Speaking about the hillside cottage, Architect Garima says, “We are sure there might be many, and you would have overcome them, but working in the mountains is three times more effort than working on the plains. For the smallest thing — a pencil, a nail — we’d look at each other and sigh, knowing it meant a 120 km drive.”
This Hillside Cottage Is Surrounded By Dense Deodar Trees And Overlooks A Scenic View | MN Design Co By Garima Agarwal
The chill would set in early, cutting our working hours short. Our karigars camped there for months, “Every time the site team called, it sent a chill down our spine — either they reported a 10 sq. ft. shortage of wallpaper, the drill machine had broken down, or there were no pahadi workers to unload the furniture.”
There were no courier services; for the smallest of things, a person had to drive down to Dehradun or source them from Delhi, which was quite a management task. But slowly, through the cold and the chaos, it began to take shape.
And now here it is — nestled in the scent of deodar, surrounded by tall pines, with the Himalayas standing guard. It’s a place where you would put your phone on silent, sip a cappuccino, breathe in air so clean it feels brand new (AQI: 1!), read a book, play games with your children and walk miles into the Kaudia Range. – One design element would be the Bar created with reclaimed wood and completely automated, along with deodar-clad walls.
The designers conceptualised the whole project around sustainability and the integration of nature with the cottage’s interiors. They built the Swiss Cottage over a 5,500 sq. ft. space, featuring five thoughtfully designed, massive bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms equipped with all modern amenities, along with a sprawling 3,500 sq. ft. area.
The lobby and dining overlooking the valley open to sweeping balconies and immense windows. They frame snow-capped peaks that gleam like Gstaad at dawn. Inside, walls clad in deodar wood wrap you in warmth. Reading nooks beckon you to linger with a book, while the soft mountain breeze drifts through sunlit rooms.
“Yes, I took inspiration from the hospitality sector in Switzerland, Ski resorts like Gstaad and St.Moritz. Swiss Cottage at MN ESCAPE demonstrates how boutique hospitality can combine environmental stewardship with strong business potential.”
Designed by MN DESIGN CO at 8,000 feet in Kanatal, the project sets a benchmark for developing premium mountain retreats in an eco-sensitive manner.
Construction emphasised sustainability through locally sourced materials, responsible timber treatment, and designs that optimise daylight, natural ventilation, and insulation — reducing energy consumption and protecting the Himalayan environment.
As a low-density, high-quality destination, Swiss Cottage addresses growing demand for intimate, experiential stays while supporting year-round tourism.
Its operational efficiency and carefully calibrated scale strengthen the viability of hospitality in remote locations. This encourages responsible investment in the region.
By aligning guest comfort with sustainable practices and commercial value, Swiss Hillside Cottage positions MN ESCAPE as a leader in crafting resilient. Their design shows environmentally conscious hospitality models suited to sensitive landscapes.
Fact FileDesigned by: MN Design Co By Garima Agarwal
Project Type: Residential Vacation Home
Project Name: Swiss Cottage – MN ESCAPE
Location: Kanatal, Uttrakhand
Year Built: 2024 – 2025
Duration of the project: 1 Year
Project Size: 5500 Sq.ft
Principal Designer: Garima Agarwal
Products / Materials / Vendors: Sanitaryware – Kohler / Windows – Tostem / Furniture – MN DESIGN CO. / Flooring – Quickstep / Paint – Asian Paint / Wallpaper – Nilaya / Fabrics – Warwick
Firm’s Website Link: MN Design Co By Garima Agarwal
The Firm’s Instagram Link: MN Design Co By Garima Agarwal
Firm’s Facebook Link: MN Design Co By Garima Agarwal
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