Gauri Khan has long been known for her work as an interior designer, creating sophisticated spaces for celebrity homes and luxury projects. But one of her most personal design journeys recently unfolded far from Mumbai, in the quiet hills of Dalhousie. The designer restored her family’s ancestral property into a boutique luxury villa, transforming a house filled with childhood memories into a destination that guests can now experience.
According to The Indian Express, the restored property, called The Chestnut Grove, is a six-bedroom heritage villa located in Dalhousie. What makes the project particularly special is its emotional significance for Gauri Khan, who spent many summer vacations there while growing up.
The restoration reflects both nostalgia and thoughtful design, blending the charm of a nearly century-old home with the comforts of modern luxury.
A Family Home with a Long History
The Dalhousie villa dates back to 1933, when it was purchased by Gauri Khan’s great-grandfather, Suraj Bhan Tiwari, and later became a gathering place for the extended family.
As reported by The Indian Express, Gauri and her cousins spent many childhood holidays there, memories that later shaped the restoration. The project was undertaken with her cousin Rustam Tiwari, while the property belongs to her maternal uncle Tejinder Tiwari. Rustam noted that the emotional connection to the house played a key role in its redesign.
From Ancestral Estate to Luxury Villa
The nearly century-old property has been thoughtfully restored into a modern luxury retreat. The villa now features six bedrooms across an 8,000 sq ft space, with spacious guest suites and large common areas designed for gatherings.
According to The Indian Express, it is now open for exclusive rentals, catering to families or groups seeking a private stay in the hills. Room prices range between ₹16,500 and ₹25,000 per night depending on the season, while the entire villa can be booked for up to ₹1.2 lakh a night. Despite its luxury positioning, the property still retains the warmth of a family home.
Designed to Blend with the Mountains
One of the defining aspects of The Chestnut Grove is how its design blends with its natural surroundings. Set amid tall trees and greenery, the villa overlooks Dalhousie’s serene mountain landscape, which turns especially picturesque during winter when snow covers the property.
As noted by The Indian Express, the architecture was designed to complement the environment. Wood dominates the interiors, with wooden walls, ceilings, and natural textures creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. The result is a space that feels rustic yet refined, balancing heritage charm with contemporary comfort.
Interiors that Feel Warm and Inviting
Inside the villa, the interiors reflect Gauri Khan’s design sensibility. A glass-heavy facade brings in natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
The living area features large couches and a fireplace, creating a cosy gathering space. Bedrooms maintain the same warmth, with some opening into private gardens and others including a king suite and an attic suite.
According to The Indian Express, wooden textures, soft bedding, and natural stone elements shape the rustic yet elegant interiors, while the dining area stands out with chandeliers and a large skylight.
A Design Shaped by Memories
What sets the project apart is its emotional connection. Rustam Tiwari shared that Gauri Khan was closely involved throughout the design process, working not just as a designer but as someone deeply connected to the home’s memories, as quoted by The Indian Express.
The aim was to preserve the soul of the family house while adapting it for modern living. Large communal spaces encourage families and groups to spend time together, while the interiors focus on warmth, comfort, and understated elegance.
A Personal Project with Lasting Meaning
For Gauri Khan, restoring The Chestnut Grove was more than a design project. It was a chance to reconnect with a home tied to generations of family memories.
Today, the villa stands as a heritage retreat in Dalhousie, blending nostalgia with thoughtful design. As highlighted by The Indian Express, it transforms a childhood holiday home into a luxury space that still feels rooted in family tradition.
