For long decades, there was a 'hawaghar' where "The Oaktree House" now stands. With a wooden railing and a couple of benches, this ‘house of the winds’ was a shelter from the rain and snow. This was where a weary walker could rest. This was where one could pause for a moment and let nature, heal and soothe and teach. If you sat long enough, the breezes could gently rest on your shoulder and share a secret or two.
On a long quiet path, the 'hawaghar' was the only manmade structure between the hub of Simla, the grand ‘summer capital’ of the British Empire in India, and the suburb of Bharari. Around and ahead, were little villages with mellifluous names like Pabo, Kamiana and Bhonth. These were places where the rhythm of rural life had remained substantially unchanged for centuries. All across these hills were open grasslands and woods of deodar (Himalayan cedar), pine and oak.
Trees of the evergreen Himalayan baan oak (quercus leucotrichophora), surround "The Oaktree House". This resilient tree is regarded to be one of the trees on our planet that put back more into the ground than what they take from it. In 2016, hotelier Anil Walia who has already created benchmarks of fine hospitality, took the lease of a structure that had come up on the site of the old ‘hawaghar’. This sanctuary was leased from the Government in 2016 by Anil Walia and has been completely revamped and refurbished to provide luxurious comfort and amenities while maintaining its rich historical elegance.
Made over in more ways than one, Oaktree House now draws on the best of the past with all the comforts of the present. The décor is evocative of an age of leisure and grace; there is the rare solace of solitude without compelling one to become a recluse – and there is a remarkably easy access to the heart of town.
There is comfort, warmth within and an abundance of natural beauty around. Nestled in solitude, The Oaktree House paints the picture of an era bygone. One that was more calm, friendly, homely and snug. Located away from city life but just a short walk away from the bustling mall road and market, this dream destination has the ability to give you the best of both worlds.