Abbotsford Heritage Homestay
Charm & character
Couples
Originally built in 1876, Abbotsford is a classic hill station house turned heritage homestay, full of character and surrounded by forests and fabulous mountain views.
Still home to the owners, the Prasada family, it offers a relaxed and welcoming base with a strong sense of history — one that’s been shaped by generations of writers, thinkers and culinary traditions.
We’d recommend it to anyone interested in nature, history, literature, or just a welcoming atmosphere and fantastic food.
The homestay’s charm and character come from its history, which guests can discover from the owner and host, Janhavi Prasada. The house has been in the Prasada family since 1903, and she has a wealth of information and stories about the local area, Indian politics, the culinary arts, literature, and many other subjects. The family has an evident love of literature, and books on diverse subjects are found all over the house, where the ‘Himalayan Echoes’ literature festival is hosted (organised by the indefatigable Janhavi).
For guests who want to explore outside the grounds, there are a host of excursions available from Abbotsford, including a culinary walk to a local market, a historical tour of Jim Corbett’s house, a round of golf at a unique course (watch out for leopards!), and a guided bird-watching trip into the Nanda Devi Bird Reserve – home to over 400 species of birds.
The Rooms
The homestay is made up of three buildings separated by a manicured lawn and surrounded by mountains and forests on one side and the town just below.
The Apsley House and Wordsworth Cottage buildings have just five guestrooms, while the oldest wing, Abbotsford House, is home to the Prasada family and the main restaurant area.
All the rooms are comfortable and homely, with a strong heritage feel.
Dining is usually a communal affair, taking place either in the main house or on the outside lawn, which becomes ‘Chica Café’ during the day. Food is taken seriously, with a farm-to-table approach. Much of the menu is seasonal and made from locally grown produce, emphasising Kumaon cuisine. However, expect family recipes from other regions and the option of Western (or ‘Continental’) dishes, too.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
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