Baobab House

This private house is on an acre of beachfront property with five large ancient baobab trees. The Baobab tree is indigenous, some of them more than 500 years old, with many beautiful stories, and they give a peaceful atmosphere throughout the whole property. Along side the Baobabs, there are also several acacias, another indigenous tree,  providing shady areas when you’ve had enough sun on the beach.

The house has been built with the use of traditional swahili materials, the floor and walls are plastered mith neru (limestone and color mixed), which gives it a very cool, soft touch. The ceilings are built of mangrove poles (boriti) and the outside walls are plastered with coral stones, to match the environment. There is a large open veranda that runs across the front of the house with cushioned seating, a hanging swing bed and a dining under a thatched palm (makuti) roof. The house is decorated with swahili chairs, local kikoi’s are used for pillow covers and the whole house breathes a simple, elegant, beach atmosphere . The ground floor has two double bedrooms with ocean views and ensuite bathrooms. One of the bedrooms has a veranda off the back which opens into the back garden with more hanging swingbeds. The kitchen and store are also on the ground floor.

The second floor has a large open space, most of which is covered by a makuti roof. On the terrace are built-in benches where you can gaze at the stars at night. There is a third double bedroom, which is open on all sides to the breeze and views. There is also a third bathroom on this floor as well as areas which can be used as additional outdoor sleeping space. All the beds have mosquito netting. There is solar powered hot water, electricity is provided by a generator when needed, but you may find you prefer oil lamps and candles in the evening.

The staff of three cook, clean and maintain the house and grounds. Bernard will cook fresh seafood and also do the grocery shopping for you. Shella village is a 3 minute boat ride across the chanal. There is a boat available to take you across for a small fee and Bekar, the captain, can also take you on boat trips around the area at your request. Transport to and from the airport is included in the rent of the house.

Baobab House is perfect for a peaceful vacation surrounded by nature, wake up to the sound of African bird songs, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, walk on miles of sandy beach, where you will rarely encounter people. Relax under the baobabs and watch the sun setting over the dunes.

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