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THE CASTLE - MEDIEVAL DRAMA |
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Passing through the flagstone paved cul-de-sac, beyond urn-topped gate posts, you have crossed the threshold into our world. The scorching and dusty Indian cities seem like a distant past. The Castle’s Gothic façade, with its battlements and buttresses, looms before you startlingly.
Stepping inside the vestibule leading to the hall, the visitor is greeted by meticulously restored antique furnishings and objets d’art complementing the Medieval arches and wood panelling right through the Castle. Light streams through the atrium glass onto the Pompeii inspired marble floor intensifying the drama further. The sheer splendour and superlative style is carried forward into the other public rooms exhibiting cast-iron fireplaces and hand-carved Gothic chimneypieces. The Drawing room, Dining room and Conservatory on the premier étage overlooking the rambling gardens and pool are fine illustrations of good taste and superior workmanship. The elaborate clover trellis work in the Drawing room epitomises feminine sophistication. In contrast, a masculine sentiment is portrayed in the Dining room with its coffered wooden ceiling opening onto a magnificent vaulted veranda. The striking Turret on the east houses the spiral staircase going down to the arched Wine Cellar and also leading up to the guest chambers.
Each of the eight guest chambers on the floors above is unique and individually decorated. The substantial and supremely comfortable chambers enjoy fireplaces, ample four poster beds, antique armoires and remarkable views. All have en-suite marble bathrooms with shower cubicles, bathtubs, vanity mirrors and bespoke bath amenities. Conservative Victorian scheme is integrated with contemporary design to facilitate and enhance guest comfort.
Above the Library and the lofts at the terrace level, the turret stairs culminate at the Crow’s Nest. Here, the irregularity of the Castle becomes even more evident, with considerable chimney stacks soaring over the high-pitched roofs. The performance has now reached a crescendo; the Crow’s Nest allows rewarding 360° panoramas of the grounds and the spectacular Manali landscape. Perhaps the right time for a rendezvous? |
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© MMIV The Himalayan Resort & Spa, Manali, India