Rashtrapati Ashiana, Presidential retreat in Dehradun, India.
Rashtrapati Ashiana is a presidential retreat located in Dehradun spanning 237 acres, featuring a main residence, swimming pool, stables, and orchards planted with litchi and mango trees. The estate was built in 1920 to serve as the commandant's residence and continues to function as a seasonal facility.
The site began in 1838 as a camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard horses. The main building was constructed in 1920, transforming the location from a military outpost into an administrative residence.
The retreat functions as the president's northern residence, showcasing colonial design alongside traditional gardens sustained by an irrigation canal network. The combination of British architectural style and Indian horticultural practices shapes how visitors experience the grounds.
The property sits in the hills around Dehradun and is most accessible during the warmer months. The setting allows for leisurely walks through the grounds and exploration of the gardens without crowds.
The estate still houses horses belonging to the president's bodyguard during the cooler months, providing them relief from Delhi's heat. This practice directly connects the site's original purpose from the 1800s to its modern role.
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