TREE TRAIL HOUSE

True to its name, Tree Trail House is nestled in the hills of Coonoor, Ooty—accessible only via winding trails through dense Shola forest. This immersive setting deeply informed the design of this cozy two-bedroom cottage.

The extended front yard, which can double as future parking, currently offers a full view of the cottage’s striking elevation—marked by its exaggerated sloping roof and a chimney perched on top. Inside, the layout is fluid and open. To avoid a rigid split between the ground and first floors, mezzanine levels were introduced, with minimal railings maintaining visual continuity throughout.

The structure is designed to be as porous as function allows, embracing Coonoor’s cool climate. Sunlight filters through generously during the day, warming the interiors, while a centrally placed fireplace offers comfort during colder nights. This balance—of sun by day and fire by night—is exactly the experience people seek when they leave the city behind. Our design aims to enhance and celebrate this rhythm of life in the hills.