About Us

 

HISTORY

Jones Estate, originally a property of over a thousand acres, (which included a tea estate that still survives under the forest that has been allowed to grow over it), was owned by Col.Jones,who was also the magistrate of the area.

Part of this property was bought from the Colonel at the time of India's Independence by Frederick Smetacek, who fled the Nazis and managed to board a ship sailing to India in 1939. He hailed from Sudetenland, a German-speaking enclave now a part of the Czech Republic.

He had established himself as a successful businessman in Calcutta, where he married Shaheda Ahad, a descendant of Tipu Sultan. A highly popular and warm personality, she was famous for her entertaining stories of her life and experiences during and after the British Raj, and is fondly remembered by all who met her during their stays at The Retreat.

Fredrick Smetacek moved with his family to the Kumaon Hills where he opened The Retreat as a holiday home catering to diplomats from all over the world.

Also an avid entomologist, his extensive collection of butterflies and moths is one of the most well recognised.

The family has run The Retreat throughout the years, and its old-world charm and cosy atmosphere has been preserved to this day and the family's warm hospitality has that same old-style quality.

 

ACCOMMODATION

 

We have on offer 3 bedrooms with attached bathrooms of which:

2 bedrooms have annexes which can accommodate 2 additional adults or children

1 bedroom with its own sitting area, which can be used for a spare bed

CUISINE

We offer our visitors first class dining, three times a day, either Indian or Continental dishes, as well as morning and afternoon tea. You can enjoy colonial cooking, as well as continental; vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian.

Prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, the food is delicious and wholesome. Be sure to enjoy our scrumptious breakfasts - we offer you a delightful start to the day - breakfast in the verandah overlooking the garden:

 

One of the pleasurable effects of the pure air and surroundings, you will find, is a heightened appetite!! And don’t let it go to waste - indulge yourself with gorgeous home-baked breads, buns, and rolls fresh from the old Italian oven. Hot crepes dripping in cool, heavenly, syrupy fruit preserves, Fluffy apple pancakes with generously buttered centers, Mushroom, cheese, herb, or even the highly popular jam omelettes. Unlimited stacks of toast to devour with home-made jams, forest honey, local butter and healthy low-calorie spreads made with herbs from the garden. Seasonal fruit and berries, juices and fruit salads. Herb and cheese cutlets (also a vegan option) and many other scrumptious discoveries are waiting for you.

 

We offer a wide variety of healthy menus as well - (be sure to try our fresh delicious crunchy salads)!