About your stay

A serene ecological haven awaits you off the Old Mumbai Pune Highway (thus avoiding the traffic jams), a short 90-minute drive from Bandra. Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, next to Morbe Dam, the fenced-off 1 acre property is part of a 5-acre organic orchard. The tree canopy conceals the residence from view and, together with the nearby lake and the expansive pool, creates a cooler micro-climate, keeping the house and the pool at pleasant temperatures year-round. This enchanting green sanctuary with its diversity of plant and bird species offers you an array of appealing atmospheres throughout the seasons.

Park your car inside the gated property and follow the stone path through the jungle garden that takes you to the front door. The panoramic view of the pool to the north, surrounded by lush vegetation, greets you as you enter the naturally lit, single-story 3500 sq ft villa.Enclosed with sliding glass doors on three sides, allowing for gentle natural light, the living and dining areas is flanked by two semi-enclosed verandas. Two bedrooms are on each side of the entrance which divides the house in two, affording privacy. They too have floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, inviting the outdoors in, with views of the poolscape, the greenery, the covered verandas as well as the Secret Garden with its koi pond.

We designed, built, and created this green-certified, Japanese-inspired residence and the whimsical poolscape and jungle garden ourselves. The beauty of the magnesium oxide sandwich panel and glass construction with natural travertine and slate floors lies in its harmonious, open floor design that merges with its surroundings. The materials used also offer exceptional insulation properties, keeping the house at a pleasant temperature throughout the year. Through the sliding glass doors, glide seamlessly from one room to the other and from indoors to outdoors, as you step onto the covered patio leading to the centerpiece of the oasis: your magnificent private pool and the courtyard with its outdoor dining area and the covered swing under the tree canopy. Comprising a lap pool and three separate shallow pools, both swimmers and non-swimmers can frolic in the refreshing water year-round. The trees filter the sunlight and keep the temperature pleasant.

Three covered, semi-outdoor verandas protect you from the rain and insects while keeping you immersed in nature. Two semi-outdoor Balinese-style bathrooms blend into the surroundings thanks to frosted glass panels and mosquito screens in lieu of walls, enveloped by heliconia groves that conceal from the outside. All doors and windows have mosquito screens, allowing you to keep them open and awaken to the sweet serenade of chirping birds, their melodies weaving through the air like gentle whispers of tranquilityThe plants and trees on our farm only receive natural treatments like goat manure and neem oil; the fruits are beyond organic.

The space:

Four comfortable, tastefully decorated bedrooms, ranging from expansive to cozy, promise a good night’s sleep. Watch the rain fall from the semi-outdoor lounge, enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars, practice yoga by the koi pond in the Secret Garden. Stepping outside, laze in the covered garden swing and catch the indigo flash of a kingfisher diving into the pool. Follow the jungle path around the property and admire Irshalgad from a garden bench. Doze in the hammock. Savor a delightful poolside barbecue.

Health tips:

We encourage you to walk barefoot on the natural stone floors throughout the house – travertine marble and slate – to connect with the earth’s natural magnetic field. Earthing is crucial to health, as is the inhaling of oxygen-rich air and the exposure to the sun’s far infrared light and the negative ions created by the rustling leaves.

Take a break from cell phones and other electronics. Limit harmful EMFs and get more restful, restorative sleep by turning off the router and your cell phones when not needed, especially at night.

Bedroom 1:

- The 300 sq ft suite comfortably sleeps four with its 2 queen size beds. A closet and clothes stand, night stands and lamps, a dressing table with mirror, two armchairs and nesting tables, a 1.5 ton A/C, 2 fans and an ensuite W/C and sink with mirror complete the furnishing. Fresh linen and pillows are provided.

- Through sliding glass doors, it opens to a semi-enclosed veranda with pool and garden view on one side and a semi-outdoor, Balinese-style bathroom on the other. The glass walls have floor to ceiling curtains.

- This light-filled 300 sq ft “Secret Garden” is enclosed in frosted glass and mosquito screen walls, protected from view by high heliconias outside and tall potted plants inside. Besides an open slate shower and a solid slate-slab sink, it enchants your senses with its serene koi pond and the perfume of peace lilies. It is perfect for yoga and meditation, or unwinding with a good book in one of the two armchairs.

Bedroom 2:

 - Sleeping up to 4 people, it comprises 1 King bed, 1 single bed and 1 divan and opens to a protected sitting area with jungle view, and an ensuite Balinese-style semi-outdoor bathroom.

