LAKESIDE -ATHOOR,DINDIGUL

LAKESIDE

ATHOOR Post, DINDIGUL Taluk

USP: Where memories are made

They came as tourists in the summer of 2007 and fell so much in love with the place that their week-long visit was extended to three months. By the time they returned to their home in England, they'd already made up their minds to own ‘Lakeside' in the Palani foothills.



Dorinda Anne (a teacher by profession) and Peter William Balchin (a building material supplier) were leading stressful lives and wanted to “change their lifestyle and slow down.” “We couldn't take our mind off this outstanding piece of Nature's beauty, the daily morning cup of cardamom tea by the Kamaraj lake, and watching peacocks,” they say.

After six months of paper work, they returned in October 2008 with two large suitcases. “We did not need more because everything else was available here. In the last two years, we have added 10 years to our lives; we feel, eat and work better,” the enterprising couple says. And that is exactly what they try to impart to all their guests now — the ‘feel-good' factor.



When they took over, the property, spread over 7.5 acres, was a tad rundown. A quick and simple but aesthetic overhaul of furniture and interiors, better lighting and greenscaping, an improvised menu and raising service to European standards ensured that visitors looking for a perfect escape flocked in.

When there's a stunning lake, a panoramic mountain view, a green carpet all around, cool breeze through the year and abundance of bird life, you just want to soak in the peace and solitude. That's what I did.



The rooms in the main building open into a long common verandah facing the brimming lake, and the colourful blooms encircling the verandah add to the appeal as you tune in to the avian choir!

Spend your day trekking and come back to a hearty South/North, Chinese/European meal in the cool verandah. Dinner is an awesome affair, both for the spread and taste, but more so for the ambience. It is usually served on the terrace under the twinkling stars.


source:the hindu