Nestled at 4 Swinhoe Street is a four-room B&B by the owners of Cochrane Place in Kurseong. If you have ever stayed at the restored colonial home of Percy John Cochrane on Pankhabari Road, snug under the soft white blankets in the wooden suite, or sipped on tea blender Laltu’s Apple Cinnamon Tea on the hotel’s rooftop with a view of the mighty Kanchenjunga, or read a book by the fireplace in the lobby, you already know that the folks behind this space have great taste.

Bringing Cochrane Place’s homely touch to Calcutta, the Arora family has opened Ivy House, the 80-year-old building they acquired around 12 years ago. “For five years, it was operating as a homestay and then we thought, why not convert it into a proper B&B?” said director of Ivy House, Shweta Arora.

With the recent tourist clampdown in the hills, Cochrane Place was temporarily closed (it is open now) and so focus shifted to project Ivy House. “It is named so because at one time the ivy vine used to climb up the entire exterior of the building, hiding the walls from sight,” said Shweta. Today, brick walls are a more viable option though there is no lack of flora.

t2 checked out the aesthetically-designed bedrooms of Ivy House.

What: Ivy House
Where: 4 Swinhoe Street (walking distance from Kasturi and Fish Fish)
Website: cochraneplacehotel.com/ivy-house
Pocket pinch: Rs 4,500 for Tuberose and Lotus rooms; Rs 4,000 for Marigold and Carnation for double occupancy. Taxes extra. Breakfast is included. All rooms have attached restrooms.

Text: Karo Christine Kumar
Pictures: Rashbehari Das