The short answer
The Verandah in the Forest: what visitors should know first
Choose it for atmosphere and quiet rather than convenience. It suits couples and older travellers who like period houses and do not need TVs or phones in rooms. Book well ahead and confirm luggage and access arrangements.
History and context
The story behind The Verandah in the Forest
The house was built in 1852 by a Captain Barr, known as Barr House, and later owned by the Dubash family. The Neemrana group, founded by Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath, restored it and opened it as a hotel in 2002.
Useful facts
The Verandah in the Forest facts at a glance
- Location
- Forest setting in Matheran; confirm details with the hotel
- Stay style
- Restored 19th-century heritage bungalow
- Location trade-off
- Quiet forest feel; further from the bustle
- Best suited to
- Couples and older travellers who like period houses
- Origins
- Built 1852 by Captain Barr
- Operator
- Neemrana group
Why it matters
Why The Verandah in the Forest is worth your time
The house was built in 1852 by a Captain Barr, in the first years after Matheran was opened up as a hill station. Its later restoration by the Neemrana group, led by Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath, saved a building that might otherwise have been lost, and it preserves the look of an early colonial-era bungalow.
For visitors, it offers something the larger hotels cannot: a sense of the early hill station as a place of private houses in forest rather than a resort. It is a choice for atmosphere and quiet, not for being in the middle of everything, and that trade-off is worth understanding before you book.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The verandah
A roomy hexagonal verandah with forest views.
- 02
Period rooms
Antique furnishings and rooms named after Parsi families.
- 03
Quiet
A forest setting away from the market bustle.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Verandah in the Forest is built around its verandah, a roomy hexagonal space with views into the trees and a main hall with a very high ceiling. The house dates from 1852 and was restored and opened as a hotel by the Neemrana group in 2002. Rooms are named after prominent Parsi families such as Sassoon, Petit and Peerbhoy, and are furnished with antiques.
Stay here for the quiet. The forest setting, birdsong and slow pace are the point, and a book on the verandah can fill an afternoon. Meals are served at the property, and guests commonly take tea there at the end of a walk. There is no emphasis on televisions or telephones in rooms, so it suits those who want a break from screens.
Because the house is old, ask in advance about steps, the walking distance from the nearest vehicle drop and luggage porterage. Book far ahead for weekends and peak months.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Book far ahead
- Ask about steps and luggage help
- Confirm location and access
- Check current facilities such as TV and phones
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Forest setting in Matheran; confirm exact location and access with the hotel
- Time needed
- Overnight or longer
- Best time
- October to February; book far ahead for weekends
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The house is old, with verandah steps and rooms of different layouts. It is quiet and restful, but guests should ask about steps, distance from the vehicle drop and luggage help before booking.
- Tickets and access
- Non-guest access is usually limited, typically to meals or tea by reservation; confirm with the hotel. Rooms have no TV or telephone, according to a magazine description, so check current facilities.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at The Verandah in the Forest
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
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Travelling with parents?
The house is old, with verandah steps and rooms of different layouts. It is quiet and restful, but guests should ask about steps, distance from the vehicle drop and luggage help before booking.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When was the house built?
In 1852 by Captain Barr; it was restored by Neemrana and opened as a hotel in 2002.
Do rooms have TVs?
A magazine description says no televisions or telephones, but check current facilities with the hotel.
Is it near the market?
It is in a forest setting, so confirm the walking distance from the market and vehicle drop.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.