Heritage Homes on Airbnb India For Every Season
Summer: Casa Abilio de Souza, Quepem, Goa
Conveniently located within accessible range of popular beaches of south Goa, this Airbnb is good for exploring the seaside yet far enough to beat the noise and the crowd. The eight bedroom, 160-year-old villa, owned by the Ferreira family, has been thoroughly restored to its former glory as a Portuguese style casa. High wooden ceilings, wooden flooring, and restored vintage artefacts strewn around the house, make the yesteryears come alive. While modern fittings and amenities provide a comfortable stay, browse through the house library, enjoy a sundowner in the garden, catch a celebration in the church next door, and enjoy life on the slow lane. This serene and secluded Airbnb located in Quepem village is about an hour’s drive away from Panaji. The property is also pet-friendly.
Winter: Stay in a haveli, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Soak in the winter sun while you gaze at the famous Jaisalmer Fort from the private terrace of this 500-years old haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence), which blends its medieval presence with modern vibes. It offers three traditional bedrooms decorated in vivid shades of yellow, lime, and green, all equipped with modern amenities, including attached marble washrooms, air-con, smart TV, and wi-fi. Located in the old quarters of the town, the haveli offers easy access to most of the attractions and the vibrant marketplace. Book well in advance as this is a highly popular Airbnb property. The property is pet-friendly too.
Monsoon: Philipkutty’s farm, near Kumarakom, Kerala
This Airbnb listed island farm stay is a picturesque hideout for enjoying the monsoon in Kerala. The waterfront villa is part of a 35-acre farm located in Puthankayal Island, near Kumarakom, on the Vembanad Lake, and is about 1.5 hour drive from Kochi International Airport. The independent spacious villa, which contains a separate bedroom and a living room, is designed in traditional Kerala style to blend with the surroundings. Explore the farm and its many corners, including a covered pavilion on the quayside, for stunning views of the waterfront. Or, drive up to the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, where the water jumps down a good hundred feet down the verdant hillside. Don’t forget to sample the home-cooked local dishes on the menu, which largely consists of Syrian Christian cuisine. All meals are included in the price, including complimentary bottled water in the cottage.
Note: Windows have nets to keep away insects. TV and a land-line telephone are available at the host’s residence. Wi-fi is free but signal best accessed from specific locations. Generator backup available during power cuts.
Spring: Heritage Mansion B&B, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar is home to the largest tulip garden in Asia and usually hosts an annual spring flower show in March-April when the plants break into a profusion of colourful blooms. Along with other spring flowers, the terraced tulip garden in the foothills of the Zabarwan range is a feast for the eyes. Complement the visual treat with a stay in a heritage mansion near the Tourist Centre. The Airbnb listed bed and breakfast contains three spacious individual en-suite bedrooms, and shared lounge, kitchen (access on request) and hallways, and a garden.
Note: The B&B cannot accommodate more than the stipulated number of guests in each room and it is advisable to book additional rooms accordingly.
Autumn: Apple Farm stay, near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
In August-September, when the apple trees in Himachal Pradesh are laden with fruits ripe for plucking, head to this Airbnb listed farm stay surrounded by an orchard. What’s more, this century-old refurbished building is one of the few which have maintained Himachal’s fast fading traditional kathkuni architecture. Located in the village of Kotkhai, it is about 60 km from Shimla by road. The property also welcomes your furry friends.
Related: Discover The Charm Of Rajasthan At These Heritage Stays On Airbnb
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