Share in the Royal Legacy of Reggie’s Own Chapslee
A Luxury Boutique Stay in Himachal Pradesh, India
The real story of Chapslee hospitality began with a fight to save an ancestral home. A fight that would make the late Kanwar Ratanjit ‘Reggie’ Singh and his wife Kanwar Rani Pronoti Singh, uproot their life and move to Chapslee, in the cool climes of Shimla. To this day this beautiful royal-family owned boutique hotel in the hills, echoes with Reggie’s memories.
You can experience first-hand, his passion for excellence and elegance and the legacy of his trademark royal hospitality during your stay. The Chapslee Experience as it is called. Add to that the exquisite antiques and artefacts in the mansion, from all over the world, and you will learn stories of a life of princely luxury that the Kapurthala royals were known for.
Unique Activities
Go for the Northwood Walk
Go on a picturesque journey from Chapslee to Northwood, guided by the road skirting the Sainik Rest House and Sterling Castle. As you ascend, behold the breathtaking vistas of Mashobra and Shali Peak, with snow-capped majesty on clear days. The descent through a canopy of Rhododendron trees leads you to Northwood, an enchanting English cottage nestled along the path.
Here, amid serene surroundings, indulge in a tranquil moment with a steaming cup of tea. Should you choose to extend your adventure, continue through Bharari Bazaar and Dudhli village to Kamyana, where a waiting car can return you. Alternatively, savour the journey in reverse, retracing your steps to Chapslee.
Lodging
Living Heritage in Every Space
Within its walls Chapslee also holds many stories of its historical relevance and importance, several of which you will hear of and records of which you see, when you visit.
As you walk in to the imposing drawing room with a grand piano, heritage furniture, objects d’art and antique hand knotted carpets, you’ll feel like a part of the family that has hosted many an elegant soiree and has welcomed important guests over the years.
Each room, with its fascinating décor – be it the luxurious the Burma teak panelled Gold room which has its highlight colour as Gold, or the cosy wood panelled library and card room which also has an antique coin collection – tells grand stories of eras gone by. It’s easy to feel like royalty here and sleep like one in the three rooms and two suites. Wake up in the Luxury suite – the former living quarters of Raja Charanjit Singh – soaking all the luxuries and antiquities, or in the Yellow room, a favourite of many dignitaries.
Dining
Enjoy Authentic Dining
The Main dining room showcases a 14 seater English Oak Table, a Murano Chandelier and a delicate French Candelabra.
This is where the family’s silver, and heirloom dinner sets make you enjoy the royal experience, while Indian, Continental and Anglo Indian cuisines, perfected by Reggie over the years, are laid out for you.
Every meal is a rich experience, served in white-gloved style. Be it Murg Noor Jahan, Kharasalan, Mulligatawny soup, Sheppard’s Pie or kaddu ka halwa, you can enjoy food influenced by the royal kitchens and Reggie’s penchant for world class cuisine.
Meet the People
Chapslee was where Reggie was born, had grown up, and had spent many a summer exploring the hills of Shimla and Jhakoo. But Nearly three decades after his grandfather, the late Hon’ble Raja Charanjit Singh of the house of Kapurthala, bought Chapslee as a summer residence in 1938, Reggie and his wife found they had an enormous problem on their hands.
Though Himachal Pradesh got statehood in 1948, it was only in 1971, that it became a federated sate of the Indian Union, with Shimla as its capital. In 1971 the government gave the Singhs a notice to acquire Chapslee house and its grounds. But Reggie and Pronoti were determined that they would preserve their unique heritage, whatever it took, and in April, 1976 they opened their doors to visitors.
Sustainability Story
Chapslee is definitely one property where sustainability is cherished. The owners and the staff believe in giving back to the hills that it is nestled in. Many of the cooks are local, ingredients for the food are locally sourced, vegetables are seasonal and most meals are served in the dining alcove with its trademark Murano glass chandelier and vintage wallpaper.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Chapslee
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