A slice of Italy in India: Design & Architecture Inspiration at The Orchard
When driving up to The Orchard at Peora Estates for the first time, the cool breeze and anticipation engulfs you. Once you arrive, your first impression of the property and it’s architecture might be reminiscent to that of Italy. This isn’t far- fetched – we intended for you to feel this.
Peora resembles Tuscany in a plethora of ways. Rolling hills, winding gravel roads, fruit trees and the quiet can leave first time guests with a sense of déjà vu. This applies even to the folks who haven’t ever set foot in Tuscany. Italy is famous. For its inviting food, the friendly people, the picturesque landscapes and the phrase “La Dolce Vita” which is an Italian phrase for the sweet life or the good life if you may. Everyone knows and loves Italy. So hence, your brain cognitively recognizes and categorizes The Orchard and Bella Italia as one and the same.
A slice of Italy in India
Because of the uncanny resemblance between Peora and Italy, an architect specializing in Tuscan homes and villas was brought in for this passion project. The underlying belief behind the hotel was that the architecture should match the setting and complement the natural beauty of its surroundings. This is why the architectural style of this luxurious resort is that of a farmhouse in Tuscany. Tiles and marble imported from Italy adorn the floors of the property, while graceful arches and galleries lead you to luxurious guest quarters.
With spectacular views of the Himalayas, it was immediately clear that the guests staying at The Orchard should be able to enjoy such an astounding view but through panoramic lenses. So, six out of the eight bedrooms on the property have large windows facing the mountains. The other two rooms have equally pleasant views of the Orchard and beautiful outdoor areas within the hotel property. Did we mention the rooms have spacious balconies overlooking the mountainous views and gardens, that also serve as great spots for tea, coffee, and maybe even yoga!
If you happen to stay with us (and stay with us you must) you will notice an abundance of greenery but an intentional omittance of manicured lawns, and picture perfect plants and flowers. The look is akin to the fields of Tuscany and serves for an authentic Italian setting.
While we are on the topic of design inspiration, know this: The furniture at The Orchard has been curated by the luxury and boutique brand Warisan. They are known to have done some of finest properties in the world, from private residences of celebrities to hotels such as St. Regis, Four Seasons, and the Ritz Carlton. Warisan uses the highest quality of Teak and Mahogany wood, which is sourced from renewable sources. This sustainability driven approach, excellence in design, and quality of raw materials is what made Warisan a perfect match for us at The Orchard. Each piece of furniture at the Orchard is inspiring and is a collector’s item, many of them original antiques.
Luxury is a priority here, but there’s another facet of the hotel we give utmost importance to, and that is sustainability. At The Orchard, we believe that it is important to be responsible and live in harmony with our natural surroundings. We have taken the following steps to insure we are doing our best to conserve and protect the environment without hindering your comforts:
- Solar power for water heating
- High degree of insulation to conserve energy
- Limitation of plastic usage
- Rain water harvesting
- Extensive use of recycled wood
- Pesticide-free farming and manure
- Alpine grade water from natural spring in bathrooms
- Alpine grade water from natural spring available for drinking water
- All paint used is lead-free
- Compost pit for kitchen waste
- Extensive use of LED lighting
- 100% natural & organic handmade soaps
- Luxury Ayurvedic natural bath products and creams
- Gravity based water and irrigation system
So if you are on a journey to find your dolce vita, then make a stop here because this delicious phrase will be a common utterance, and on the tip of your tongue once you experience the charm, the beauty and the welcoming hospitality that The Orchard serves up on a royal platter.
Here’s what some of our guests have had to say –
“This is a very well thought through place with amazing craftsmanship and architecture. The property does complete justice to the nature’s beauty surrounding it.”
” Magnificent. The Hotel is structured as a Tuscan Villa, but accented with Indian design cues. There’s a striking visual resemblance between the Himalayan Foothills and the rolling hills of Tuscany, so it was clever for the Hotel Owners to model the The Orchard’s architecture like a Tuscan Villa’s.
Such a clever remix on architecture nestled within the Himalayan Foothills makes The Orchard architecturally Classic (per Italian design) & Contemporary (in concept, as a Tuscan-Uttarakhand hybrid).”
“I was immediately taken by the architecture of the landing, a grand stairwell and an equally stunning chandelier really set the scene and i felt transported to tuscany. I was eager to see my bed room and sure enough it did not disappoint, a picture window filled my room with light and views that simply cannot be beat!”