This week, You! takes a look at the gorgeous interior of a boutique villa in the Murree hills...
interiors
This week, You! takes a look at the gorgeous interior of a boutique villa in the Murree hills...
End of winter and the beginning of spring is the best time to pack your bags for the weekend and drive up north for a few blissful days away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The transition from winter to spring is beautiful in the hills; the weather is perfect in the day and just the right kind of chilly in the night; when one can put on a sweater and enjoy a bonfire or barbeque. But how does one find the perfect place for this getaway? ‘The Murree Loft’ is the answer to this question.
Tucked away in the lush green world of Koldana, Murree, ‘The Murree Loft’ is one such place that promises a few hours, days, weeks, and even months away from the hubbub of city life. According to Ayesha Ahmad Mansoor, the mastermind behind the Loft, it is a boutique villa that is influenced by the west. It was initially bought in 1995 but was kept for private use. However, when the scope and applications of the place were discovered, Ayesha wanted to share the experience with others too and recently redesigned the place to open it for families to come and enjoy.
The space has big windows, beautiful wooden furniture and tones of bright colours in the decor along with appropriately placed ethnic rugs, stunning decoration pieces, fresh flowers and adequate lighting. Ayesha mentioned it was named ‘The Murree Loft’ because of the rustic nature of the surrounding area, and the beautiful interior of the villa itself. “We wanted the place to be forever linked to where it is located, thus we incorporated Murree into the name. We further named it the “Loft’ because we wanted to incite a feeling of comfort, and ease”, she shares.
Ayesha also explained that bright colours have been used because the idea is to make the space inviting and to create a welcoming feel for the guests. “During the winter, the weather can at times be bleak, and we wanted to cultivate warmth that can only be achieved with bright colours to contrast with this weather. Secondly, bright colours represent the holiday spirit which we wanted to go hand in hand with the Loft”, she adds.
One of the most unique and attractive factors of the Loft are the suede sofas, which have been used to add an opulent feel balanced with rustic jacquards for balance. The window roller blinds ensure that the scenery landscape is showcased without blocking the view and silk jacquard blinds are used in the bedrooms for a delicate regal look and feel.
“Our bedrooms are colour coded with the two master bedrooms being primarily fashioned with linen in printed bold blue and white patterns. The third bedroom’s focal point is the bright red suede sofa in contrast with the white surroundings. The straight lined furniture enables them to remain in the background, while its colours create buoyancy in the environment”, specifies Ayesha.
She also highlighted that the lamps accentuate each room with warmth. “Light is an important element in the decor of any space and therefore, special care has been taken with functional and light wall fixtures blending into the Loft’s interiors. All of the floors are tiled with the central lounge having a terracotta theme. Over-sized fabric wall hangings are mounted at various points in traditional prints in red/white and blue/white colour combinations. The luxurious bathrooms are themed in off-white palettes with functional spot lights that create a lively ambiance”, elaborates Ayesha. She highlights that the Murree hills are beautiful and she wanted to maximise on these scenic views, which is why, big windows were used so people can enjoy the views from inside the Loft too. “After all, it is all about the panoramic vistas”, she smiles.
While the inside remains sleek and modern, the outside of the place is a striking ensemble of vegetation that is meant to create an engaging feel. The various plants outside add another element into our boutique loft, and immediately invite in any onlookers. A small balcony opens to fresh air and stunning views perfect to sit and enjoy the evening with a cup of tea.
The best thing about ‘The Murree Loft’ is its location. It is a 45 minute drive from Islamabad on the Expressway, and a mere 5 minute drive from the very popular and bustling Mall Road. While the Loft is not too far away from any of the main localities of the town, it is essentially hidden from the main road, providing guests with the best of both worlds.
While the place is open for public and families in particular, its aim is not to become a hotel. The space has a personalised touch of a boutique villa unlike any other, and its beauty lies in its exclusivity and the experience it offers.
