Kamal Ghorui
While she’s a superstar’s wife, Gauri Khan has made her own identity and she’s one of the most popular interior designers in the country, having developed many celebrity homes, of course, starting with her own house ‘Mannat’. Gauri has now added another feather to her cap as she has restored her ancestral Dalhousie property into a luxury stay which is now open to people. This is nearly a century-old family estate which she has now turned into a luxury retreat. Named The Chestnut Grove, the six-bedroom heritage villa is more than a picturesque mountain property. It belongs to Gauri’s maternal uncle, Tejinder Tiwari, and has been part of the family since 1933. As her cousin Rustam Tiwari has shared, the home was originally acquired by their great-grandfather, Suraj Bhan Tiwari. Sprawled across approximately 8,000 square feet, the estate has played host to generations of summer holidays, animated family gatherings and tranquil mornings wrapped in mountain mist.For Gauri, this was never just a design assignment. The house formed the backdrop of her childhood, where long summers were spent with cousins amid pine-scented air, echoing verandahs and evenings warmed by a crackling fireplace. When discussions of restoration began, she collaborated closely with Rustam, determined that any transformation would honour the spirit of the original home.The brief was thoughtful yet clear, to retain the heritage soul while seamlessly incorporating contemporary comforts. The finished space achieves that balance — nostalgic without feeling dated, elegant without losing warmth.Surrounded by towering trees and dense greenery, the villa opens into a sunlit living area framed by expansive glass windows. Natural light pours in, illuminating wooden textures and earthy tones. A grand fireplace anchors the room, offering a cosy refuge during Dalhousie’s colder months. Plush seating and subtle design accents create an inviting, lived-in charm.Each bedroom carries its own personality while staying true to the hill-station aesthetic. Wooden ceilings, understated stone elements and soft, muted furnishings lend a sense of quiet sophistication. Guests can opt for garden-facing rooms, a spacious king suite or an attic suite that feels tucked away in the treetops. The dining space, highlighted by a skylight, remains bright and airy year-round, merging rustic architecture with thoughtful modern detailing.The Chestnut Grove is open to private luxury stays, primarily catering to families and close-knit groups seeking exclusivity in the hills. Individual rooms are priced between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per night depending on the season, while the entire estate can be reserved for approximately ₹1.2 lakh per night.