- It comprises 1 ton AC and a fan, a closet with a mirror, a suitcase stand cum shelf, night tables and a coffee table.

 - Fresh linen & pillows are provided.

 Bedroom 3:

- Contains 1 Queen size bed, a double-size sofa bed and sliding glass doors with access to the lounge area.

- It comprises 1 ton AC and 2 fans, a dressing table with mirror, a shelf unit and clothes hanger, an arm chair and coffee table.

Fresh linen & pillows are provided.

- A shared washroom is a 3 meters away.

 Bedroom 4/Study Room:

- Contains 1 double-size sofa bed, 1 study table with office chair, a shelf, a clothes rack and 1 fan. (A/C is not required as the room remains cool.)

A glass door opens to the semi-enclosed veranda witha pool view.

- Fresh linen and pillows provided.

- Open the door and step into the shared washroom right across the passage

Bathrooms: 

- The villa features 2 Balinese-style semi-outdoor en-suite bathrooms, and 1 common bathroom for your convenience.

- One Balinese-style bathroom is separated by sliding glass doors from Room 1. This 300 sq ft Secret Garden is enclosed in semi-opaque glass walls and mosquito screens and surrounded by tall heliconias. It features a slate stone shower and a massive natural slate slab sink as well as a slate koi pond and various plants. Two armchairs and a table invite you to spend some quiet time in contemplation.

- The second ensuite Balinese-style semi-outdoor bathroom is accessed from the covered and enclosed veranda of Room 2. It has a shower, sink and WC and is enclosed with semi-opaque glass walls and mosquito screen and the lush vegetation outside: heliconias, a chikoo tree, champa trees, bamboo etc.

- The indoor bathroom features a natural slate floor, a glass-enclosed shower, a sink and a WC.

- Towels, hair dryer, shower gel, hand wash and toilet paper are provided for your convenience.

- All bathrooms are modern and have geysers for hot water supply

Living area:

 - The spacious Japanese-style living and dining room features door-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on three sides with pool and jungle views and access on the north side, and connecting to the semi-outdoor lounge on the east and the semi-outdoor dining room on the west side. The tastefully furnished space is airy and flooded with indirect natural light, welcoming you in its harmonious embrace.

A generous 6-seater table in the indoor dining area, and a 4-seater as well as a 2-seater table in the semi-outdoor dining area invite your party to dine in style.

- Equipped with WiFi, a 43” LED TV with Amazon firestick and a comfortable sofa arrangement that seats 12 people, this living area is designed for relaxation.

Lounge Space:

 - This generously sized semi-outdoor space is enclosed with mosquito screens and sliding glass doors on two sides, which when opened connect it directly to the living room. Directly accessible from the living room and bedroom 3 and with pool and forest views on two sides, it is furnished with sofas and armchairs for 12 and corresponding coffee tables. Commune with nature while being protected from the elements, sip your morning chai caressed by the filtered light of the rising sun and tell good-night stories in the soft glow of lanterns in this alluring lounge.

Semi-outdoor Dining Room:

- This space can be closed off with sliding glass doors, or connected to the indoor dining area by opening the same. It comprises 2 round tables and 6 patio chairs and offers forest and pool views from 2 sides. It can be accessed from the dining area, as well as bedrooms 1 and 4.

- Naturally filtered light by day, lanterns by night and the perfume of ylang ylang and spider lilies accompany your dining experience in nature, yet protected from the elements.

Swimming Pool

 - Our captivating poolscape, fashioned from natural mountain rock and surrounded by vibrant plants and trees, reflects our dedication to health-conscious design by minimizing the use of cement.

- We carefully monitor the use of chemicals to maintain the ecological balance.

- The vast central pool measures 60 by 20 feet, with a depth of 4 feet. Get in your laps, or simply cool off on sultry summer days, surrounded by shade-providing palm and mango trees enlivened by magenta and white bougainvillea, as the enchanting perfumes of Ylang Ylang, spider lilies, mogra and Rangoon creepers waft through the air. 3 shallow areas ranging from 1 to 3 feet deep provide children and non-swimmers with just as delightful a pool experience under the gaze of a massive bronze Buddha!

- Adult supervision is required for children at all times in the pool area.

- Pool is accessible from 9 AM to 9 PM

 -Proper swimwear is required.

