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

7 Fun Things To Do in Nashik

Nashik, a city in Maharashtra has a dual coalescence from sacred vibes to making premium wines. Geographically blessed with sloping hills and placid weather, it has flourished with an epithet of being ‘The Wine Capital of India’. Epitomising this identity of the finest wines in the country is the Sula Vineyards. One of their crowd-pullers is the annual SulaFest, an event that sees great musical performances with rich gourmet food, quality wines, and many such unforgettable experiences. From hopping through vineyards, tasting artisanal cheese platter, religious visits, or historic hikes, we list down some of the fun things to do in Nashik through wine, dine, and everything fine!

1. Wine Touring

Go on a Wine Tour (Credits: Pexels)

Nashik is a perfect haven in India for an oenophile or a lover of wines. The 30 plus wineries are the buzzword for tourism and among the most fun things to do here. India’s largest and most popular winery, Sula Vineyards, is located in close proximity to two other popular wineries – York and Soma Village. This 3,000-acre stretch bustling with a production of fine quality wines has rightly evolved as India’s Napa Valley in the last few decades. So hopping on a tour of wineries that pan in all directions of Nashik is an experience to indulge in!

You can conclude your wine touring in the day by social distancing from the crowds, relaxing in an earthy vacation home like SaffronStays Arezu in Igatpuri. About 1.5 hours away from Sula Vineyards, this European styled villa is nestled in idyllic landscapes.

2. Wine Tasting or Brewing Your Own Wine

See, Swirl, Sniff, and Sip, learn and apply the four S’s of wine tasting at one of the wineries here.  From understanding grape varieties, plucking, brewing to the bottling process, a wine tasting tour will apprise you more than differentiating between a red and white wine. The flavour of Rosé to the aroma of Sauvignon blanc, a crafted wine tasting tour will enhance your knowledge of what goes into making a wine that pleases the palate. If you particularly want to explore French-style wines, Vallonne Vineyards is a boutique winery you must visit in Igatpuri’s Sanjegaon.

Add ‘fine’ to your wine-sipping by clinking glasses on lush lawns with a lake view. You can add this bliss of an experience by staying at SaffronStays Vino Villa in Nashik. This safe and sanitized, peaceful 2-bedroom farm stay has pleasant pastoral views to soak in all day long. Complementing your wines will be fresh meals cooked by our trained chefs on site.

3. Adventure Activities

SaffronStays All That Jazz, is a 2-bedroom glass treehouse with a private pool and unbeatable views of the surrounding Anjaneri Hills near in Nashik. This architectural marvel, made almost entirely of glass offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience with nature – from the moment you wake up, to your morning cuppa, to when you head out for a swim – you’ll truly enjoy the best nature resort near Mumbai.

But that is not the best part! You can opt for horseback riding, kayaking, boating and cycling within the township at no additional cost! Talk about a complete staycation.

4. Relish on Finest Artisanal Cheese

Enjoy a Cheese Platter (Credits: Pixabay)

Nashik is known for its quality wines, but it also has something exquisite for cheese lovers. Le Fromage is Nashik’s first artisanal cheese-making company. They too offer a cheese tasting tour that has over 8 varieties of the finest natural cheeses. So while everyone goes home sipping on the wines, don’t forget to add a platter of cheese to your agenda of fun things to do in Nashik.

5. Visit Ancient Temples

Contrasting to its modernity as a major wine producer in the country, Nashik carries a mythological significance for those seeking divine interventions. Ramkund, Sita Gufa, Trimbakeshwar temple, Saptashrungi temples in Nashik are not just religious places but marvels of architecture. You need not be a religious person to pay a visit and learn about the fascinating legends behind it.

6. Cave Exploration

If you yearn to explore the history, then a visit to Pandavleni, a group of 24 caves is one of the fun things to do in Nashik. These ancient rock-cut caves date back to the 2nd century BC and trace the history of Hinayana Buddhism. The inscriptions on the stone walls depict the tales of what transpired here centuries ago.

7. Go Hiking

Adventure geeks who love to enjoy stunning views from an altitude, Nashik has several mountains to trek up to. Harihar Fort, Anjaneri Hill, Brahmagiri Hills, Kalsubai point are compelling treks that test one’s endurance but replenish it with unmatchable views. If you are looking to unwind amid nature with such refreshing views minus the adrenaline, plan a staycation at SaffronStays Le Soil, in Nashik. This private couple’s villa has a gazebo that overlooks greens and blues on all sides

The wine capital can thus satiate your experience beyond wine and dine by exploring these things to do in Nashik.