A Himalayan Dream
The story of The Sky House begins with a deep connection to the Himalayas. Aanchal Gulati Nath, an interior designer, and her architect husband, Sumeet
Nath, found their sanctuary in Sitla, a quiet village in Kumaon, Uttarakhand. After falling in love with the stillness and the awe-inspiring mountain views, they decided to create a personal retreat. This dream took 13 years to materialize, starting from acquiring land in 2009 when the area lacked basic infrastructure like roads and connectivity. The construction process was deliberately slow, mirroring the unhurried pace of mountain life, and cost-effective due to the expense of land development in hilly regions. Their goal was to build a second home that seamlessly integrated minimalist interiors with the breathtaking Himalayan panorama, ensuring that the mountains were always a visible and integral part of their living space. They now frequent their retreat, spending approximately 7 to 10 days each month, with winter from October to January being their most cherished season for its exceptional vistas.
Designing for the View
The name 'The Sky House' perfectly encapsulates the essence of this home, reflecting not just its design but a lifestyle in harmony with the mountains. Large glass panels are strategically placed to frame the majestic Himalayan peaks, presenting them like living artworks. The panoramic view encompasses prominent summits such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti, and the distinctive five-peaked Panchachuli. Nanda Devi, India's second-highest peak at 7,816 meters, is clearly identifiable, with layers of pine-clad hills and the valley housing Almora town below. While the architecture is contemporary, the use of Kota stone flooring and wood-paneled ceilings imbues the space with a warm, mountain-home ambiance. A vibrant red entrance door offers a striking contrast to the otherwise neutral color scheme. The heart of the home is the living room, designed as an inviting casual space. Its focal point is a cast-iron fireplace, uniquely positioned centrally on a stone platform, casting a warm glow on winter evenings and encouraging lingering conversations. This central fireplace was a deliberate choice, inspired by the couple's love for sitting around log fires during their hill visits, creating an ideal spot to unwind.
Art, Comfort, and Stays
Adding a unique artistic touch to the living area, custom artwork crafted on mesh by Thai artist Tanarug Sangpradub evokes the feel of a woven tapestry, diverging from conventional paintings. The space is also inviting for relaxation, with bookshelves offering reading material and the absence of curtains ensuring an unobstructed view of the mountains. While the owners use it as their private escape, The Sky House is also available as a homestay, with guests booking the entire property. The pricing is variable, dependent on the occupancy. On-site staff, including a caretaker and cook, Om Prakash, and housekeeper, Pramod Kumar, manage the guests' needs, with the owners providing remote support. The homestay offers three bedrooms: two on the upper level and one on the lower level for those preferring single-story living. The design prioritizes comfort with walk-in dressing areas, soft lighting, and minimal adornments to highlight the views. All bedrooms feature king-sized beds, with one boasting a four-poster bed. Modern amenities include heated bathroom floors and toilet seats. Two rooms are also equipped with a Turkish Bukhari for extra warmth. Each room has a private balcony with seating, perfect for quiet moments appreciating the surroundings. Outside, garden loungers and an al fresco dining area among daisy-filled gardens offer spaces for relaxation and enjoying meals in the sun. The owners themselves enjoy stargazing from this area. A substantial overhanging deck provides ample space for sunbathing, bird-watching, or reading, designed to maximize sunlight and enhance the mountain views, which are also reflected indoors through the glass panels.
Culinary Delights and Local Charm
Aanchal's passion extends to the property's gardens, where she has cultivated approximately 80 fruit trees, including apricots, peaches, apples, kiwis, lemons, sweet lime, and walnuts, reflecting her aspiration to spend her later years in this peaceful environment. The home also holds sentimental value, marked by a glass bowl filled with wine corks from special occasions and guest visits. The culinary experience at The Sky House is curated by Aanchal, featuring a menu inspired by her family's favorite dishes across Continental, Asian, and Indian cuisines. Guests can savor options like roast chicken, mutton pie, baked vegetables, khow suey, and Kumaoni specialties, including seasonal saag and madua/ragi roti, biryani, and kadhi. Momos or a local cheese platter are also available to complement wine. Sitla itself, situated at an altitude of about 2,000 meters, provides a tranquil atmosphere distinct from more bustling hill stations. It's an ideal spot for leisurely walks past traditional mountain homes. Local eateries like Cafe Awara for pizza and Barista Cafe for coffee are nearby, along with Kapil Traders for provisions and local cheese. Forest trails in Chattola offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, including leopards. The neighboring town of Mukteshwar, approximately 10km away, provides additional dining and shopping options, as well as a temple. Accessibility to Sitla is straightforward, with good road conditions for an approximate eight-hour drive from New Delhi or a three-hour journey from Kathgodam railway station, where taxis are readily available. Flights to Pantnagar are another travel option. The paramount attraction of Sitla remains the breathtaking Himalayan ranges, which inspire a profound sense of peace and perspective, offering an essential escape from the clamor and distractions of urban life.