- Separate pool towels are provided.

- No food, drinks or glass are allowed in the pool.

- Plastic cups for outdoor sitting and dining areas are provided.

- Savor a romantic dinner under the stars by the pool with tables, benches and chairs for 12

Kitchen & Food: View Menu

 - The kitchen is well-appointed, featuring a double-door refrigerator and a complete set of dishes, silverware, and crockery. It is equipped with all the necessary cooking utensils, a gas stove, and a water purifier. Guests cannot cook their own meals. Please note that access is for reheating or small preparation only – tea, coffee, maggie - not for full meal preparation.

- Food packages start at INR 1399-1599 per person, offering a comprehensive selection of four meals (breakfast, lunch, hi-tea, and dinner) with options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

-BBQ can be booked ahead of time.

-No outside food is allowed.

 Guest access

Immerse yourself in the entirety of the villa and its fenced-off lush green surroundings with its various sitting areas.

Fancy an exciting hike on nearby Irshalgad, a sunset stroll around Morbe Dam or adventurous river rafting in Karjat? The options are yours to enjoy. Experience the best of relaxation and recreation with access to a nearby golf course and a tranquil river just behind our villa, perfect for unwinding and exploring."

Other things to note

Amenities & Activities:

- The unique pool and the tiled courtyard provide you with ultimate relaxation! Underneath a large jamun tree, a covered swing with a coffee table and chairs beckon you to spend time outdoors. You can also chill out on garden benches shaded by bougainvillea, or sit on the stone rim surrounding the whole poolscape. Savor a pool-side BBQ under the stars with dining tables and ample sitting space.

- Our animal companions enhance our connection to nature, with an increasing number of butterflies and birds gracing our farm over the years. If you are quiet enough, you might sight a kingfisher drying its stunning feathers by the pool.

- A natural stone path guides you on a leisurely stroll through the odorant jungle garden. Stop at yet another garden bench on the way to take in the view of Irshalgad right behind the orchard. Watch the sunset from a tiled sitting area on the west side of the pool, protected by a mango tree and bordered by champa, heliconia and bamboo grass; this is also the designated smoking area.

Additional Information:

- Smoking is allowed only at a designated outdoor area with seating space, staff shall show the same.

- Stag parties and groups with people under 20 only are not allowed.

- An inverter with a 4 battery-backup is available in case of power cuts, offering a backup of 3-5 hours depending on usage. Essentials like fans and lights are connected on the inverter line.

- This is an organic farm, hence expect insects, which in turn attract birds! The house features mosquito screens in front of every door and window. Keep them closed if you want to keep insects out as much as possible. Our ecological farmhouse is for people who want to be connected to nature and experience it in its full glory. We do not recommend it to people who are looking to replicate a city experience.

-Our staff will welcome you, show you around and answer your questions. Pool cleaning will take place from 8-9am and maintenance at 9 pm. For stays of more than one day, the timing of the cleaning of the house can be organized with the staff.

Staff is available at reasonable hours from 9.00AM to 9.00PM; they reside in a building outside your fenced off area. They take care of housekeeping, pool and property maintenance, opening the locked entrance gate, and any questions and emergencies. They can serve your lunch. Running errands is not part of their job description.

-The locked closets in the corridor and Room 1 are not part of the rental.

- While the farm is animal friendly, pets are not allowed. Our security guards consist of our farm dogs. Keep the green netted gates closed so as not to invite them into your space.

- To ensure a comfortable and safe stay, please keep the screen doors closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. Be cautious while walking on the pathways during the rainy season as they can become slippery. Additionally, being on a farm surrounded by wet areas, farmland and jungles, the visit of crabs and frogs is likely, and snake encounters are possible. In such a situation, step away calmly. For your safety, please inform our staff of any sightings.

- Groups are limited to 12 people maximum, incl. children.

Please note that barbecue facilities will not be available during the monsoon season.

Location Brief:

Chauk - Karjat, Maharashtra, India

 

Our home is located 400 meters off Old-Mumbai Pune Highway, a mere 20 minute-drive from Panvel and around 90 minutes from Bandra.

Pick up and drop off from and to Mumbai can be organized at extra cost.

Distance from Chowk Station - 500 Meters

Distance from CSMT Railway Station - 58 KMs - 1.2 hrs

Distance from T2 Mumbai Airport - 60 KMs - 1.5 hrs