Mary Budden Estate - a family run luxury homestay, is one of only five private homes nestled deep in the oak forests of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Himalayas, at 8000 feet.Mary Budden's 120 year old heritage home has been fully restored by the owners, who have also built another cottage in keeping with the old colonial style; along with a replica of a 14th century Shiv temple within its 5 acres.They harvest rainwater and are fully powered by solar energy. Mary Budden Estate also provides guests with organic produce from their own garden.With the help of their caretaker Ganesh Dutt (who has been with them for the last 21 years), they also provide their guests with a complete village experience in Ganesh's own home in the Dalar village (an hour and a half on foot from Mary Budden Estate). Come here to unwind and connect with nature in this breathtaking corner of the world.
One of the few properties inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mary Budden Estate is an off the beaten track getaway. Despite their remote location and their reliance mainly on solar power and harvested rain water, they cradle you in the lap of luxury.
The staff define hospitality and leave no stone unturned in making sure you have an unforgettable trip. From sorting a mess we made with the booking, to arranging a naturalist for the morning hike on a last minute request, Rohit came to the rescue even when we reached out to him, out of work hours! The food is outstanding with the chefs turning even a breakfast muesli into the best one you’ll ever have! Be prepared to gain a few pounds as they feed you all day, a different cuisine at each meal, that is served with much pomp and splendour at different settings in their property. Yashpal, Sundar, Shivom and Pradeep spoilt us during the lip smacking breakfast, lunch, dinner, barbecue and high tea with service that was very attentive and yet not intrusive. Deodar Hill, the location for high tea, with its lightening struck tree and a stunning sunset firing up the sky behind the layers of mountains, was my favourite and is sure to leave you enchanted.
The cherry on the cake of a perfect holiday of course, were their 3 gorgeous dogs who come to welcome you, see you off, would happily accompany you on your hikes if they weren’t restricted and pose for heartwarming pictures!
Whether you wish to cozy up with a book and their delectable ginger honey lemon tea or chat with the charming staff, or you are one for hiking through the surrounding forests, Mary Budden Estate is a haven for those who crave time in the hills with nothing but the sounds of nature for company. Well worth the long journey it is to get there!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 9 Apr 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback on your recent experience with us here at Mary Budden Estate. It is great to hear that overall you had an amazing stay with us and experienced an enviable location along with the high levels of services provided by our team members. I have shared your kind comments with the team, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Thank you and Regards,
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People keep talking about location, food, service ambience of rooms etc…..but if I need to put it in a single word it will be ‘mesmerising’ in all aspects. The people were outstanding in all level of service .. Prateek the manger, the chef, vijay the attendant, We were 13 people had had booked entirenresort..
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Date of stay: December 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Cottage and the twin rooms
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 24 Jan 2022
Dear Mr. Vardhan, Thank you for being our guests and for sharing your kind feedback with us. We are thrilled to receive your heartening endorsement. We are elated to read that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay, and that you liked our services & our team member's personalised hospitality. The entire team enjoyed ensuring you & your fellow traveler's had an amazing time with us at Mary Budden Estate. We look forward to hosting you soon! Thanks for the love! Team, Mary Budden Estate.
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Mary Budden estate has a magical location, deep within the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. The drive from the sanctuary gate is up a narrow winding one track road, which completely falls away in the last few hundred metres, but you reach paradise at the very end.
We stayed in the old cottage, which opens out onto this gorgeous private sit out, with wonderful views over the dense reserve forest. The newer cottage is a bit more hotelly, though the rooms are very comfortable. If I was travelling in a large enough group, I'd take the old cottage every time.
Food was superb and served to us in the cottage's dining room. Breakfasts and lunches were outdoors with the pet dogs keeping us company. We traveled with a baby and the chef was very accommodating, making sure to prepare whatever we ordered for her and to bring it over at all her mealtimes.
There are plenty of great walks in the surrounding area - we stayed 7 days and were never short of things to do.
At the end of the trip, we got caught in the middle of a terrible storm that lasted 2 days. The hardworking and dedicated staff kept the fires burning and kept us supplied with food, making our stay very comfortable.
Couple of points: laundry only gets in done in Almora so factor in several days if you plan to send something. And the power/hot water can take a little while since everything is solar and generator powered (there is no electricity in the forest).
