The Villa | Dharamshala
The Forktail Villa in Dharamshala was built in 2005 within the local Kangra Style of architecture. At the villa, we have tried to incorporate the Permaculture philosophy in all areas of construction as best as we could. The idea was to create a building where very little building material had to be got from the outside to reduce the carbon footprint as much as possible.
Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles centred on simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. The basis of natural building is the need to lessen the environmental impact of buildings and other supporting systems, without sacrificing comfort, health, or aesthetics.
At Forktail Villa, we have tried to incorporate all the aspects of this wonderful system. 90% of the house has been made up by recycling the older stones recovered from the earlier foundation. The house has been built with mud, stone, slate and bamboo which are completely locally sourced. The need for external building materials has been consciously kept to a minimum and used where it was necessary (bathrooms, kitchen etc.). We believe in the conservation of local ecological systems along with local traditions.
The Location
The house is close to the village of Gamru in Dharamshala. Kotwali Bazar which is the main market of Dharamshala is 1 KM away. Even though we are so close to Dharamshala the villa is nicely tucked away from all the crowds and noise.
When you rent the villa, you will have complete access to the house and all amenities in it - giving you complete privacy and freedom. However, please be mindful that this is a lived-in house and the host's personal belongings - such as books, CDs, curios, artefacts etc. might be around. I request you treat all belongings with care and caution as many of the items in the house are irreplaceable and of heritage and sentimental value.
Both the garden and backyard have spectacular views of the snow-capped Dhaulahars, there are small village shops, a large market, malls, a cinema hall, restaurants etc all within walking distance of the house.
The villa offers you an interesting mix of urban and rural life and also a lot of wilderness. This leaves you with a lot of options to choose from.
Take a Tour
We would love to share our house with like-minded people who share our vision “ Of the earth, for the earth”. If you would like to experience a place where tradition meets the modern and experience a mud house full of luxury set in a quiet small village, a few minutes away from the hustle n bustle of Mcleodganj then do scroll more and come stay with us.
Our villa is a beautiful mud house and a unique boutique property which is a combination of traditional architecture and modern comforts. It is fully equipped and offers full privacy in the comfort of a warm home. The home is in the middle of a small village and is surrounded by trees, flowers, and butterflies.
The large garden surrounding the house offers complete privacy and is a favourite haunt for russet sparrows, sibias, rosefinches, magpies, bulbuls, barbets, fly catches, redstarts, etc. You will also see many Himalayan griffons, lammergeier’s and kites trying to catch a thermal above the house during the day.
We would love to share our house with like-minded people who share our vision “ Of the earth, for the earth”. With its rustic architecture and understated beauty, Forktail Villa makes for a great getaway for the discerning traveller looking for a quick mountain getaway.
