Dune Barr House - Verandah in the Forest

A 200 year old property now restored. Dune Group does the branding & sales. Hope the owner put proper intent in maintaining the property. The building structure, furniture, doors are crumbling. There is no AC, no WiFi, no Telephone network, no TV (Total Digital Detox). This part is the negetive if you may say. If they look into this upkeep then the cost of 9K to 10K per night is justifiable. Noe the positive if you can see - it's secluded in the forest without anything around for about half a kilometer surrounded by trees and tweeting birds. The property is very ably managed by a hands on couple - Rateesh & Rekha who stay in the complex. Rateesh seems a all-rounder and experienced. He has well trained a local couple to manage the kitchen and dish out Indian & Continental veg & non veg dishes. They serve a sumptuous breakfast that changes every day. The 3 boys/ helpers too are responsive and egar to help. The property has a old world British feel with a big reading cum living area and a giant elongated dining table that can accommodate 20 odd people and they give a nice candle light dining experience. The highlight of the hotel is the big wide verandah to the 6 rooms on first floor that have 'relax chairs' outside each room and also a well appointed central tea & breakfast open area in the verandha. Hence the name 'Verandah in the Forest'

We stayed here from 18th to 20th July as a family and had a truly delightful experience. The 200-year-old heritage bungalow is well preserved and tastefully maintained, capturing the old-world charm of Matheran. The food was excellent—we enjoyed both Indian and continental cuisines, each meal thoughtfully prepared. A heartfelt thank you to GM Ratheesh Pillai and Ms. Rekha for their warm hospitality. Their personal attention to every guest made a big difference and ensured a smooth and memorable stay. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind in a peaceful, elegant, and historic setting.

We loved this magical place.  Arriving on foot in the dark, with a couple of porters carrying our bags from Dasturi point, it was like stepping into a novel from the 1920's.  Lovely staff to meet us and give us a welcome meal and drink, and Mr Ratheesh the manager who we contacted before we arrived was incredibly helpful.   The silence and peace of the stately building is beyond words.  It's not a museum because the people living there are vibrant and make you feel comfortable, but the furniture and fittings in that incredible setting are rare and special.  The impossibly high ceilings, the numerous unexpected little doors, the excess of space and light.  Not everyone might recognise why this place is so rewarding to stay in  - it's not a formulaic international hotel, but its a living record of India's complex history.  Don't miss it if you have the chance.

We had a fantastic time at Barr House during our stay. We enjoyed every bit - the contempt’s rooms, hospitality, food. The best is the inhouse food whether its continental or Indian and ice cream is a must to have. And voila it gives you a feeling of being in a forest. Thanks for the incredible experience🙏

This is a beautiful heritage property in the middle of the forest close to Charlotte lake. The room was large, spacious and comfortable with high ceilings and basic amenities. The bedding was clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. Food was delicious and served very nicely. . . A candle lit dinner in the dining room, breakfast and lunch on the Verandah. Overall a lovely stay and would definitely go back.

Dune Barr House in Matheran is an absolute gem.. steeped in history, beautifully maintained & wrapped in the charm of a bygone era. My partner & I spent the weekend here. The Heritage Supr. Room was a beautiful, with its poster bed, antique furniture & spacious 19th century interiors that made us feel like we had stepped into another time. The place is immaculately kept, blending old world elegance with just the right touch of modern comfort. The verandah, of course is the highlight. Whether it was sipping tea in the cool morning air or just soaking in the peaceful surroundings, it was the perfect place to unwind. There’s something about being nestled in the woods away from the chaos, that makes you slow down and truly enjoy the moment. The team led by Mr. Ratheesh, was fantastic attentive, warm & always ensuring that everything was just right. They made my partners’ birthday feel extra special, which we truly appreciated. And the food.. Absolutely delicious. Every meal felt carefully prepared and the flavours were spot on, homemade style Dune Barr House isn’t just a stay..it’s an experience. If you’re looking for a place with character, history & exceptional service.. this is it. Can’t wait to return.