PCN, Nainital
2024 - Ongoing
864 sq.m. built
1177 sq.m. land
An adaptive reuse of the Kotwara Lodge in Nainital into a small luxury hotel.
Nestled amidst the pine-laden hills of Nainital, the Kotwara Lodge is a restored stone masonry structure that echoes the quiet grandeur of colonial-era Kumaon architecture. Originally a family estate owned by the illustrious Kotwara family—renowned patrons of art, cinema, and design—the building is being sensitively adapted into an intimate luxury hotel.
Crafted from locally quarried stone, the structure features thick load-bearing walls that provide natural insulation and a sense of enduring permanence. Pitched slate roofs, timber-framed windows, and deep verandas retain the old-world charm, while restored woodwork and traditional detailing pay homage to the region’s vernacular style.
Inside, the hotel balances heritage with contemporary comfort. Period furnishings, handwoven textiles, and curated antiques from the Kotwara family’s private collection enhance the narrative of a lived-in legacy, making the experience both personal and timeless.
This adaptive reuse is intended to celebrate the past while offering guests a refined and immersive stay in one of India’s most picturesque hill stations.
