The Retreat is a 150-year-old heritage colonial bungalow in pristine condition, set in an oak, pine and deodar forest estate in the Lake District of Kumaon. The welcoming Indo-German family gladly share their home, lifestyle, and the fascinating history of this 1860s house, and the story of Fred Smetacek, who escaped the Nazis, and his wife Shaheda Smetacek who was a descendant of Tipu Sultan and the Mughals. Delicious home-cooked meals are prepared every day, ranging from Indian to European (including heirloom recipes) to colonial specialities. The area is ideal for barbecues, nature walks, birdwatching, and excursions to the forest and lakes (for we are at the very heart of the best and most unspoilt part of the Lake District of Kumaon). The hospitality and personality of Paddy Smetacek and her children make The Retreat an ideal place to be. The Retreat is particularly suited to writers, artists, naturalists and people working from home, who are looking for a long stay in a unique, safe and comfortable environment. Birdwatchers will see almost all the species they look for in Sat Tal. The Retreat is the ideal place for children to romp around in the open, play with lively and friendly dogs, spend quality time with their parents and enjoy nature and unstructured play time outdoors in our gardens, sprawling grounds and forest.