Jahazi House – Lamu Hotels
Oh no, time to go. I hope for a massive rainstorm so we have to stay longer! You’ve looked after us so well. Thank you so much. See you next time.Ewan McGregor and family.
Jahazi House, named after the historical large trading dhows that brought Lamu its trading wealth, stands right on the edge of the Indian Ocean in a large garden of frangipani, fruit trees and shrubs. From the expansive, first floor makuti-covered veranda you can watch the dhows come and go, collecting sand and delivering coral blocks and fish. The house is built of coral block, plastered in the local neru finish, tinted a soft ochre-yellow. It is designed along traditional lines around an inner courtyard, which holds a very private swimming pool, cooling the public rooms and bedrooms.
On arrival by boat it is a 2-minute walk up to the house, along a makeka path, past 2 giant cycads, by way of two footbaths with floating frangipani flowers, onto the welcome shade of the wrap around terrace. When you enter the house, you can see right through it, across the internal courtyard and pool with its marvelous palm tree, into the garden beyond. The entry hall has a baraza area, a large cushioned day sofa and a dining area, leading into the inner courtyard with its beautiful deep clear pool. The four guest bedrooms are all accessed from the inner courtyard and are simply furnished with ensuite shower rooms and their own private verandas. The verandas have a writing desk, occasional table, chairs and a traditional Lamu day bed. There is a covered baraza area behind the pool that can also be used for sleeping. It leads through an ancient carved door onto a wooden deck with two swinging beds.
The roof is one huge terrace, partially covered with makuti to provide a shaded bar, eating and sitting area. Here, at the back of the house overlooking simply everything, is a wonderfully cool and spacious master wing, with its private salon, ensuite dressing room and bathroom area. The kitchen is separate and holds the water tanks and solar panels on the upper roof, plus staff rooms, washrooms and storerooms.
Frangipani, jasmine and lime trees have been planted in abundance around the house, which comes fully staffed with cook, room/table steward, laundress, boat captain and gardener.
Double Bedrooms ensuite: 4
Twin bedrooms ensuite: 1
Dining areas: 3
Baraza areas: 3
Guest cloakroom: 1
Massage table
Swinging beds: 2
Pool 10m
Fully-equipped separate kitchen
Large planted garden
Laundry room
Beach shower
Powered by wind turbine and solar panels
Solar hot water
