A 5-room post-independence colonial bungalow with large, peaceful gardens and swimming pool, in one of the most charming, accessible and tourist-friendly areas of the capital city—Lutyens’ Delhi.

Surrounded by gated embassies and billionaires’ mansions and within a short walk of Khan Market and Lodhi Gardens, Lutyens’ wide, tree-lined avenue location is a big draw in a city where most boutique properties, already few and far between, are found in tightly packed residential colonies.

The owners, Mr & Mrs Nath, opened the property as a bed and breakfast in the 50s when they felt their inherited Lutyens-era bungalow was too large for just their family. That first lodger paved the way for many others, and the enterprise grew organically over the years. Mrs. Nath is a gracious and friendly host happy to answer questions, with her manager efficiently sorting out all travel, sightseeing and other assorted needs.

Rooms are tastefully furnished with handmade cotton fabrics and include the usual modern comforts. But it’s the outside areas that really appeal, and make this hotel so special, with more than half the property made up of its lawns and gardens. The rear courtyard is a great place to enjoy a beer or a cup of tea, while the swimming pool is a cool antidote to summer days. Meanwhile, inside the main house, there’s a small library, and a dining room with fireplace, ideal for the cold Delhi winters.