1, Hill House, Peermade

The attention to detail by Rani and John is amazing - from the linen, the amenities, the cutlery, to the food, to the difficult choice between evening tea with the most amazing snacks which Rani recalls having as a child and the sun downers which John himself pours. John has an unusual hobby apart from collecting antiques. Every time a church, an old building or a choir factory is pulled down he would be there to buy the doors, windows, gables railings, wooden stair cases et al and store it in his Alleppey House. They gradually made it to Peermade and were restored as the 1, Hill House was getting built. The pièce de résistance would be the Confession Box in the Bar. It has a small tin plate which said “Raise your Spirits”. The chairs of the Bar are from a Bank where the Cashier used to sit and go about his daily work. The wooden staircase which leads to the room that Rani and John keep for themselves while hosting guests, had one of India's Prime Minister walking on it. Old Sewing Machines were fitted with tiles hand painted by Ajulejo Artists of Goa as serving tables. The railings of the sitting area which overlooks the foothills of the Western Ghats were from an old college building that was demolished. Lamp Stands near the fireplace were made from the Altar Rails. John even has a wooden trolley in working condition which was used to transport goods to the ships when Alleppey was a thriving port before Cochin. Every piece of junk John had bought, has a story to it which he happily shares with his guests.

Food at 1, Hill House is from their family kitchen, with the staff having trained there, who does an exceptional job. Whether it was the Vattayappam, Kerala's queen of steamed rice cakes for breakfast which melts in your mouth, the delicious combo of fresh fish, prawns and squids for dinner, or the Egg Appam Hoppers, Banana Fritters and homemade Chocolate Mousse for dessert, everything was shared over hearty conversations, where great stories were recalled. Rani is happy to do a cooking class for guests if they take fancy to the home food.

1, Hill House is located on a 600 acre estate where tea, coffee and spices are grown. There are lovely walks through the beautiful surroundings which can be done at one's pace. There is also a waterfall nearby to which one can walk. The mist sets in at Peermade every day late in the afternoon and that's the time to go out on walks to enjoy the peace and calm, except for the sound of crickets and birds from the trees. One can also head to the St George Church, which dates back to the days when Peermade was made the British Residency. It's a 15 minute drive from 1, Hill House. It's a quaint little 19th century church surrounded by cypress and pine trees. The priest is happy to open the doors for your guests, if he is around. Here lies buried Scotsman JD Munro, the pioneer who brought Tea to Munnar.