Description

Located on the slopes of Shimla, Villa Serra is a home with an old-world charm. Decked with wooden furniture, chandeliers and paintings, the four ensuite bedrooms offer a warm respite with windows that open up to the cool mornings. Devour a warm local spread in the majestic dining area, made by our expert chefs. You can take your steaming mug of hot chocolate to the outdoor seating area and spend time with your loved ones on the lawns, looking out to the mountains.

Interaction

We will love to provide you with any assistance required. It is our endeavour to ensure that you have a comfortable stay and a wonderful experience. Please feel free to interact with us.

Neighborhood

Shimla was declared the Summer capital of British India in 1864 and is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has an altitude of approximately 2200 meters above sea level and is surrounded by pine, deodar and oak forests. It is also quite popular among travellers as it has a pleasant weather and offers magnificent views of natural grandeur as well as man-made marvels.

It has always been among the most preferred destinations to escape the scorching heat of the plains as the town is surrounded by green hills with snow-capped peaks. Everything in Shimla has a unique appeal and never fails to impress even the most demanding tourists.

More information on things to do:

There are various activities and things to do in Shimla like going on a nature walk, hiking, shopping or going for local sightseeing. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Shimla are:

• The Ridge: The Ridge is a remarkable colossal expanse, located in Shimla at an altitude of 2205 meters above the sea level.

• The Christ Church: Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in what was formerly called Simla, Christ Church is situated on The Ridge. It stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and its silhouette is visible for kilometres around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church is one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj.

• Jakoo Temple: Jakhoo Temple is an ancient Temple in Shimla, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and it rests at the highest peak of Shimla at about 2455 meter above the sea level.

• Gaiety Theatre: Gaiety Theatre is a notable landmark of Shimla which was established in 1877. It is located on the historical Mall Road of Shimla and has been designed by the prominent architect Mr. Henry Irwin, the man who also designed the grand, majestic structure of Viceregal Lodge Shimla. Gaiety Theatre is a part of Town Hall Shimla.

• Lakkar Bazaar: As the name suggests, Lakkar Bazaar is a wooden bazaar located next to the astonishing Ridge ground in Shimla. It is a significant tourist attraction, and everyone who comes to Shimla must visit this place. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its wooden articles such as toys, walking sticks, key rings, pencil box, etc.

• Tara Devi Temple: Tara Devi temple is situated on the Western part of the Shimla Town. It is positioned amidst a thick forest of oak and rhododendron on the top of the Tarav Parvat and offers scenic views of the lofty Himalayas surrounding the town.

• Viceregal Lodge: The Viceregal Lodge also known as The Rashtrapati Niwas, is located at a distance of almost 5 Km from the Scandal Point. It is strategically placed on the Observatory Hills of Shimla and was the former summer residence of the British Viceroys of India. It also served as a summer retreat for the India Presidents between 1947 and mid-1960’s.

• Himachal State Museum: The charisma of Shimla's natural grandeur, magnetism, and history of its colonial structures and heritage sites attracts a lot of travellers from all across the world. Housed in a 1860s mansion this unique landmark was established in the year 1974.

• The Mall Road: The Mall Road is undoubtedly one of the best places for tourists in Shimla. It was constructed during the British. It is the prime street of Shimla that will take you through a lot of restaurants, cafes, saloons, showrooms, department stores, banks, post offices, municipal corporation office, fire station, police control room and many tourist offices. Entry of vehicles is strictly prohibited in this area.

Access

The guests have access to the entire villa. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, guests may have restricted access to any shared amenities.

Space

Whisk away to the capital city of Shimla, sprinkled with forests of Himalayan oak, cedar, rhododendron and fir trees. A snowy picture in winter, Shimla has pleasant weather throughout the year and is known for the pull of its misty mountains.

Gather around the fireplace in winter as you recount memories with a backdrop of the snow. Enjoy friendly matches with your friends in the game room or head out to explore the city. Take a walk down the popular Mall Road and shop for local fineries or visit the beautifully crafted temples of Shimla. Play a round of golf at the Naldhera Golf Course, less than 5 km away or simply marvel at the colonial architecture. Whatever you choose, come home to the warmth and our intuitive service as you and your loved ones are pampered in your home away from home.

Indoor living

• An alluring, colonial-style living area with hanging chandeliers, elegant seating and ornate mirrors on the walls.

• Large windows in the master bedrooms with mesmerising mountain views and leather upholstered seats and a classic day-bed.

• Eight-seater wooden dining table to enjoy delicious meals.

• Fireplaces in the living room and electric heating in all the bedrooms.

• A well-stocked library with a leather chair and study table.

• Well-equipped kitchen located a few steps below the main house.

Outdoor living

• A fully fenced outdoor sitting area overlooking the mountains with rattan chairs and side tables, perfect for evening tea or cocktail nights.

• Covered veranda with planters' chairs and a charming view.

• Manicured lawn with classic outdoor furniture

Bedrooms

• Four exquisite bedrooms, each with a mix of comfort and design and infused with minimalist modern elegance.

