We went in search of peace &mdash and found it locked inside a stone cottage, resting below wooden beams, tucked among apricot and peach trees in a fruit orchard, overhung by the Himalayas. In the Kumaoni village of Nathuakhan, this hybrid of homestay and heritage hotel is managed by WelcomHeritage and is home to owner &lsquoBob&rsquo Anand a few months each year. The five rooms in the main house, the solitary suite and an adjacent two-room cottage all have private sit-outs. But the best view is closer to dinner. Slipping out of the lounge, ignoring the lure of the idiot box, brings us out on the open deck with a spectacular view of the mountains &mdash and Bob&rsquos our uncle  Contact 9811034861, welcomheritagehotels.com