Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Mr. Deepak Chaudhary, Owner of Chaudhary Farmhouse
Located in the serene village of Dhikoli near Delhi, Chaudhary Farmhouse offers a refreshing escape from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Founded by Mr. Deepak Chaudhary, the farmhouse was established with a simple vision, to create a peaceful retreat where families, friends and couples can reconnect with nature while enjoying comfort, privacy and personalized hospitality. Unlike commercial resorts, Chaudhary Farmhouse focuses on providing an authentic rural experience amidst natural surroundings, making it an increasingly popular choice for travellers seeking relaxation away from city congestion. In this interview, Mr. Chaudhary shares the inspiration behind the farmhouse, its unique features, sustainability practices and his long-term vision.
Q. You are the owner of a farmhouse near Delhi. What inspired you to build Chaudhary Farmhouse? Also, tell us about the facilities available at the property.
Answer: The inspiration behind Chaudhary Farmhouse came from a personal experience. One of my relatives owned a farmhouse, and my family frequently visited it. Those visits made me realize the value of spending time close to nature and away from the pollution and noise of city life. The calm atmosphere, fresh air and peaceful surroundings left a lasting impression on me.
Over time, I developed the idea of creating a similar space where families could enjoy a comfortable stay while remaining connected to nature. This vision led to the establishment of Chaudhary Farmhouse in Dhikoli village near Delhi. The location was carefully chosen because it offers a tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The farmhouse is equipped with facilities designed to ensure comfort, privacy and safety. The property has a variety of 100 percent organic trees and flower plants, including mango, guava, amla, blackberry, lemon, pomegranate. shehtoot etc., which add to the natural charm of the place. There is also a tubewell with a shaded area where guests can relax and enjoy the rural setting. The farmhouse features only one room for accommodation, ensuring complete privacy for the family or guests staying there.
We welcome families, couples and groups looking for a peaceful retreat. Our experienced cook can prepare a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes according to guests’ preferences. Hosting people and helping them enjoy a memorable experience gives us immense satisfaction.
Bookings can be made through Airbnb, Google and MakeMyTrip. One of the highlights of staying at the farmhouse is the opportunity to witness wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat. Guests often enjoy sightings of peacocks, nilgai, jackal, various kinds of birds, goraiya, etc., making their stay both refreshing and enjoyable.
Q. How large is the farmhouse?
Answer: The farmhouse is not very large in size. It is divided into two distinct sections. One section consists of agricultural land where crops such as mustard, rice and wheat are cultivated. The second section is dedicated to guest accommodation and recreational use.
While the stay area is compact, it offers ample open space where guests can enjoy nature, spend quality time with their families and experience privacy and comfort. We have a separate private room with separate bathroom, another big room with attached kitchen, one fully shedded courtyard with another bathroom. The objective has never been to create a massive property but rather a cozy and peaceful environment that allows visitors to unwind.
Q. How is Chaudhary Farmhouse unique compared to other farm stays?
Answer: The uniqueness of Chaudhary Farmhouse lies in its concept. It is a mini farmhouse rather than a large-scale commercial property. Although it includes all essential facilities, only one family or group can stay at the farmhouse at a time. This arrangement ensures complete privacy, comfort and exclusivity.
Another distinctive feature is our focus on simplicity rather than luxury. We believe in offering a comfortable stay that remains close to nature. For example, we use traditional khaats instead of oversized luxury beds to retain the rural charm of the property.
Food is prepared according to guests’ requirements, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. We also avoid the use of chemical filters in the swimming pool. Instead of relying on chemical purification methods, the used water is drained into the agricultural land, ensuring that resources are utilized responsibly.
Chaudhary Farmhouse is not a commercial homestay. It is a gated farmhouse where guests can enjoy quality time in a secure environment surrounded by nature.
Q. What kind of investment is required to operate such a farmhouse, and how do you manage the costs?
Answer: As I mentioned earlier, the farmhouse was not created primarily for commercial purposes. My objective was to offer genuine hospitality and provide people with a peaceful place where they could relax and reconnect with nature.
The main expenditure associated with the property is maintenance. In many instances, we operate on a no-profit, no-loss model because guest satisfaction and service quality are more important to us than maximizing revenue.
Q. What are your views on the growing demand for farmhouses among tourists?
Answer: The demand for farmhouses has increased significantly in recent years. Many tourists who travel to hill stations often face long traffic jams and spend hours on the road before reaching their destination. Additionally, concerns regarding natural disasters in hilly regions have also influenced travel preferences.
As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer peace, comfort and convenience without requiring long journeys. Farmhouses meet these expectations perfectly. Guests can enjoy a hygienic environment, natural surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere while avoiding urban pollution and congestion.
At Chaudhary Farmhouse, we maintain an environment free from unnecessary chemical usage and offer accommodation at very affordable rates. Currently, we also provide discounts, with room tariffs starting as low as Rs. 600 per night.
Modern travellers are seeking experiences rather than just accommodation. They want to listen to birds, spend time amidst greenery and escape the stress of city life. This shift in preferences is driving the popularity of farm stays across the country.
Q. How do you ensure personalized treatment for your guests?
Answer: For me, hosting guests is a sacred responsibility. Personalized service begins with providing essential facilities such as power backup, uninterrupted water supply and quality food services.
I personally stay connected with guests and regularly communicate with my staff to ensure that services are delivered efficiently. We also maintain a WhatsApp group through which we remain in touch with our guests and address any concerns promptly.
Guest feedback is extremely important to us. I make it a point to personally collect feedback and understand areas where improvements can be made. I remember an instance when a guest pointed out the absence of a separate washroom on the first floor. I assured her that the issue would be resolved when she visits the next time and subsequently constructed a separate 35-square-yard washroom for female guests on the first floor.
Our goal is simple: every guest should leave the farmhouse fully satisfied with their experience.
Q. What challenges did you face while setting up the farmhouse?
Answer: Fortunately, I did not encounter many significant challenges during the setup process. From the beginning, I had a clear understanding of what I wanted to create. I simply focused on providing the same facilities and comfort that I would expect while vacationing with my own family.
Today, Chaudhary Farmhouse welcomes families, friends and groups. Guests can enjoy several recreational activities, including a music system, microphone system and a dedicated bonfire area. The presence of mango trees, guava trees and other greenery further enhances the overall experience.
Q. What protocols do you follow while allocating rooms to guests?
Answer: Security is one of our highest priorities. Every guest who wishes to stay at the farmhouse is required to provide an Aadhaar card for identity verification. We verify their identity, place of origin and purpose of visit before confirming the booking. Only after completing the verification process do we allocate accommodation. These measures help us maintain a safe and secure environment for all guests.
Q. How do you promote sustainability through renewable practices and water conservation?
Answer: Environmental responsibility is an important aspect of our operations. We have implemented water conservation techniques throughout the farmhouse and have also installed fire safety alarm systems.
One of our key practices is the reuse of wastewater. Instead of wasting water, we channel used water into the agricultural land, where it can be utilized productively. These measures help us conserve resources while maintaining the natural ecosystem around the property.
Q. What is your long-term vision for Chaudhary Farmhouse?
Answer: My long-term vision is to establish more mini farmhouses at different locations while maintaining the same philosophy of privacy, safety and comfort. I want to create spaces where families, friends and couples can enjoy quality time together in peaceful surroundings. Above all, my goal is to ensure that every customer leaves with a positive experience and complete satisfaction. That commitment to hospitality will continue to guide the future growth of Chaudhary Farmhouse.
