Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has opened The Farm Stay by AamaGhati, a 10-key retreat in Village Sherpur, Ranthambore, in what was until recently a private family home belonging to Abhishek Hissaria. The pitch is simple: in a destination usually judged by tiger sightings, make the hours outside the national park worth something too.

A house in the jungle

The property keeps the character of the original residence, set among mature trees and natural vegetation. Each of the 10 rooms measures about 700 sq ft, with a separate living area and a private balcony. Stone, timber and warm neutral tones run through the architecture, and the wood-panelled dining room opens through large glass doors on to the lawns. A rooftop terrace looks over the treeline, and from it guests can spot chital and sambar, while langurs are frequent visitors to nearby trees. Birdlife on the grounds includes baya weavers, Indian scops owls, rufous treepies, white-throated kingfishers, babblers and black drongos.

"Ranthambore is sometimes reduced to one question: did you see a tiger? We wanted to create a stay where the hours outside the park are equally meaningful." – Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Director, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts

Farm, craft and stars

A working farm and an attached strawberry farm supply produce for the restaurant, which pairs regional and rustic dishes with a multi-cuisine menu. Outdoor breakfasts, garden dining and high tea are part of the offer. Local potters and lac bangle makers demonstrate their crafts, folk musicians perform, and after dark the Star Dust Observatory hosts stargazing alongside bonfire evenings.

There is also a swimming pool, the Sri Sri Wellbeing Centre, a games room and a children's activity area. Beyond the property, guests can arrange safaris into Ranthambore National Park, visits to Ranthambore Fort and the Trinetra Ganesh Temple, and river safaris in the Chambal.

"This was our home before it became a hotel, and we did not want to lose that feeling when we decided to open it to guests. Ranthambore is at its best when you give it time." – Abhishek Hissaria, Owner, AamaGhati

The Farm Stay is Black Rock's second property in Ranthambore after AamaGhati Wildlife Resort; where the resort offers a full-scale destination experience, the new retreat is pitched as smaller, residential and private. More details here.

Images: courtesy of Black Rock Hotels & Resorts