School Thota Homestay
Nestled in the small town of Guyya, School Thota offers a rich historical experience. This ancestral home, managed by a mother-son duo, has been a plantation
hub for nearly 150 years, tracing its roots back to the East India Company. The large bungalow boasts a beautiful garden, an elevated gazebo, and offers stunning views of Mercara hills on clear days. Inside, it's adorned with antiques, family artwork, and delicate crochet and lace made by Saraswathi Aunty. The drawing-room features a grand fireplace with family photos, while each guestroom is equipped with a four-poster bed, vintage writing desk, and unique ceramic animal figurines in the bathrooms. Guests can immerse themselves in authentic Kodava culture, learning about plantation life and enjoying traditional meals.
Chengappa Estate Charm
Chengappa Estate, a 10-acre Robusta plantation interspersed with pepper vines and arecanut groves, offers a tranquil escape managed by KC Aiyappa. The house, built in 2014 but filled with 80-year-old antiques and tools, overlooks paddy fields and the Kunda betta hill. Constructed across three levels without cement or plaster, it showcases interiors with a warm wood varnish finish and vibrant Athangudi tiles. Guests can enjoy authentic Kodava meals prepared by Meenakshi, including their signature kheema curry and ghee rice. The estate provides opportunities for foraging seasonal produce like pannpuli, used to make kachampuli. The hosts' dogs, Frank Zappa, Muddy Waters, and Willy Wanka, accompany guests on estate visits and fishing trips by the pond, making for a truly immersive experience.
Jade Hills Retreat
Perched on a picturesque hillock in Gaalibeedu, Jade Hills is a five-bedroom cottage designed by architects Kavya Muthanna and Prasanna. Accessed via a steep, winding climb, it offers dramatic views of the Mandalpatti range and deep valleys. The property features red clay tiles on the verandah, plantation chairs, a stone-pillared gazebo, and a lawn with a bonfire pit. Its porous red brick walls and repurposed furniture lend an earthy feel. Prasanna, who shuttles between Bengaluru and Coorg, ensures guests are welcomed warmly. The estate is rich with Shola forest, eucalyptus, jackfruit, and silver oak trees. Guests can enjoy delicious Kodava meals prepared by the local family and can opt for treks and firefly chasing excursions organized by Prasanna, making it an ideal refuge, especially during the monsoon.
Amni Estate's Tranquility
Amni estate offers a unique and discreet stay, with Abraham Jose picking up guests due to the challenging road access. This stunning property features charming stone cottages built across multiple levels, resembling small grass mounds, set against the backdrop of the Balyaatra range. The estate is a testament to Abraham's family's passion for collecting antiques, with items like a gargoyle fountain and railway sleeper table base adding to its personality. This two-bedroom stay, accommodating up to six guests, overlooks a stone amphitheater and hills covered in Arabica and Robusta plantations. The rooms are decorated in a palette of jade frost, pastels, and floral prints, with a common room featuring a cozy fireplace perfect for monsoon and winter evenings.
Captain K’s Getaway
Captain K’s Getaway, named after Leila Alvares's late father, is set on a sprawling 75-acre property called Glendale. Located a few kilometers from Mercara, this renovated bungalow, cut into the hill, is shaded by a lychee tree planted 40 years ago. Leila, with her children Kieren and Keira, continues the tradition of lavish home-cooked meals, drawing from their Goan-Mangalorean and Anglo-Indian roots, alongside Kodava and Mediterranean influences. The property includes a two-bedroom homestay in an annexe, each with a fireplace and views of a coffee estate, swimming pool, and BBQ deck. Kieren also offers coffee tasting experiences using Arabica from the Glendale estate, making this a luxurious and engaging retreat.
Stone Pool's Syrian Christian Touch
The Jose family's estate, where the Paati Pol _é_ river flows, features a tranquil stone pool area. Guests are treated to a Syrian Christian culinary spread, inspired by their roots near Kottayam, including dishes like Surmai fry, Prawn gassi, and Rasam. Served under a mango tree with an antique stone washbasin nearby, meals are a delightful experience. The family, comprising four generations, shares stories of their journey from Kannur to Coorg and their love for fishing and cooking, finding fulfilment in their communal life on the estate. Additional immersive experiences such as treks, birdwatching, stargazing, and jam making are also led by the family.
