Stone House, Ooty

Stone House is a British colonial residence in Ooty featuring thick stone walls, robust timber beams, and spacious rooms designed for the mountain climate. Today it functions as the official residence of the Government Arts College principal at an elevation of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet).

John Sullivan, a British administrator, built this first European structure in Ooty in 1822 after acquiring the land from the Toda people for one rupee. The construction marked the beginning of European settlement in the town and influenced its development as a hill station.

The house blends British architectural ideas with local craftsmanship and materials from the region, showing how the colonists adapted to building in this place. This blend shapes how visitors understand the city's past and the meeting of two building traditions.

The residence sits at 2,240 meters elevation where the air is cool and fresh, especially during winter months. Visitors should bring warm clothing and expect narrow pathways around the grounds that offer good walking and views.

An old oak tree planted by Sullivan himself stands at the entrance, having grown there for about 200 years. The tree stands as a living link to Sullivan's personal attachment to the place and continues to be cared for today.