The Nemjo Heritage, Paro: an ancient farmhouse reborn as a modern lodge

The Nemjo Heritage Lodge shares one-half of its space with a centuries-old farmhouse. An ancient three-storied mud and clay building with heavy rammed earth walls, this unique property preserves a fast-disappearing aspect of Bhutanese culture—the wealthy, well-endowed land-owning farmer's home.

The brainchild of our old friend, Phintsho Wangdi, whose family operates Everest Base Camp Lodges in Nepal, the entire top floor of the redesigned home is an expansive suite with an adjoining entertainment and lounge area, plush leather sofas, and traditional wood furniture.

The penthouse overlooks neighboring apple orchards, rice paddies, surrounding hills and mountains. The restaurant on the ground floor specializes in Himalayan hot-pot cuisine built from organic ingredients harvested from the lodge greenhouse and garden. There’s a small café and bakery on the grounds and a traditional bathhouse where guests can relax to the sounds of running water from an old irrigation canal that supplies the surrounding fields.

The middle floor houses Nemjo’s standard rooms, which all share a narrow but cozy attached sitting area. The overall décor is one of warmth and comfort with sinkable armchairs, handmade wooden furniture, and elegant artifacts from the building’s long history: Old farm implements, artisanal carvings, and Himalayan thangka-style paintings. Each comfortable bedroom has a modest ensuite water closet and shower.