Built in 1830s, Padmini Nivas is one of the
oldest estates in Mussoorie, originally built by Mrs. Ann Ross. It subsequently
changed hands several times before it was bought by an Australian brewer who
named it Rushbrooke Estate, probably because there was then a stream passing
through the property.
The name ‘Rushbrooke’ can still be read on the flagstone at the entrance to the
main building. When the last British owner Mr. Charles Mair Gregory, put the
property for sale in 1925. He had a booklet printed describing the property,
building furniture’s and fixtures. Some of that furniture still remains is its
original place.
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The then Maharaja of Rajpipla, Shri Sir
Vijaysinhji Chhatrasinhji , bought the property at the 1925 sale and renamed it
Padmini Nivas after his wife Maharani Padmini Kuverba Sahiba who was the
princess 0f Panna. Maharaja Vijaysinhji had won many titles and medals from the
British Empire, and was entitled to a 13-gun salute, a high honour salute - a
high honour for Indian princes in the Raj era.
Maharaja Vijaysinhji was a fine polo player as
well as a race- horse breeder. One of his horses won the Aspen Derby in the
presence of the King and Queen of England. He passed away in 1951, leaving many
of his properties including Padmini Nivas to his second wife, Maharani Padmini
Kuverba.
Maharani Padmini was known for her beauty and was a socialite. Parties at
Padmini Nivas used to be the talk of the town. At one such parties the largest
diamond from Panna was brought and displayed in Padmini Nivas.
The present owners bought Padmini Nivas in 1964 from Maharani Padmini Kuverba.
It was originally purchased as a summer family getaway and was converted into a
hotel in 1979.
The family-run hotel has not changed the name of the estate, and it still
remains Padmini Nivas. Maintained and restored with care it retains its
old-world atmosphere, a charming mix of Raj era architecture and luxury of
princely lifestyles – while adding modern conveniences. |
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