Dune Barr House - Verandah in the Forest

I had the most wonderful stay with my family at Dune Barr hotel. The couple who runs it with their adorable son are just fantastic. They made my entire family feel at home and accommodated all of our special needs. They made sure that we were very well fed with the fantastic food. This place is just gorgeous, it hails back from the old British officer days of India and is beautifully set in the forest close to Lake Charlotte and Echo point. It has been restored and kept so beautifully. I loved every morning there.

We made a last minute plan to visit Matheran recently. Browsing through various options, Verandah in the forest looked promising. Since options at other places were limited, we decided to enquire and book without doing much research. Booking was done through Dune and was smooth. Immediately afterwards we got a message from Dune with details on reaching Matheran, the property, how to move around in Matheran ***** with a map of the place. This was quite helpful. Few days before our check in we got a call and message from Ratheesh, manager of the property (and one half of R&R). He again explained about the place, property, best time to arrive, what to carry as per weather, etc. Again, very helpful. The property is secluded, bit far from the market but quite close to Charlotte lake. Some of the viewing points like Echo point and Louisia point are relatively closer to this property. We stayed in Kotwal. The room was spacious and clean. The property, which is a colonial bunglow, actually has an old world charm. Given the age of the property, it is very well maintained. Food orders are taken in advance. However, food is tasty. We got a few recommendations and they were well made. Would recommend bhindi fry, veg pizza, pasta and ice cream (made in house). Couple of hours into our check in, we were greeted by Rekha (second half of R&R). Shes full of energy and was a real help in suggesting places to visit. She also gave us insights into the history of the property and shared anecdotes about her experiences in Matheran. All the staff were welcoming and helpful. Would like to thank R&R for making our stay memorable. We would visit again, in a different season. Would highly recommend.

Stay at dune barr, matheran was fantastic. We stayed there four days. Place is in between dense jungle, near to nature, so peaceful. Property was very good, beautifully built before 200 years as they people told us. It gives royal touch of heritage . Rooms were are very big and clean, with antique furniture, not having fan, but even not needed. Staff is very polite and helpful. We enjoyed there a lot.

Deep in the forest, adjacent to a lake, homely atmosphere, poor network - all bliss. Husband-wife team to attend to all your pampering. Monkeys make an occasional appearance. Heritage looks and complete safety. Might make a trip again. Loved it.

Just had a wonderful one night stay in this old colonial house built in the 1850s. It's not just the building but the furniture itself which dates from that era making it easy to imagine what life was like for the elite at that time. The front has a beautiful verandah overlooking the grounds where breakfast is served. From there you walk into the common room with its church style windows and high roof designed to keep it cool. Behind that is the dining room where you eat on a dining table designed to host 16 people decorated with candelabra's. There was a large range of options, both Indian and Western on the menu and I had a mutton dish and crepes for dessert, both of which were delicious. I booked the basic room which for me was perfect. It came with a very comfortable 4 poster bed, nice views of the forest and was very private. There was plenty of very hot water for a shower. No a/c or TV as in keeping with the style or feel of the place but the fans provided easily did the job. The couple that run the place (unfortunately I forget their names) are originally from Kerala so there is a southern Indian influence to the meals I found them friendly and very informative, before I arrived I was given loads of information via WhatsApp about how to get there etc. It's about 15-20 minutes beyond the village of Matheran near Charlotte lake and Echo point. When you get close the are a few signs pointing you in the right direction Overall it's a truly wonderful place and I definitely would stay again if I ever return to Matheran

Tucked away amidst the dense forests of the Sahyadri, The Verandah is the perfect spot for a break from busy Mumbai. We enjoyed the ghavne and stew that bridged the north south cuisine divide. Rekha and Rasheesh give it a home away from home feeling with their warmth and hospitality. Would certainly go again and maybe again and again!!