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Date of stay: October 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Old cottage for privacy, views, and space.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 14 Feb 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we appreciate the time taken to share your experience along with your valuable travel tips & suggestions with us and our Trip advisor audience. Thank you for choosing 'Mary Budden Estate', we very much enjoyed having you visit us. The team & I truly appreciate your gesture of highlighting our team members' hospitality, our chef's well-classified menu & service, the ambience & spaces. We are blessed to be located in these beautiful & mesmerising surroundings & delighted to know the feeling is mutual. It is our ongoing endeavour to create unique experiences for our guests & I am super glad the team as a whole took utmost care of you & your little one. Thank you for staying with us, The entire 'Mary Budden' team, looks forward to having the opportunity to be able to host you soon.
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They say that the toughest trek leads to the most beautiful location and this holds true in exact words for Mary Budden Estate. Nested within the Binsar wild life sanctuary, this property is one of the most peaceful stays we have ever come across. It has limited rooms, so one must book and plan well in advance. Each room comes with a private sit out and a dining area. What makes this property stand apart besides their amazing location is the dining experience. Each meal is served with love as a beautifully curated set up and one can pick and choose to sit out or be served inside depending upon preferences. The food is delectable and the menu is unique. It’s amazing how they can provide such well crafted menu’s at such far off places. Kudos to the FnB team for that. The upkeep of the property is pretty natural and rustic to make one feel living right inside a jungle. The rooms are cozy, comfortable and spacious. Evening tea and snacks are served over in a unique style. Many thanks to Mr Rohit for taking exemplary care of our toddler related and other needs during our stay at any time! Hospitality of the entire team is very heart warming. The trekking experiences at the property are not to be missed. The Shiva temple near the Simba cafe is a small trek away through the forest. The calmness and the tranquil of the jungle takes all your stresses away and rejuvenates your soul.
Concerns: 1. The last few kilometres of drive (last 700 metres the most) is extremely risky with poorly maintained roads, so if you are not comfortable in driving all the way through, make arrangements before hand. It gets worse with rains. They were helpful in providing us with a driver who helped us on our way back till we exited the main wildlife sanctuary gate after which the roads are pretty normal.
2. There are four cuddly furry dogs roaming around the property. Laila, Gabbar, Rufus And Bobo. All of them are super friendly and barely bark, but if you are not a pet loving person, it may be quite a task as they are mostly all over the place.
3. The property is not fenced and you need to be careful if travelling with kids.
Overall our stay was phenomenal and must say that if you love travel, then your check list is incomplete if you haven’t experienced the Mary Budden Estate!
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nitin Sud, General Manager at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 22 Nov 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you for this wonderful review of your recent stay with us. I am extremely pleased to learn that Rohit and the team looked after you well and that the experience made for a one-of-a-kind experience. I am also certain that your review will be insightful for travellers planning a visit to the property. Thank you for your generous compliments and we hope to have an opportunity to welcome you back again and create more happy memories for you and your loved ones. Thank you and regards,
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This place is one of its kind , unless you don't explore here you will not understand, but still i will try . So this place is inside the binsar sanctuary having 6 rooms , unique things starts with entry point of the sanctuary where u have to register ur self and pay the entry fees , this resort is located where road ends , road to the resort is horrible but worth such pain for unique experience. Unique Point . 1) No power ( only solar ) 2) No AC / Fan ( not required ) 3) very rustic during summer 4) has unique sit outs at all places 5) No intercom ( 🔔 mandir type bell is there to call staff ) 6) No Electricity means no hair dryer, no kettle, no electronic appliance 7) WIFI IS AVAILABLE 8) has library 9) home stay with 5 star experience
All meals are part of ur stay as there is no other option like other standard resort , all meals are prepared by professional chef and presentation of all meals are unique starting from crockery , cutlery to nutrition everything Breakfast is Continental + Indian , Lunch is Pure Indian in Brass crockery, Hi-Tea is Indian , Dinner is Pure Continental .
For more you have to experience
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 23 Sept 2021
Dear Mr. Shah, Thank you for your review on Trip advisor & for the top pointers shared by you. We are grateful for your appreciation and glad to know you had one 'of a kind experience' with us at Mary Budden estate. Thank you once again for your appreciation. Our Chef, the team and I look forward to your continued visits and we assure you of our best service and attention at all times.
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The estate is spread over 5 acres of land and has a cottage that sleeps 6 in three rooms and has additional 3 double rooms in the lodge. The rooms are just what you expect them to be in the mountains – cozy and warm, and the carefully chosen antique furniture adds to the old colonial charm of the estate. Since the estate is solar powered, we had been advised to not carry any heavy appliances or gadgets that might need to be charged frequently – and that set the tone for the holiday. Disconnected.
