From Barren Lands to ‘Crimson Orchards’: How Nature Healed This Beautiful Home

The field of medicine and the role doctors play in our lives comes with inadvertent pressure and stress – something we’re gravely observing through this pandemic. Saving the lives of patients is, after all, not a bed of roses, but a bed that sees a lot more pain, panic, and a range of emotions. It’s to break free from this stress that a family of doctors embraced nature. The cool fresh air, gentle peace and relaxing solitude on, a vast parcel of land in Nashik was what they turned to. Today, Crimson Orchards, a 3-bedroom villa in Nashik environed by vineyards across 22 acres, stands testament to the healing power of nature.

SaffronStays Crimson Orchards, Nashik
Nestled amid vast vineyards

The Idea of a Stressbuster…

Dr Pawar and his wife Neelima, the hospital administrator have a lovely story to share. Since her role was far more stressful, managing both the hospital and the family, Dr Pawar figured her love for farming could be her much-needed break. The family invested in a land that had just one tall tree, which Mrs Pawar soon developed as her ‘home away from home’ and started with the idea of having her own grape plantations here. She knew it would mean a lot of work and odd working hours, but when you do something you love, does it really matter if you have to wake up at 3 am to maintain a harvest? 

To ensure that the plantation flourished, Mrs Pawar doubled down her efforts.. During harvest season, nearly 50 people would gather to help around. Their routine was to have breakfast at 5 am and start pruning the leaves, followed by a lunch break and finishing up by 4 pm. The idea to build a roof and restroom for all the workers planted the first seed of the now standing Crimson Orchards. A space for those who toiled hard to turn a barren land into the flourishing vineyard it is today.

With an Indo-European style of construction, and white brick stone walls highlighting the minimal aesthetic of hand-picked handicrafts, the family’s ‘home away from home’ was ready. Every nook and corner of this villa was planned with creative inputs from each member of the family. Some of the paintings that decorate the walls were handpicked auctions, while others were painted by family friends. A large part of the interior decor is DIY (Do-It-Yourself). The most quirky addition being the lamps and stools – made of buckets that cattle in rural areas would drink water out of.

What’s More? There’s A Cafeteria On Site…

While the surrounding greenery is pleasing and soothing, if you still miss interacting with people other than your family, there is a cafe on the premises, situated 3.5 acres away from the main villa. Not only does it maintain the privacy of guests who reside in the villa, but it can also double up as a workspace since it is equipped with Wi-Fi. It serves as a hangout spot for locals, for those who come around for treks, and for those who wish to escape the city for a little while. There’s no better way to end a workday than to open a red overlooking the vast vineyard.

An Experience For Everyone to Cherish

SaffronStays Crimson Orchards, Nashik
Carefully decked interiors with handicrafts.

After realising how just a weekend here could wash away all their troubles, the Pawars decided to open their little piece of Nirvana for friends and family. Having curated a space that sparked comfort from every corner, anybody on the lookout for a calming cottage, close to Mumbai and Pune can turn to this stunning estate.

Catching a sunset over the best vineyard in Nashik, with a view of the tranquil Gangapur dam from the terrace, a verandah space that lends itself as the perfect arm-chair for star-gazing… Crimson Orchards mesmerises you with the natural canvas it offers. Oh, and how can we forget, a special dinner set-up amid the vineyards? Why lament over skipping Napa Valley when you can experience the wine-n-dine set up to close to home?.

As the daughter of the family expressed, “Just cutting off from the chaos, staying here, overlooking the vineyards, listening to the chirping birds, just being with nature was an inspiring experience to appreciate the little things in life.” The two daughters now look after the property, but Mrs Pawar is also actively involved in maintaining the space, ensuring that it is as comfortable as it could be, for every visitor. 

When you seek rejuvenation, joy, and gratitude, it is estates like these that envelop you with a serene, calming effect – like a warm hug on a cold winter evening. You know a stay at this 3-bedroom private villa in Nashik can be your respite once we are set to travel again… With a glass of the home-grown Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc in your hand!

For More Details:
Website: Book Now (LINK: https://www.saffronstays.com/view/crimson-orchards-3-bedroom-vineyard-villa-in-nashik-near-sula-vineyards-QafdUOUkAmI2i2NX)
Call: 022-68110811
Queries: book@saffronstays.com

An Off-beat Escape To Strawberry Land: Panchgani

Strawberry Season

While the pandemic continues to compel us to practice all precautions – wear a mask, use a sanitizer, keep distance – there’s nothing stopping us from celebrating life, laughter and our loved ones all over again.

How about an escape to the strawberry land of India? ‘Tis a berry beautiful season in the land of distant mountains, rustic valleys and soothing lakes, Panchgani, the heart of Mahabaleshwar. Scroll ahead to have a quick look at why the strawberry season is an experience you do not want to miss and everything you can do to make it count.

An indulgence of a kind

Handpicking juicy strawberries


How often do you get an opportunity to pick your own fruits from a farm? While the city life has its own share of drawbacks the numero uno reason to visit Mahabaleshwar is to gather some offbeat experiences and indulge in a merry time with your loved ones. 

