The Main House of The Mirage was built in 1948 by the drama teacher of Prithviraj Kapoor, Jaya Dyal, both of whom arrived in Andretta from Lahore at the time of Partition. Along with other members of Lahore’s cultural scene at that time, they joined Norah Richards, who had established an artist’s colony here in the 1920s. It is set amongst dense foliage, against a backdrop of jungle & bamboo groves.
It passed through several hands before Denis Harrap acquired the house 19 years ago and established the Homestay. Inspired by the mud brick construction of the Main House, two mud cottages were built in the garden. His neighbour Malti Chandihok eventually passed on and her house, the White House, became part of The Mirage, Andretta. The Yoga Shala and swimming pool followed. Today, Denis’ continued presence & management ensures The Mirage sustains its original charm & position as one of the finest Retreats in Himachal Pradesh.