Beyond Mussoorie’s popular and tourist frequented hotspots like Kempty Falls and the Mall, a few kilometres from the main part of town is the British-era cantonment area of Landour. Away from the chaos of the city, veiled in the stunning and serene landscape of the Garhwal Himalayas, this indeed is Mussoorie’s best kept secret. In the heart of Landour at a height of 2,286 metres is Landour’s jewel in the crown, a luxurious boutique hotel called Rokeby Manor.
Initially built to be the grand mansion of Captain GN Cauthy, Rokeby Manor dates back to 1840. Named after England’s Rokeby Castle, adventurer Fredrick ‘Pahari’ Wilson eventually became the owner of the sprawling estate. Thereafter over years, it saw several landlords including the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which ran it as a guest house under the Methodist missionaries.
With many of Landour’s colonial properties falling to neglect, it was the Mars Group that decided to restore Rokeby Manor to its past glory. This one-time heritage home boasts of 19th century brick arches, alcoves and stonewalls. The wooden floors and staircase are all original as are the ceiling beams and fireplaces throughout the property. Having retained its charm and character, luxurious interiors coupled with choicest amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and a spa where you can be preened and pampered, makes it all the more alluring.
Each room and suite at Rokeby Manor is uniquely furnished in a rustic style with a Victorian-esque underlying theme. And the views of the Doon Valley and snow-clad Himalayas from your private chic country style retreat are simply stunning. Select features include private balconies and fireplaces.
Rokeby Manor is dotted with cosy nooks and outdoor garden areas where you can enjoy a cup of tea, read a book or simply be. The Highlands are especially inviting for enjoying a bonfire barbeque or soaking in an open-air heated Jacuzzi. The high moment: witnessing the sunset from here!
Dining at Rokeby Manor is a real treat for the taste buds. On the first floor overlooking the Mussoorie ridge line, Emily’s is designed to look like an old English tea room. On the menu are Indian and Continental dishes prepared by a team of highly-trained chefs with culinary skills befitting of star quality dining. Some dining outlets not on the property but within walking distance are The Stray Dog – Stübli— an alpine log cabin-style eatery with a mostly European menu and The Stray Dog- Ale House—a Tudor style ale house where pub brews and grub are on offer. For some bakes and bites, the Landour Bakehouse serves up delicious puddings, pies and more!
Celebrities and luxury go hand in hand and at Rokeby Manor, expect nothing less. The favoured haunt of many notable Landour residents including author Ruskin Bond, actor Victor Banerjee and theatre personality Tom Altar, the most popular out-of-town celebrity often spotted at Rokeby Manor is none other than cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.
If you’re able to pull yourself away from the many charms of Rokeby Manor, explore the Landour hillside and its beauty where the scent of pine trees will intoxicate you. Take a chakkar and pass old Landour bungalows; admire the Gothic-style St. Paul’s Church and Kellogg’s Church from the 1800s; feast on Maggi and bun omelette at Chaar Dukan; pick up homemade jams and cheeses from the shop at Sister’s Bazaar.
Cost: Room tariffs start at Rs. 9,500 per night
Location: Rokeby Manor, Landour Cantt, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179
Book Your Stay at Rokeby Manor, Mussoorie!
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