The food is exceptionally good and a great mix of Indian and continental and a perfect homage to the local produce of the Kumaon region.
This place has become one of my go-to vacation spots and will continue to be.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 6 Apr 2022
Dear Guests, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, we appreciate the time taken to share your experience with us and our Trip advisor audience. Thank you for choosing 'Mary Budden Estate', as your offbeat staycation. We very much enjoyed having you visit us! The entire team and I are flattered to read your generous compliments. Nothing gives us more joy than knowing that you will be visiting us soon! Your kind review means the world to us. We eagerly await your return very soon. Team, Mary Budden Estate
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This was a very special family vacation , we have been on many vacations to off beat locations , but can easily say this was the bestest ever, in terms of the location ,the place , the service levels and the food , could not fault a thing . We had the most wonderful time and thank the entire team of may Budden for taking such good care of us, we were spoilt silly ... We will he back soon for sure... Really really amazing holiday
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 30 Nov 2021
Dear Mr. Randeep, We are grateful for your wonderful review, we appreciate the time taken to share your experience with us and our Trip advisor audience. Thank you for choosing 'Mary Budden Estate', as your offbeat staycation. We very much enjoyed having you visit us & we believe travel is a way of celebrating life's journey. We are happy to read that the team efficiently took care of you while you stayed with us. It is our sincere endeavor to ensure that our guests have an amazing time and we are delighted to know that you had the best experience staying at Mary Budden. Knowing that you would consider staying with us, has definitely made our day! We look forward to welcoming you back soon😃 Thank you and regards, Team 'Mary Budden Estate'
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Hi! This review is to help Mary Budden get better as it transitions under a new management.
It is an exhorbitantly priced property. The house-keeping and the upkeep of property etc. is below average, as per the standards expected.
The location is good and the property is surrounded by a lush green forest. However, one must ensure they bring along an experienced driver since the road leading to the property is quite dangerous. Especially in the monsoon.
Basic amenities ( fresh towels and linen) expected in a luxury stay was missing.
Probably the saving grace is the food. The chef works really hard to get exotic dishes on our plate in the remote sanctuary.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 7 Oct 2021
Dear Guest, It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to host you as our esteemed guest. We are honoured to note that you liked the location of our estate, the lush greenery, and the food quality. With regards to the housekeeping, we have noted your feedback and assure you that the same will be taken up on a serious note and actioned. It is appreciation such as yours that motivates them to go the extra mile and ensure a wonderful experience to all the guests. On behalf of our team, we look forward to the opportunity to host you at our estate again in the near future.
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A super boutique hotel. we were there for 3 nights and had a great holiday. The staff headed by Ms Kriplani does a great job. warmth and hospitable, ready to help. The chef will cook up some great local food. the rooms are very well done up, a fire place which makes it all the more special, windows open up for great views. Trekking is the main activity. Great place for simple walks to adventure. Dinner is under the stars with bonfires. Overall a must visit.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â all rooms are great
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Other at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 7 May 2022
Dear Mr Rahul, Our hearts are refilled with renewed energy and our passion for hospitality gets a real boost by learning about your impressive staycation at Mary Budden Estate. I am glad that the entire team efficiently took care of you, & I am sure the Chef, Kripalini & the entire team enjoyed ensuring you had an exceptional time with us. Thank you for being our guests, we appreciate your kind review and we hope to welcome you back for many more exotic vacations to come. Team, Mary Budden Estate
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Despite the poor weather, we still had a wonderful stay. Staff went out of their way to ensure that we had all we needed, with plentiful supplies of Chai and homemade cake / cookies. The food was excellent and plentiful. The room was incredibily spacious, warm - had an open fire in the room, and comfortable. Views, although hidden until our last morning, were breathtaking. The drive down on that last morning, as we returned to the train station at Kathgodam, was mesmirising and has left a lasting impression. What a place.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Serena Chopra, General Manager at Mary Budden Estate
Responded 27 Aug 2020
Dear Frank, Apologies for the tardy response! We hope you are keeping well and safe in these times. The staff remember you fondly and we hope we can host you again, if you return to India. Best, The Mary Budden Team
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There are more places to choose from in the Binsar area.
LOCATION
IndiaUttarakhandAlmora DistrictBinsar
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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