๐ก
4 BHK
Bedrooms
๐พ
โน1,500
Pet fee per stay
๐ฒ
1930s
Heritage bungalow
Tucked into the pine and deodar forests above Dalhousie, 8Oaks is a century-old British bungalow that carries genuine history โ legend has it the Dalai Lama once stayed here and delivered a sermon, and older Tibetan monks still visit to pay their respects. The sprawling 4-bedroom villa sits on a hillside estate surrounded by manicured gardens, and its ground-floor rooms open directly onto covered sit-outs facing the greenery โ which makes it unusually well-suited for dogs who need easy outdoor access. Pets are explicitly welcome here, with an additional charge listed on the platform.
โ Confirmed by the property
8Oaks via StayVista confirms: "Yes, pets are most welcome here! Please keep them supervised at all times to ensure there are no damages caused, and most importantly for their own safety in an unfamiliar space." The pet-friendly listing on the platform shows an additional charge of โน1,500 per stay. Dogs must be supervised at all times โ standard for a heritage property with antique furnishings and open garden spaces.
What the property actually offers dogs
The two ground-floor bedrooms open directly to covered sit-outs and a sprawling garden, which is a real practical advantage when travelling with a dog โ no stairs to negotiate in the middle of the night, and your dog can step out easily. The gardens are large enough for a decent morning run-around, and the surrounding pine forests mean proper walks are minutes away. The villa has parking for up to 4 cars on the property, so road-trippers won't have to navigate street parking with a dog in tow. A cook is available on request, which helps if you want a warm meal sorted while you're out walking your dog on the estate trails.
The space and its character
All four bedrooms come with king-sized beds, heaters, TVs, and Wi-Fi โ important in Dalhousie where winters are genuinely cold. Three of the four rooms have ensuite bathrooms with geysers. The villa also has a well-stocked library, a music system, and a barbecue and bonfire setup (both at an additional charge). Heritage furnishings and wooden ceilings give the interiors a warmth that photographs don't fully capture. Reviewers consistently mention the serenity of the forested hilltop location and the quality of the staff. One reviewer noted the road to the property requires an experienced driver โ the access lane up to Moti Tibba is narrow and hilly, typical of Dalhousie's older estates.
โน๏ธ Road access note
Guest reviews mention that the villa sits on a hill just above Mall Road, and the access road requires a confident driver โ especially in wet or winter conditions. If you're arriving in a large vehicle or at night, factor in extra caution on the final stretch. This is standard for older Dalhousie estates, not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before you arrive with a car full of dogs and luggage.
Booking and house rules
The property is listed and managed through StayVista. Full payment is required at booking. A refundable security deposit may be collected before check-in, returned within 5 working days provided guest count hasn't changed and check-out time is honoured. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM โ early check-in and late check-out are available at an additional fee, subject to availability. Cancellations more than 12 days out receive a full refund (minus a 10% processing fee); 6โ12 days out gets 50% back; under 6 days has no refund. Outside food is not permitted. Alcohol is allowed only in designated areas. Any damage caused โ including by pets โ is charged at actual repair or replacement cost. Keep that in mind if you're travelling with a dog who's still working on their indoor manners.