StayVista at Magpie Cottage

Enveloped in unmatchable serenity and quietude, nestled in the lap of nature without an iota of urbanisation in sight, Magpie Cottage promises respite amidst everyday chaos. It is housed in a dense wooden oak and pine forest reserve, in the midst of lush foliage among over 500 species of birds and ample fauna. Not far from Halduparao and set in a wildlife reserve, the homely interiors of this tranquil haven, coupled with the sprawling expansive outdoors make for an ideal nature escape. 

Every nook and cranny is home to different species, and wildlife spottings are a norm here. The founder of this home was a staunch believer of wildlife conservation and fought for crimes against wildlife in the latter part of his life. And Magpie Cottage is a part of his immense legacy left behind. Swathed in transcendent beauty, you must disconnect from the outside world, enjoy a refreshing morning walk, spend the evenings birding, end the day with a soothing night of stargazing, and reconnect and be one with nature whilst here. 

For a comfortable and secure stay, please take the time to read the Home Truths, House Rules and Policies thoroughly. 

Magpie Cottage is special because of its:
- Serene location in a reserve forest
- Located near Sona river
- Abundant birdlife, perfect for all avid birdwatchers
- Proximity to Vatanvasa Gate of Sonanadi Sanctuary
- Modern interiors with leisure amenities
- Sprawling, verdant lawn
- Private terrace overlooking blissful landscapes
- Jungle safari and jungle walks

We care for your absolute comfort! To that effect, we provide:
- Inverter, bonfire
- Wardrobe, hangers, torch
- Medical kit, mosquito repellent
- Secured parking space for up to 3 cars

This is a pet-friendly property.

The Space:

BEDROOMS
- There are 3 well-furnished, spacious bedrooms - 2 on the ground floor and 1 on the first floor.
- All the bedrooms offer a range of amenities to ensure your utmost comfort, including a queen-sized bed and splendid views of the forest.
- All bedrooms offer an ensuite bathroom.

BATHROOMS
- There are 3 ensuite bathrooms.

COMMON AREAS
- There is an expansive living room on the ground floor, that offers comfortable sofa-style seating for up to 6 people.
- The dining area is a part of the living room and can accommodate up to 6 people.
- The living area opens up to the private patio, complete with outdoor furnishings and overlooks unending greenery.
- The first floor of the villa houses a private terrace, offering spectacular views of the rich verdancy around. It is equipped with ample seating arrangements.
- The exteriors of the villa boast a sprawling 20,000 sq. ft. lawn, ideal for a game of badminton, cricket or catch.
- Approximately 200 metres away from the villa is the Sona River, which serves as the perfect spot for a morning spent attending meetings amidst nature. 
- The villa itself is not far from Halduparao, one of the oldest rest houses, that is home to elephants and tigers. 

KITCHEN
- Guests may use the kitchen to prepare their own meals at no additional cost. Ingredients will be charged as per actuals. 
- It is equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, oven, induction plate, water purifier, crockery and cutlery.
- Cooking and consumption of non-vegetarian food is allowed.

FOOD
- A cook is available at an additional charge of Rs. 3000 per day plus taxes.
- The availability of the food options depends on seasonality since the property is in a reserve forest.

GUEST ACCESS
The guests have access to the entire villa. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, guests may have restricted access to any shared amenities.

INTERACTION WITH GUESTS
The host is not present at the property but is always accessible via call or message. A trained and responsible caretaker is present to resolve any concerns and help you have a perfect stay.

STAFF ACCOMMODATION
We are unable to provide accommodation for your personal staff.

HANDPICKED EXPERIENCES 
A must-visit for a wildlife enthusiast, this home features vast expanses of lush greenery and boasts unique experiences that promise a truly unforgettable stay. Within the property, guests can gather their loved ones for a morning spent indoors. Unwind on the cosy patio that makes for an ideal reading spot. Soak in the misty breeze while on the terrace and bask in the sun.

While outdoors, Make the most of the beautifully landscaped lawn, that expands up to 20,000 sq. ft. Venture out and wander around the Sona river, which poses as the perfect relaxing spot. The rocks by the river serve as the ultimate makeshift work desk. Embark on jungle safaris, and spot elephants and tigers in their natural habitat in Halduparao. All avid birdwatchers can indulge in an evening spent sighting around 500 species of birds. A birding walk for the same through the glorious terrace fields can be organised. Enjoy a serene picnic amidst the forest. Request for a bonfire to be lit up.

