Nestled in a cozy arcade, away from the bling of the queen, lies a quaint cozy cottage marked with history in every corner of its rooms.

A cobbled pathway from Notre Dame Academy, Dali, takes you down to an 18th century nostalgic, colonial British cottage with architecture reeking of firewood that takes you back to your grandma's country house. This little piece of heritage property has seen the light of the pre-independence years as a home passed down generations to a lot of Britishers since the late 1800s.

A total number of 5 deluxe rooms have been recreated for the guests, blending modern amenities with archaic interiors. Each room has its unique character: from the way the light seeps in through different angles from the skylight early morning to the way evening forms shadows on the walls, you get a glimpse of every individual persona the rooms carry. Wooden panelling covers every part of the room and makes it an experience altogether to dive into one of the most peaceful sleep of your life.

Besides the exclusive rooms, visitors are also provided with a choice of bedding in a dormitory, which can house almost 30-40 visitors at a time. It is an airy, well-lighted wooden space in the attic with a typical Victorian high ceiling.

Francis Villa also has an old chapel right in the heart of the property. Next to the chapel, you find the common space that serves as a mini library. The mess serves a deliciously fresh and simple home-like meals for the guests.

In the evening when the balcony lights up with your personal fireplace, in far grounds below the hill, you hear the bugle blow sounds from the distant past reminiscent of the British Raj.

In the early hours of the morning, you wake up at this yellow conclave of comfort surrounded by a well maintained sunny lawn that overlooks the mighty Kanchenjunga range. The 2 acre property is strewn with old pine trees that have stood witness to a lot of history the place carries. This place is also a must visit for bird watchers. The surrounding hills lie distant from the market place that has lately been a victim of over-tourism and so, Dali, being 5km away from the main town, still remains a popular destination for lovers of nature.