Ivy House is a wonderfully decorated Bed and Breakfast (BnB), located in a serene spot of South Kolkata’s up-market neighborhood, Ballygunge Place. Surrounded by greenery and residential homes, this charming BnB is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata, yet in close proximity to some wonderful eateries and specialty stores, making its location ideal for those traveling to Kolkata on business or pleasure.
Upon entering Ivy House there is a very Mediterranean feel to the place, from the Wall Plates hanging on the corridor to the floor tiles and color palates used in the rooms, all somehow evocative of holidays spent in Italy and Spain. There are unusual furniture pieces such as an old sewing machine stand utilized as a TV stand or a beautiful shell-encrusted wardrobe.
Ivy House has been aesthetically designed, making the most of the greenery surrounding the building. Each room has been named after a flower that is unique to Bengal – Tube Rose, Marigold, Carnation and Lotus and decorated accordingly.
The rooms with their large four-posters and throws are somehow contemporary, blending the use of antique furniture with modern sensibilities. Some rooms look out to a running backyard that is dotted with potted plants and others offer a view of the surrounding garden. The bathrooms are modern and spacious. All the rooms have a cupboard with electronic safe, electric kettle with tea and coffee caddy, a 32 inch Flat Screen TV and hairdryer.
Part of this charming property is ‘Karma Kettle’, which stocks a wide and unique range of teas inspired by travel and tea-tastings across the globe. Those interested in trying out premium teas will enjoy Karma Kettle which also serves up some delicious snacks.
The area surrounding Ivy House has also earned the nicknamed “Food Place” where one can feast on specialty Bengali meals at 6 Ballygunge Place, or try fusion cuisine at Bohemian, Chinese at Chowman and China Whites, fishy treats at Fish Fish, Italian at Alla Bella Mozzarella and Balaram Mullick for the best Bengali sweets, to name a few. All of these places are within walking distance of Ivy House.
For a wonderful retail experience there is the perennial favorite Fab India, and also in close proximity are some of the best Saree boutiques in the city such as By Loom, Kanishka, Bunkaari India and Weavers Studio to name a few. You can find well-crafted Shantiniketan-produced artefacts and gifts at Sienna (which also has a wonderful café attached to it) and Living Free has some lovely designer wear, imported jams and cheeses and knick knacks on offer.
When traveling to Kolkata, I highly recommend a stay at Ivy House or a tea party at the Karma Kettle which will surely leave an indelible mark on your trip.
Address: 4, Swinhoe Street, Ballygunge Place, Kolkata – 19. Ph: 1800 123 2906. Website: https://karmakettle.com [1]