Dune Barr House - Verandah In The Forest

Just had a wonderful one night stay in this old colonial house built in the 1850s. It's not just the building but the furniture itself which dates from that era making it easy to imagine what life was like for the elite at that time. | The front has a beautiful verandah overlooking the grounds where breakfast is served. From there you walk into the common room with its church style windows and high roof designed to keep it cool. Behind that is the dining room where you eat on a dining table designed to host 16 people decorated with candelabra's. There was a large range of options, both Indian and Western on the menu and I had a mutton dish and crepes for dessert, both of which were delicious. | I booked the basic room which for me was perfect. It came with a very comfortable 4 poster bed, nice views of the forest and was very private. There was plenty of very hot water for a shower. | No a/c or TV as in keeping with the style or feel of the place but the fans provided easily did the job. | The couple that run the place (unfortunately I forget their names) are originally from Kerala so there is a southern Indian influence to the meals I found them friendly and very informative, before I arrived I was given loads of information via WhatsApp about how to get there etc. | It's about 15-20 minutes beyond the village of Matheran near Charlotte lake and Echo point. When you get close the are a few signs pointing you in the right direction| Overall it's a truly wonderful place and I definitely would stay again if I ever return to Matheran

a month ago

I spent two wonderful days at this 200 years old, colonial style heritage hotels. My room was very spacious and and furnished with antique furniture to match. The large verandah invited you to linger and relax. The hotel is a bit out of the way, but I really enjoyed the peace and quiet. |The food was very tasty and was served either on the spacious verandah or stylishly by candlelight in the dining room. I felt very comfortable and welcome during my stay, which was not only due to the attentive staff, but also to the manager and his lovely family.|I can strongly recommend this hotel and looking forward coming back to the Dune Barr House

a month ago

We loved this magical place.  Arriving on foot in the dark, with a couple of porters carrying our bags from Dasturi point, it was like stepping into a novel from the 1920's.  Lovely staff to meet us and give us a welcome meal and drink, and Mr Ratheesh the manager who we contacted before we arrived was incredibly helpful.   The silence and peace of the stately building is beyond words.  It's not a museum because the people living there are vibrant and make you feel comfortable, but the furniture and fittings in that incredible setting are rare and special.  The impossibly high ceilings, the numerous unexpected little doors, the excess of space and light.  Not everyone might recognise why this place is so rewarding to stay in  - it's not a formulaic international hotel, but its a living record of India's complex history.  Don't miss it if you have the chance.

2 weeks ago

Stay at dune barr, matheran was fantastic. We stayed there four days. Place is in between dense jungle, near to nature, so peaceful. Property was very good, beautifully built before 200 years as they people told us. It gives royal touch of heritage . Rooms were are very big and clean, with antique furniture, not having fan, but even not needed. Staff is very polite and helpful. We enjoyed there a lot.

a month ago

Fabulous place to stay in Matheran Hill Station. |Full of history, this old residence is a real find. |The staff were superb - friendly and welcoming - and the historical setting provides a real insight into how the other half lived in the past century. |Ratheesh and his wife were super helpful and very informative about the history of the house, and the food was excellent. |A superb place to stay in this iconic hill station.

3 weeks ago

An excellent nature retreat which will be a digital detox combined with a trip to the bygone era of grandeur. Rooms can be maintained a bit better. Hospitality is top notch and the staff will make you feel like royalty. Food is scrumptious and ambience is worth every penny spent on this wonderful heritage stay. Highly recommend for people who are looking to unwind and do a bit of soul searching in the midst of nature.

3 months ago

This was one exceptional trip for the value of your money if you like nature, silence and heritage. Kudos to Matheran Municipality for preserving this place. Hats off to Dune Barr House for their hospitality. Ratheesh and Rekha for looking after us so well and making our stay so, so enjoyable.

a month ago

Deep in the forest, adjacent to a lake, homely atmosphere, poor network - all bliss. Husband-wife team to attend to all your pampering. Monkeys make an occasional appearance. Heritage looks and complete safety. Might make a trip again. Loved it.

a month ago