In the serenity of the Himalayas, where pine-scented breezes whisper through the forests, a sustainable story is quietly unfolding.
The world stands still at Bir Terraces, a luxurious homestay tucked away in a seven-acre estate in Kumaon, in the lap of the Himalayas.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Dushyant Vashisht, a young engineer from Delhi, found his secure future suddenly insecure.
When his dreams of working abroad were put on hold, Dushyant returned to his ancestral cottage in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand.
This cottage was built by his great-grandfather, cherished by generations, and surrounded by seven acres of wild, unspoiled beauty.
Dushyant saw the possibility of creating something lasting, something that could honor both heritage and the earth itself.
He embarked on the journey of transforming this small cottage into a sustainable, luxurious homestay experience.
Joined by his friend Avanti, a passionate chef who left behind the bustle of Mumbai, they envisioned a place where not a single tree would be sacrificed for comfort, where water would be cherished and recycled, and where every meal would celebrate the bounty of the land.
Building Without Cutting a Single Tree
One of Bir Terraces’ most remarkable features is its commitment to preserving the natural landscape of the Himalayas.
Dushyant built a Victorian-style, three-bedroom cottage without cutting down a single tree.
Instead, the design of his cottage embraced the surrounding forest, blending seamlessly into a seven-acre estate.
This cottage is built in the traditional pahadi construction technique, such as random rubble masonry was used to create a sturdy, eco-friendly structure.
Dushyant made sure that the interiors of this homestay tell the story of sustainability, with upcycled wood from the family’s old haveli used to make furniture and decor.
Fun Fact: A dining table was crafted from the former door of the Haveli.
Farm-to-Table Dining: Local Flavors, Organic Practices
At BirAt Bir Terraces, sustainability and the kitchen are going hand in hand.
Dushyant has built an organic farm where herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppermint thrive alongside fruit trees- peach, apricot, plum, and apple are thriving with natural farming practices.
They use cow dung and organic waste as fertilizer and grow seasonal vegetables to make their food.
Chemical pesticides were replaced with homemade solutions, such as a fermented mix of marigold, chili, and garlic.
Guests can enjoy a vegetarian menu that has slow-cooked pahadi delicacies like bhatt ki daal (black soybean) to bhaang ki chutney (hemp seed chutney) and bicchu booti ka saag (nettle leaf vegetable), every dish is infused with flavors straight from the farm.
This exquisite culinary experience is enriched with homemade jams, seasonings, and tandoor-baked breads.
Water Conservation: Greywater Recycling and Rain Harvesting
Conserving water and using it efficiently is at the core of sustainability, and Bir Terraces is doing the work effortlessly.
This property has a robust greywater recycling system, ensuring that water used in sinks and showers is filtered and used in irrigation.
Additionally, a rainwater harvesting setup collects the water from the roof and stores up to 65,000 liters in an underground tank.
These sustainable system reduce their carbon footprint and serve as a model of sustainable water management in the Kumaon region.
Wellness and Nature: Forest Bathing and Beyond
Bir terraces encourages their guests to reconnect with nature through guided walk into the forest mong pine trees where air has real health-boosting properties.
The estate’s tranquil setting offers ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxation, making it a haven for eco-conscious travelers.
Dushyant and Avanti look beyond hospitality and have been generating employment for local residents, and by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, Bir Terraces supports the regional economy.
Their upcoming brand, Nativ Indie, will offer SLS- and paraben-free herbal products, further promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Conclusion
Bir Terraces stands out as a model of sustainable living by blending eco-conscious construction, upcycled interiors, and organic, farm-to-table cuisine with innovative water conservation practices like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting.
Guests can enjoy nature-based wellness and organic cuisine, all while supporting local livelihoods and preserving the natural landscape.
Sustainability isn’t just a principle’s a way of life woven into every aspect of your stay.
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