🕰️ Early Ownership (1865)
Woodville Palace traces its origins back to 1865, when Sir William Mansfield, the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, became the estate’s first resident. This majestic property soon became the official summer residence for the successive Commander-in-Chiefs of India.
🔄 Changing Hands
After the British period, the estate passed through various private hands:
Owned by Mrs. Henrietta Ruth Maria Alexander
Later acquired by Mrs. Eliza Maria Walker, whose husband sold it to the Alliance Bank of Shimla in 1919
After the bank collapsed, the palace was listed for sale once again.
👑 Royal Acquisition & Reconstruction
In 1926, the estate entered a new chapter of grandeur when His Highness Maharaja Sir Bhagvat Singh of Gondal State, Gujarat, purchased Woodville.
In 1930, he gifted the estate to his daughter, Rani Leila Ba of Jubbal. Her husband, Raja Rana Sir Bhagat Chand of Jubbal State, demolished the old building and reconstructed it in 1938 as a magnificent summer palace, according to Heritage Hotels of India.
🏨 From Palace to Heritage Hotel
The royal family resided here until 1977, when Raj Kumar Uday Singh, grandson of Sir Bhagat Chand, converted a portion of the estate into a heritage hotel.
This began a new era for Woodville — offering royal hospitality to guests from around the world.
🌿 Present Day Elegance
Today, Woodville Palace is a renowned heritage hotel in Shimla, celebrated for its:
🏛️ Colonial-era architecture
🛏️ Timeless luxury
🌲 Tranquil forested surroundings
As The Wander Therapy notes, the palace remains owned and lovingly managed by the descendants of the Jubbal Royal family, preserving a rich legacy of history, elegance, and grace.
📸 Explore the Palace
Insert a Gallery Block here showing the transformation of Woodville through the years — from British era to the present-day heritage hotel.
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