The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is the winter season. Winters in Mahabaleshwar are perfect for strawberries to ripen with absolute deliciousness. The Panchgani Strawberry Festival, as it is rightly termed, celebrates the arrival of these beauties by hosting tourists from across the country and allowing them to actually walk amidst these strawberry farms. A cherry on the top, or should we say, a “strawberry” on top? You can handpick these juicy strawberries, add them to your baskets and eat them right away! 

Isn’t this then, an indulgence of a kind? 

(Wish to disconnect with the outer world and connect with your true self? Check these 5 vacation homes that offer no WiFi and are not sorry about it!)

Good nutrition during the pandemic

Strawberries of high nutritional value

The pandemic has compelled us to focus on our health, diet and nutrition intake now more than ever. Did you know that strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C? The fresher they are, the more they metabolize and hence, more is the nutritional value. 

So, if those Vitamin C tablets recommended to boost your immunity during COVID-19 times are boring you out, get yourself loads of these freshly plucked strawberries from these natural farms and eliminate allied worries such as adulteration, poor sanitization, and low quality. 

Going #VocalForLocal

Strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar


And while you’re casually strolling amid these farms, examining strawberries and adding them to your basket while your little one narrates to you episodes of Strawberry Shortcake, you are generously supporting the local farmers of Mahabaleshwar that have worked so hard to produce this yield of juicy strawberries. Thereby, you also support the newly established idea of going #VocalForLocal. 

You’d be mistaken if you were to assume that only local varieties of strawberries are to be found here. Have a quick chat with some of these farmers or volunteers of this festival and you’ll be surprised to know that these lands also support Sweet Charlie varieties of California, Camarosa, Winter Dawn, Rania and Nabila – the most notable varieties of strawberries cultivated across Mahabaleshwar. 

So many other places to visit!

Needle Hole Point

While strawberries remain the centre of attraction during winters, there are a number of other places to visit in Mahabaleshwar that will make your heart happy and relax your mind. 

  • Picturesque lakes: Row your boats, click pictures and feel the lake breeze caress your skin at Lake Venna and Lake Shivsagar. 
  • Heritage forts: Trek your way up and above and delve into the rich history of Maharashtra a little more with Pratapgarh Fort, Kamalgad Fort and Rajgad fort. 
  • Satisfy your hunger pangs: Visit the stunning Mapro Garden and try various strawberry delicacies namely Strawberry Chocolate Pizza, Chocoberrywitch, etc. after a fun-filled session of strawberry picking. 
  • Explore, explore and explore: Tour across various points such as the Wilson Point, Mumbai Point, Arthur’s Seat, Elphinstone Point, etc. and splurge at the town bazaar. 

(Even your pet deserves a break! Check out these pet-friendly stays near Mumbai and Pune.)

Bonding with your loved ones, and SaffronStays 

Tasting strawberries with loved ones

Give the notion of bonding with your loved ones over a trip a whole new meaning with SaffronStays. To sprinkle the magic of togetherness, love and warmth over your trip, we have homes that will make you want to traverse down the memory lane even after you’ve left Mahabaleshwar. That being said, take a look at these private, cosy and comfortable SaffronStays villas in Panchgani that you can book as you plan your trip to Mahabaleshwar. 

SaffronStays Red Brick House:

SaffronStays Red Brick House

A 4-bedroom rustic home boastful of its amalgamation of old school English vibes and the finest amenities. Features a terrace, a verandah, a huge lawn with an orchard and is in close proximity to the Mapro Garden, the Panchgani Market, the Venna Lake, Table Land and a strawberry farm. 

SaffronStays Valley’s Edge

SaffronStays Valley’s Edge

A 3-bedroom villa overlooking breathtaking views of the serene Panchgani Valley. Hosts its guests with warm, rustic vibes and a large outdoor space. Is situated at a short distance from various tourist points, Table Land, Venna Lake, etc. 

SaffronStays Verandah By The Valley

SaffronStays Verandah By The Valley

A 2-bedroom hilltop home with antique wooden furniture and a dreamy verandah. Overlooks the majestic Panchgani valley and is located close to the Table Land, Kamalgad Fort, Horizon Point and Dhom Dam.

SaffronStays Verandah By The Valley (Tent)

SaffronStays Verandah By The Valley (Tent)

One of the best nature villas near Mumbai, it is ideal for couples seeking a holiday in the quiet in the lap of nature. 

SaffronStays Nitant

SaffronStays Nitant

A 3-bedroom pool valley with minimal decor blends gazing at the Panchgani Valley. Features a large deck, organic garden along with the balcony of your dreams. Is located close to the Cheese Factory, Table Land and various points of Mahabaleshwar. 

Are you as intrigued with Mahabaleshwar right now as we are? If yes, book your stay in luxury villas in Panchgani from SaffronStays right away and give us the opportunity to host you with wonderful experiences and the magic of togetherness. 

Interested? Fill this form right away!