Ada Villa at the Windamere
Ada Villa
Ada Villa (originally built in the late 1880’s for bachelor tea
planters and other British Raj professionals. All of the suites and cottages are
from the old Colonial days of the British Raj period, which stretched from the
1800’s up to Independence in 1947). This house is all part of the Windamere
accommodation on Observatory Hill.
Tinkerbelle's
Cottage at the Windamere
Tinkerbelle's Cottage is just up Observatory Hill
(we are the only property on this hill, with the Pundits
and Lamas giving blessing at the temple above us). Built in the late 1880’s, this
lovely cottage offers “top of the line” accommodation and is situated one minute
from the main house. It is a standalone bungalow, with a king-sized bed; 2 x bathrooms;
roaring fire and newly upholstered easy chairs and sofas. Luxury Tibetan and Indian
area rugs grace the polished wood floors. The property comes with a large veranda,
offering two seating areas; flat screen TV (also in the bedroom and living area);
dining table and chairs and a kitchen. It is set in its own grounds, with a sit-out
area just outside the main door and sweeping lawns (with a play area for children).
Extra beds can be included in both the living room and also the verandah.
This accommodation is quickly sought after by honeymoon couples and families who
require more privacy. All meals (breakfast, luncheon, Afternoon Tea and Dinner)
are included in the tariff. Also, we offer butler service (if meals are to be
taken in the bungalow) and a dedicated maid. The mountain views are spectacular
from this vantage point.
The Annexe
The Annexe is a lovely set of suites, just down the road from Tinkerbelle’s Cottage.
The suites are quite large, with a sitting area as you walk in and then either a
king-sized bed or twin beds, set within a lovely colonial room, with fireplace and
television. Most suites have a dressing area and then a bathroom. The view from
the large windows affords you a view of the Himalayas.
Little Peppers
Little Peppers: this delightful cottage is set right on The Terrace, with a great
view of the Himalayan Mountains. It has an adjoining suite of Peppers (very good
for families). However, the linking door is soundproofed, so that other unrelated
guests can stay next door in peace and quiet. Little Peppers has its own sitting
room and separate king-sized bed, fireplace, dressing room and bathroom. Peppers
is the suite next door and has a fireplace, sitting area and twin beds.
Knebworth
Knebworth: situated within the main house of Ada Villa, this beautiful suite has
a full sitting area, twin beds, fireplace and bathroom. The main Ada Villa house suites are quite
large. This room was named after Lord Cobbold’s stately home in England. His father, Earl of
Lytton, was a former Viceroy of India, during the Raj period and was also known as
Viscount Knebworth. The all stayed with us.
Alexandra David Neal
Alexandra David Neal: a similar suite to Knebworth, again this room is quite
large – with a fireplace. It was named after the famous French lady who dressed up as a man
and managed to get into what was at that time was the reclusive and forbidden country of Tibet.
French groups come to honour her.
Prince Peter of Greece
Prince Peter of Greece: situated upstairs in the main house, this is
a full colonial suite (twin beds), with a second single bedroom and bathroom + fireplace.
Beautifully furnished, with high class Indian rugs. The Prince actually stayed here.
Chogyal of Sikkim
Chogyal of Sikkim: named after our famous guest, the King of Sikkim
(he was formally introduced to his second wife at Windamere). A gorgeous room, with
twin beds, large sitting area, second single room, bathroom and fireplace – again,
beautifully furnished with high class Indian rugs.
Princess of Siam
Princess of Siam: when Thailand was known as Siam, the Princess stayed here.
A twin-bedded suite, with a large sitting area, separate single room, fireplace, chaise longue
and bathroom. The present Princess of Thailand has also stayed in this suite. High class Indian rugs.
Begum Aga Khan
Begum Aga Khan: twin bedded, fireplace, sitting area, separate single room and
bathroom - same standard of rugs.
Forget-me-Not
Forget-me-Not: is a very interesting suite! It is semi-circle in shape and
is situated under our dining room. It is also known as a “Honeymoon Suite”, with its
king-sized bed, lovely sitting area, television and bathroom. The view from the window
looks out across the Himalayan Mountains. Couples find this room to be very cosy and private.
There is no fireplace in this suite (due to a lack of a chimney), but we do have a “living fire”
in the room.
A Room Called Alice
A Room Called Alice: a single colonial room, with a small sitting area and bathroom.
“Alice” is situated very close to the Front Office. Its doorway is surrounded by seasonable roses
and wisteria.
Daisy’s Music Room
Daisy’s Music Room: our world-famous sitting room…for conversations, reading and
Afternoon Tea by the fire.
Bearpark’s Parlour
Bearpark’s Parlour: a lovely sitting room with bathroom facilities;
Afternoon Tea is also served here (again, by the fire).
The DHR Club
The DHR Club meaning “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway” – a two-roomed
bungalow, much used by Toy Train enthusiasts and other adventurers. The’ Lowell Thomas Reading Room’
has a fire, wonderful books and three very comfortable seating areas. A lovely place to have a quiet read!
Mr .Lowell Thomas was the famous journalist and broadcaster who found T.E. Lawrence (during WW1)
and re-named him ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. He was a firm friend of the Windamere family.
The Heinrich Harrer room is another room for similar enthusiasts and is often used as a meeting room.
Mr.Harrer was the “real” ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ personage (you may recall that Brad Pitt played his part in the film?)
He is also a friend of the Windamere family. The DHR Club is often used for private and personal dinner parties.
The club has two bathrooms and 2 x roaring fires.
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