In a country like India, the concept of a cottage in the hills to rent for the summer just hasn’t caught on. So to find one feels lucky in itself, but to find one like Northwood is just plain absurd. I could wax eloquently on its Victorian charms and green, pine filled surroundings; but the fact is that if you’re coming from Britain, a cottage like this would be easy to find. And I don’t mean that in a demeaning way – it’s actually very interesting to be in very English home in India. It has all the trappings - large Victorian façade (it is much bigger than a ‘cottage’), a big and very comfortable conservatory surrounded by beautiful flower pots with glass walls and comfy sofas, fireplaces, formal dining rooms – its all just perfect.

This house and its setting is as ‘Enid Blytonesque’ as you can get in this hot and dusty country. If you’re a family with young children who are bored and the heat of the plains is taking its toll – I cannot recommend a better antidote to your woes. The house becomes essentially yours for the duration of your stay – so you can take some of your friends as well – and with large bedrooms and a fully functioning kitchen, pantry and washing machine, taking care of yourself can actually become fun!

This original Victorian home belonged to the English family of a British officer of the East India Company. His daughter continued to live in this house till she was almost a 100 years old herself. She was looked after for many years by her good friend Srimati Pronoti Singh who lived in another old house, Chapslee, on top of the hill. When she died the lady left Northwood to Srimati Pronoti Singh who decided to give the house out on rent for families to enjoy. In fact, Chapslee, is one of the first heritage hotels in India so you can be assured you will be well taken care of.

The high ceilings, wooden flooring, large windows and fireplaces make the home ideal for a summer in the mountains. The rooms are large and comfortable and the house is littered with interesting paintings and original curios, some dating back to the 19th century. The glass covered conservatory was my favourite room in the house and I would have spent all day there if I didn’t get tempted by the lovely walks to be had in the area. The house is just off a road on a hill, surrounded with pine trees and with no construction around it (except for the Chapslee School behind it).  Bring a few board games, your favourite food and your friends and family and I can assure an unforgettable summer holiday.