Many books of Jim Corbett mention an elusive Doctor Stevens; there were discussions with doctor by the fire or the doctor had tended to his aides after an encounter. Over a hot cup of tea in the drawing room, Siddharth slowly unfolds the story of this mysterious doctor. Neighbour to Jim Corbett in his summer house of Nainital (Gurney House), the doctor lived in the country for many years. Later his house was taken up by a local 1969. An 84 year old watchman of the house, Dan Singh, then revealed to the owners that his daughter was called ‘Emily’. He reminisced about the many discussions between Corbett and the Doctor, over drinks by the fireplace, as a young boy. It’s thrilling to sip on tea by the very same fireplace in Emily Lodge, completely dipped in history. A few slopes below, stands the Summer Cottage of Jim Corbett.
Taken over by his father, Emily Lodge was finally decided to be let out to visitors by Siddharth and Neha, about seven years back. Tickled by the historic relevance of the house, the property has been listed by many, in esteemed travel journals and books. A typical colonial structure in white, the house stands by the edge of a winding hilly street, the bright red post box with maple leaves and “Emily Lodge’ a striking contrast to the white. The wooden house reeks of history with furniture, game-guns and stuffed animals (hunting was a prevalent & legal sport till the 1970s). High roofed rooms have been furnished in cheerful curtains and bed spreads, though the bathrooms are a delight with hand painted storks & frogs on the windows. One can spend a lot of time being submerged in the black and white pictures of the family, long associated with one of the prestigious Royal families of India. Rare acquisitions like Japanese woodprints on rice paper, ancient bric-bracs, a gun used in the Battle of Panipat & signed photographs amongst many other things are ideal to get lost into.
Perfect to get settle in with a good book in the midst of oak trees, it’s best not to know that the town is just a 7 minutes’ walk away. Though the hosts are animal lovers, it’s advisable not to take pets.
Activities:
- With Jim Corbett’s summer house right below the house, it’s easy to drift into stories about his heroic escapades with the man-eaters. A visit to his house is a must to get more anecdotal information.
- Though the house is cut off from the bustling mall road of Nainital, one can walk down to the lake and take a stroll.
- Horse riding is available for children.
- Nainital is most often the pit stop to cover the region. Sight- seeing to Bhimtaal, Saattaal, Naukuchiyataal and other places can be arranged.
- The prestigious boat-house club of Nainital is great for a drink in the evenings. Though one needs to be a member to set foot, the hosts can arrange entry for the guests.
Facilities:
- Pick up and drop is available on request.
- A doctor on call is available.