was built nearly a century and a half ago. The owners point out with much pride the well preserved hand-painted wall paper in the lounge, the antique piano, the pictures of family members with India’s famed political leaders. And outside, there is the vast lush forest and organic farmland, something that the owners have helped flourish with their own personal interest and effort at tree planting.

Holm Farm Heritage gives you an exciting dollop of old Raj history, even as it relaxes you in an idyllic hill-station setting. There are six large suites/rooms in the main resort, as well as five Swiss style log huts, a family cottage on the slopes, and two pitching tents for the outdoorsy types.

Ideal for couples and families dying to get away from the boredom of urban living.