ADD-ON SERVICES
- Bonfire can be arranged at an additional cost of Rs. 1000 per session.
- A jungle safari can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Prices may vary subject to availability and peak season rates.

PET POLICY
- Pets are welcome at this property. However, as a standard pet policy, we allow only up to 2 pets with a security deposit of ₹5,000 and a service charge of ₹1,000 plus taxes for pet cleaning on the property.
- Pets will not be allowed inside the pool or around the poolside area.
- In the villa, pets are not permitted on beds, futons, chairs, couches, or blankets.
- Please clean up after your pets, both in the villa and outside in the lawn/garden area.
- As a preventive measure, pets will not be allowed inside the kitchen as there may be a possibility of pet hair falling in the food.
- Please carry your pet’s favourite blanket, as the towels/blankets at the villa will not be accessible to them.
- Guests are advised to groom their pets, prior to arrival, especially if they are prone to shedding, as pet hair can be difficult to remove.

NEIGHBOURHOOD
​​​​​​​This property is located in the Simalsaira Village, approximately 7 km. from the Vatanvasa Gate, an entry point of Halduparao. This holiday home is approximately 48 km. away from Lansdowne and 38 km. from Kotdwar. Lansdowne is a peaceful, untouched hillstation in Uttarakhand. Engulfed in dense forests and touring pine trees, this quaint hillstation is cosy, picturesque and quiet, all at the same time. So, while you’re enjoying your peaceful stay at this property, here are a few nearby places and activities we recommend to make your stay even more memorable. 
- Visit Halduparao for wildlife spotting 
- Enjoy a day in the town of Lansdowne 
- Embark on nature trails and spot various birds 

Getting Around:
- Distance from Jolly Grant Airport - 142 km.
- Distance from Kotdwar Railway Station - 39 km.
- Distance from Motor Nagar Bus Stand - 39 km.
- Distance from Dhauntiyal Market - 15 km.

HOME TRUTHS
While we do promise you a welcoming home and a great stay, here are a few things we’d like to mention so as to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises later!
- This is not a wheelchair friendly property.
- Guests are requested to keep the windows and doors shut during the evenings, given the presence of insects around. 
- In case of a power outage, an inverter is available.
- We are unable to offer Wi-Fi here, however, mobile networks such as Jio and BSNL work fairly well here.
- The location of the villa is secluded.
- All male groups are not allowed.
- Guests are advised to remain cautious, as elephants, leopards, jackals may be wandering near the premises of the property.
- Children must always be supervised.
- Guests are advised not to step out of the premises of the villa before sunrise and after sunset, as it may not be safe, given the presence of wild creatures around.
- The caretaker stays on the premises of the same property.
- Guests are advised to refrain from going for walks after sunset and before sunrise in order to respect the wildlife and avoid any unforeseen incidents.

HOUSE RULES
- Please be mindful and always keep noise to a minimum. Loud music is strictly prohibited.
- Guests are urged to be respectful of nature and strictly avoid littering. Please dispose of the garbage in the villa or guests can carry it along with them until they find a dustbin.
- Alcohol consumption is allowed in designated areas.
- Smoking is allowed in the exterior areas of the villa only.
- Guests are earnestly requested to treat the home with care.

POLICIES
- The full payment must be made for your booking to be confirmed.
- The number of guests must not exceed the count mentioned at the time of booking.
- Only the guests who have been accounted for are allowed at the villa.
- All guests must provide valid ID proof at the time of the booking.
- All foreign nationals must be able to share their passport and visa details prior to their stay.
- Any damage to the property caused by the guest will be charged as per the actual cost of repair or replacement.
- Any illegal activity - including but not limited to prostitution and the use of narcotics - is strictly not permitted.
- Any commercial activity is strictly not permitted.
- A refundable deposit of Rs. 2000 will be collected before check-in. 
- This entire amount is refunded within 5 working days, provided the total number of guests does not increase and the check-out time is adhered to. 
- In case of any delays or other grievances, guests can reach out to guestsupport@stayvista.com for assistance.

We look forward to hosting you soon. As soon as you book, our team will get in touch to help you with any additional information that you may require, and we will be at your service until check-out.

From Team StayVista: Welcome Home!