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Mary Budden Estate — Uttarakhand • India

Cottages

Mary Budden Estate

  • Cottages
  • Mountain

Location
Uttarakhand • India
Experiences
2 Experiences

Bought in 1899 by Ms. Mary Budden herself, and converted into a school for local orphans, the estate lay derelict until nearly a hundred years later when Serena Chopra — a Delhi-based photographer and writer, purchased the property and turned it into her mountain home.

  • 2 Experiences

Almora is a surprise package, and this is not just about its ‘bal mithai’ fudge with roasted khoya and sugar balls. Almora offers so much more than the expected; stunning snow views, dense jungles, idyllic villages, rare temples and clear rivers.

A short uphill drive from the main road to Almora town leads you to the heart of one of Uttarakhand’s best-kept secrets, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Burrowed on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills and encircled by magnificent forests, Binsar is perched at an altitude of 2,420 meters, with an outstanding panoramic view of the great Himalayan range.

One of the most picturesque destinations in the Kumaon region, Binsar is unspoilt; protected by rolling valleys and mighty mountains. Birds, tall trees and solitude are the best by-products of Binsar. Quaint villages at the fringes and inside the sanctuary have their own stories to tell.


Mary Budden Estate

Uttarakhand • India


Category
Cottages
Best Time to Visit
Year round
Best For
Couples, Slow Stays

2 Experiences

2 Experiences

Moments that make this house

Each one designed by the house and hosted by the people who live it. Collect the ones you want to keep.

    • temple visit

    UTTARAKHAND • INDIA

    Visit Ancient Indian Temples in Jageshwar

    Host • Mary Budden Estate

    Visit Ancient Indian Temples in Jageshwar

    Uttarakhand is blessed with many pilgrimage sites and ancient wonders. When you come for a stay at the Mary Budden Estate in Binsar, don’t forget to delve into an immersive, divine experience here. Situated amidst dense Deodar forest, the ancient pilgrimage town of Jageshwar will cradle the spiritual seeker in you. The well-known temple complex is named after the presiding deity Jageshwar, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

    As you walk around Jageshwar, marvel at 100-plus Shiva temples made entirely using local stone. With a stream flowing within the premises, these temples are one of the most iconic temple complexes in northern India. Each masterpiece of architecture is intricately carved, showcasing the faith of the Hindu community.

    There’s a lot going on here that weaves the tapestry of devotion – the ringing of temple bells, the chanting of devotees, the soothing aroma of incense and the continuous flow of water streams. Located in the scenic Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, this abode of faith and spirituality will attract you with its mesmerising scenery and beautiful forests.

    On the way to Jageshwar, you’ll notice the last vestiges of a cave with ancient rock paintings that silently share stories of creativity and ingenuity of those who once took shelter in these hills. The paintings also include handprints from the past. These pictorial depictions are simply a treasure of art, culture and history, depicting scenes of daily life and rituals of the early inhabitants of this region.

    So you see, a stay in Binsar will not only offer you luxury and comfort in abundance but will also help you embark on a journey to the divine. The Kumaon mountains beckon you to unravel the mysteries of the ancient past. You never know which beautiful moments will be permanently etched in your memory.

    • mountain views
    • nature retreat

    UTTARAKHAND • INDIA

    Surround Yourself with the Mighty Kumaon Himalayas in Binsar

    Host • Mary Budden Estate

    Surround Yourself with the Mighty Kumaon Himalayas in Binsar

    The Indian Himalayas have countless remote jewels, some of which are incredibly breathtaking. The lush green and emerald forests are forever kissed by the mist, making the surroundings fresh and serene. This place will gently pull out the nature-lover in you – the one who got lost in the busy city life. As you reach Binsar, you’ll start embracing the gifts of nature and celebrate your homecoming!

    The meandering mountain roads will lead you to the Mary Budden Estate, a tranquil and undisturbed haven of luxury and comfort. Nestled in the wilderness of the Himalayas, every moment spent here will make you feel nostalgic, especially with the rustic interior and vintage appearance of the property.

    Spread over five acres of land, the premises of this boutique hotel blend naturally with the surroundings, blurring the boundaries between the two. The surreal views of the valley, endless passing of clouds, cool breeze, melodious chirping of the birds and greenery all around will teleport you to a world of joy and peace. The warm, golden rays of the sun feel like you’re under a spotlight. During both dawn and dusk, the sun holds the paintbrush of its rays and paints the entire sky with shades of countless colours.

    The unspoiled beauty of this magical abode instantly connects you with untamed nature. You can even spot some of the most spectacular Himalayan peaks, including the magnificent Nanda Devi. But it’s not just the views outside that steal your heart, the vintage and antique furniture, and every wall and every corner of this property reflect timeless stories of the past. The comfortable sofa will hold you warmly in its arms, and the incredible Indian artefacts and traditional handicraft objects will capture your attention. A dreamy world indeed!

From guests of the house

What they found

  • “We booked a room and got a household. By the second morning the kitchen knew how we took our coffee and had opinions about where we should walk.”
    Meera & James

    Stayed February 2025

  • “The building would have been enough. What we did not expect was how much of the day the staff quietly built around what we said at breakfast.”
    Anneke de Vries

    Stayed November 2024

  • “Everything was arranged before we asked, and nothing felt arranged. That is a hard thing to get right and they get it right.”
    Tomás Ferreira

    Stayed September 2024

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