It was while returning to Bangalore from the jungles of Nagarhole that I first stumbled upon the Pegasus Art Farm in Srirangapatna. The sun was high upon us and a familiar lunch-time rumble indicated that it was time to look for a suitable pitstop. Even as we discussed options, an indiscernible blink-and-you-miss-it metal board with the words ‘Bed And Breakfast’ came into sight on the left hand side. And on a whim we turned the car into the lane instead of entering Mysore.

If it was curiosity that got us cats into arriving at the Pegasus Art Farm (a name that find no mention on the ‘Bed And Breakfast’ sign), it didn’t kill us. Instead we were rewarded with one acre of pure charm in the name of a bed and breakfast place. Blooming flowers, foliage that filters just the right amount of sunlight in, inviting sit-outs with a pile of books and board games, al fresco lunches with some delectable European cuisine on the menu, an art studio, shades of blue, grey and white dominating the living spaces… the farm was a picture of quaintness.

Pegasus Art Farm was set up by the late Danish artist John Benthin and his wife Sigrid Benthin with a view to provide artists with a haven where they could come to replenish their creative energies and seek inspiration. Hence it should not be surprising to find a full-fledged studio at the Farm where artists can enjoy extended stays. In addition to the studio, the Farm has two rooms available for guests to stay in. The rooms have been done up in a simple yet tasteful manner with the work of John Benthin adorning the walls everywhere. A skylight here, a well-placed window there and the light streaming into the rooms is enough to make them look like they are straight out of dreams. The notes of Beethoven, Mozart and Bach floating in the air serve only to enhance that feeling.

The luncheonette at the Farm is called The Art Bistro and serves European food. We sampled their Onion Quiche, Eggplant Feta, Beef (marinated in Red Wine for two days) and Apple Cake and were left with no food on our plates but satisfied palates at the end of the meal. The menu is extensive and one is spoilt for choice. Most of the vegetables are home grown and some of the ingredients come straight from Germany. The breads are baked in house too, and Mrs. Benthin supervises all the cooking to ensure that guests are served food cooked in the most authentic way.

And all this comes with a positional advantage that allows exploration of South India with relative ease; the jewels in the crown like Coorg, Wayanad and Ooty can be reached by driving for less than three hours from here. Also, with Bangalore almost becoming a twin city to Mysore what with the Volvo buses covering the distance in less than two hours, Pegasus Art farm is also a great way to get away from the sounds of the city over the weekend; the place is soaked in serenity.

The next time you are passing through Mysore and don’t mind a gratifying experience instead of a simple lunch, do stop by the Pegasus Art Farm, and be charmed.