Nestled in the heart of Shimla, Sunnymead homestay is a living testament to a 200-year-old architectural marvel called dhajji dewari, a style designed to withstand earthquakes, making it a safe haven in seismic Himachal Pradesh.

The word dhajji, derived from Persian, refers to quilt patchwork — a fitting description for the lattice of wooden beams and mud plaster that makes these walls flexible, ensuring buildings sway rather than collapse during quakes.

Sunnymead, built by Madhavi Bhatia’s great-granduncle in the 1890s, preserves this architectural integrity. Passed down through generations, the house combines English design with Himalayan resilience, standing strong even in uncertain times.

When Madhavi took over in 2010, the home was a shadow of its former self — encroached upon and neglected. Determined to save her ancestral home, she quit her corporate job in Delhi to restore it with a vision of sustainability.

Madhavi was clear on not using cement for restoration. To honour its heritage, she sought artisans skilled in dhajji dewari techniques, ensuring the home retained its seismic flexibility and cultural authenticity.

Unlike modern rigid constructions, dhajji dewari uses wooden beams and grooves instead of nails. The walls are layered with mud, cow dung, and pine needles, allowing the structure to move with Earth’s tectonic shifts.

Credits: Sharell Cooks

“The house built with dhajji architecture is flexible with no nails. Instead, the wooden pillars and beams have grooves where they are inserted,” shares Madhavi.

Credits: The Himalayan Architecture

“We avoided cutting down any trees for the purpose. The fireplaces burn a mix of eco-friendly bamboo briquettes, dead wood and pine cones collected round the year,” Madhavi says.

Rainwater harvesting collects 3,00,000 litres annually, while compost nourishes a thriving kitchen garden supplying 60% of the home’s fresh produce. “It’s my happy space,” says Madhavi.

Credits: Sharell Cooks

From eco-friendly fireplaces to upcycled interiors, every corner of Sunnymead tells a story of heritage and sustainability. Guests experience the charm of Shimla’s past, wrapped in a warm embrace of Madhavi’s thoughtful vision.

Credits: Sharell cooks

As rains arrive in Himachal, Madhavi’s words resonate deeply: “Sunnymead will be safe. The dhajji will protect it.” A timeless blend of history, architecture, and heart keeps this homestay standing strong.