Kisimani House, Shela
The largest and grandest Swahili mansion in Shela, magnificent Kisimani House was built for the Caliph of Zanzibar during Lamu’s Golden Age.
Kisimani House remains a residence fit for a Sultan, and is undoubtedly the oldest and most authentic traditional Swahili mansion house still remaining in Shela Village. It is a place of great majesty, comfort and charm – with spacious and adaptable bedroom suites on every floor and glorious views across much of the archipelago from its several large roof terraces and verandahs.
To step through the beautiful carved doors set in the traditional daka entrance porch and down into the large sunken courtyard is to step back in time to the late 18th century – when Kisimani House was first built for its noble Arab owner. The palatial ground floor of the house remains unchanged in centuries – huge alcoves house comfortable antique four-poster beds laden with colourful cushions, and showcase carved plasterwork in stylized casa turtle and nyota star designs. In the original harem quarters, complete with a wall of zidaka niches and carved plasterwork door friezes, there is a large double bedroom and ensuite bathroom of traditional Swahili design. The Ground floor also has huge storeroom and staff bedroom, further bathroom and walled courtyard garden.
Take the stairs up to the first floor, still part of the original house - on this level there is a large double bedroom suite with bathroom, annex and two further single beds - ideal for children sharing with parents. This floor also houses the lovely, large and shady dining terrace, covered in pink bougainvillea and with plenty of comfortable built-in baraza seating areas. Also on the first floor is the spacious kitchen, charming study area, an occasional bedroom, bathroom and a store room.
On the second floor - the Arusi level – there is a spacious ‘honeymoon’ suite (Arusi means wedding in Kiswahili) with large double bed with romantic tented mosquito net, two single beds, bathroom and an attractive terrace with fabulous views across the village roofs, treetops and seafront. On the third floor Takwa level (named after the atmospheric ruined town on nearby Manda Island), there is a double ensuite bedroom, large private makuti-covered terrace with dining area, huge comfortable wooden sofas and beautiful views of the sea. A lovely open staircase then proceeds up to the fourth floor ‘Crow’s Nest’ baraza with stunning, far-reaching vistas right across the archipelago – a wonderful place from which to star gaze at Lamu’s beautiful night sky.
Kisimani has been carefully restored, extended and very well maintained by its present owners. It is beautifully decorated in eclectic Arab Swahili style, filled with attractive antique furniture and fixtures, historic carved doors and interesting decorative objects, many of which are now hard to come by, and which are included in the sale. Kisimani means ‘beside the well’ in Kiswahili, and there is a plentiful supply of fresh water from the house’s own deep well in its courtyard garden.
Price - 750,000 Euros. Approximately Ksh 75 million
Kisimani House is also available to rent.
Please contact us for further information.