• Two guest bedrooms are located at the ground level, accessible via five steps.

• The two master bedrooms take up the upper level, with ensuite bathrooms and doors opening onto the terrace lounge.

• Dressing tables, lounge chairs, and ample storage space.

• The upstairs rooms have exquisite views of the tea gardens.

Dining

The diversity of cuisine in India is unparalleled and no visit to one of our India villas is complete without sampling the delicious fare on offer. It is well-known that the best food in any country is homemade and cooked in the kitchens of the locals. At Elite Havens, we bring the experience of home dining to you, albeit in style. Relish local and international fare cooked to your taste by a private cook who will craft meals to delight you, day after day.

From breakfast until dinner, appetizers to desserts, dining promises to be a memorable affair at an elite haven. It is a common misconception that Indian food is spicy. Discover the myriad flavours of the various regions of this ancient country, cuisines that go far beyond Chicken Tikka Masala, and try age-old recipes passed from generation to generation. When you seek a bit of comfort, our cooks will be happy to revert back to international dishes of your preference. Come, indulge your senses in a way that only India can promise.

Common Areas:

• The living room seats up to 10-12 people.

• It offers a large flat screen TV, music system and a Bluetooth speaker.

• Board games, chess and carrom board and a well-stocked library are also available.

• There is a patio overlooking the lush green lawn in the front attached to the living room and big lawns at the back of the villa.

• Events can be organised at an additional cost, on prior notice.

Kitchen:

• There is a fully functional kitchen in the villa.

• The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave, a gas stove and a water purifier.

• Crockery and cutlery are available for up to 18 people.

• Though a private chef is available to prepare sumptuous meals of your choice, guests do have access to the kitchen.

• A complimentary breakfast is offered.

• For vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, a complete 3-course lunch is priced at INR1800.00 per person, per meal and dinner is priced at INR2500 per person, per meal.

• Snacks, beverages and desserts are served as per the menu.

Amenities and facilities:

• Torch, iron, wardrobes

• Medical kit, mosquito repellent

• Secured parking space for up to 5 cars

We care for your absolute comfort! To that effect, we provide:

• Inverter, heater, Wi-Fi

• Wardrobe, hangers, torch

• Geysers, towels, toiletries

• Medical kit, mosquito repellent

• Barbecue kit, fireplace, bonfire

• Secured parking space for up to 2 cars

Quick facts:

• Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

• Capacity: 10 adults (4 ensuite bedrooms: all with king-size beds)

• Living areas: Elegant living room; 8-seater indoor dining table; library with books and board games; foosball table; manicured lawn with sculptures; covered verandah with seating; gazebo; fireplaces; reading corners; terrace bar; backyard patio.

• Staff: The villa has a dedicated caretaker while a Guest Relations Manager is on-call. Additional staff such as a nanny/ babysitter, spa therapist, or driver can be hired on request at extra charge.

• Communication: WiFi internet access.

• Entertainment: Flat-screen television; music system; books; boardgames; foosball table; putting set; gazebo; bar.

• Families: Villa Serra is a family-friendly vacation home that is ideal either for short or long-term vacations or a weekend getaway with friends or family members who have children. The chef is exceptionally talented and can customise food to please the pickiest of eaters.

• Spa: The Guest Relations Manager can arrange for a professional masseuse to visit the villa for spa services that may be enjoyed at various spots within the villa premises.

• Transport: Should you need transport to explore the area around, a car and driver can be arranged on a chargeable basis.

Guest Access & interaction:

• We will love to provide you with any assistance required. It is our endeavour to ensure that you have a comfortable stay and a wonderful experience. Please feel free to interact with us.

Home highlights:

• Wireless Broadband Internet

• Private parking

Transit

• Distance from Shimla Airport - 26.5 Kms | 55 mins

• Distance from Chandigarh Airport - 141 Kms | 4 hrs

• Distance from Shimla Railway Station - 19.3 Kms | 40 mins

• Distance from Kalka Railway Station - 105 Kms | 3 hrs 30 mins

• Distance from Shimla Bus Stand – 17 Kms | 40 mins

• Distance from Mall Road - 17.6 Kms | 40 mins

Notes

• While we do promise you a welcoming home and a great stay, here are a few things we'd like to mention so as to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises later!

• The villa is located in a secluded area

• All-male groups are not allowed.

• In case of a power outage, the generator can support all basic lights and fans for up to 8 hours.

• Guests can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi. Network is subject to availability at any given time.

• Guests are advised to remain cautious of any bugs, insects, or animals as the home is surrounded by natural vegetation.

• Please be mindful and keep noise to a minimum after 10 PM.

• This is a standalone property.

• Please note that guests cannot hire or bring any outside vendor for any events at the property.

• CCTV cameras are installed in the living room, kitchen and the outdoor areas for security purposes.

• Stags are not allowed at the property.

• WiFi is available, though it is subject to network availability at any given time.

• Mobile networks such as Jio/ Airtel/ Vodafone work fairly well here.