WOODSTOCK ESTATE
The property known as Wood Land’s II had its origins in the ownership of Madam Jeanne Mathilde Emilie Le Pelerine Durell, a French national by birth and a British subject through marriage. Born in Valailles, France, Madam Durell had one daughter, Mimi, who had settled in the United States of America. Following the departure of her husband, Mr. Durell, a senior British Army Officer, Madam Durell relocated to England.
The current owners of the property acquired it from Madam Durell’s descendants. Wood Land’s II encompasses the area from the present-day Gethia Sanatorium up to the forest chowki, spanning approximately one and a half kilometers or more.
These tales, which may be considered urban legends by some guests, undisputed truths by the locals, and entertaining anecdotes by individuals like ourselves, add a touch of mystique to the property’s history. The main house, now over 70 years old, once belonged to the esteemed English lady, Madam Durell. As the wife of a British Army officer, she embodied a true sense of Englishness. Madam Durell was known for her distinctive attire, which often included breeches, her fondness for horseback riding, and her constant companion—a double-barreled gun. Her deep fascination with Gethia led to her acquiring a significant portion of the hillside, creating her legacy.
While other stories associated with the property may not be as thrilling, such as Mahatma Gandhi’s purported stop for tea or Jim Corbett’s occasional visits, they may still leave an impression on some.