Artistic Comfort

Until recently when we moved to the Canadian Sub Arctic community of Yellowknife, this was our primary home. We still try to spend as much time as possible here but after repeated requests from friends to use the house, we decided that it was just too lovely not to share and so – karibu sana – welcome to our home in the sun.

The house is located in it’s own dedicated secured compound within an acre of tropical lushness and a short ten minute walk to a quiet beach and Kongo mosque – one of the oldest on the East coast of Africa.

The house, surrounded by sweet Frangipani and Coconut palms, is built using local coral blocks (1) architectural inspiration, blended with African Rondhavel or “roundhouse” construction. The use of local “mazera” or slate in flooring, bathroom tiling and shelving provides a wonderful uncluttered sense of cohesion and function. 

Makuti or palm thatch roofing and Casurina logs are used throughout with a soaring vaulted roof in the common area. The entire house allows for maximum exposure to the coastal breeze while artfully balancing space and privacy. 

In addition to the house there is a large and airy Gazebo. Inside the Gazebo are locally made Lamu Beds where one can easily while away an afternoon while contemplating a walk to the beach for sundown, or finally reading that book you have been promising yourself.

Alternatively of course you could go for a cooling dip in the pool – perhaps after or during reading Fifty Shades of Gray…

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 (1) The coral is not live or removed from the sea, but rather comes from local quarries, where local masons have perfected the cutting of these wonderful blocks of history.

Wonderful Staff

The team is made up of dedicated staff who manage the house and will be with you each day of your stay – as much or as little as you desire.

Because we are frequently away, the seamless functioning of the property is the responsibility of our dear friend Ivy. Ivy first started working with us as our son Maliq’s ahya or nanny. Since then Ivy has trained and become one of Kenya’s very first Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs. Ivy lives in the guest cottage in the compound.

For all booking formalities you will deal with either Heather or myself, once those have been completed you will be in the excellent care of Ivy and the rest of our wonderful team.

While on the subject of staff, the question of gratuities is frequently difficult to manage for guests. Our policy, which we would ask you to follow, is this; gratuities reflect appreciation for a thoroughly enjoyed stay – in other words they are a function of performance and not right. If you have enjoyed your stay and want to thank the staff, we would ask you at the conclusion of your visit to give the gratuity to Ivy who on a monthly basis then provides the money to all staff. 

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A Beautiful Setting

Lalapanzi is situated an easy ten minute walk from the beach and as mentioned earlier - Kongo Mosque. The mosque, which is believed to date back to the 14th Century is an incredible place of beauty. Surrounded by ancient Baobabs, the mosque sits on the edge of the beach bordered by the Kongo River. The beach there has long been a favourite area for locals to go and enjoy the incredible contrasts of the ocean in the east and the setting sun in the west on the river.

Built in 1996, Lalapanzi has enjoyed an uninterrupted tranquility that sets it apart. In large measure this has been a result of the care that has continually been made to fit within the local community in a meaningful way. Whether it has been helping with schooling or medical needs, we have sought to be involved at a grass roots level neighbour by neighbour. The community we are in is predominantly Muslim and consequently we have ensured through our behaviour and interactions to be respectful and considerate of their values.

With many years of experience in humanitarian work, we have developed a healthy appreciation of the need for community acceptance. Diani while not Kibera, shares a common gulf between those who have much and those who do not. Whilst we will always be privileged because of circumstance and extremely good fortune, it is our desire to share where we can, what we can. To this end, 10% of gross revenue from visitor stays is spent within our immediate community. This is done through many ways from animal vaccinations to assisting with medical and educational needs of our neighbours. 

In aggregate we believe that through respect and local meaningful involvement, we represent a positive addition to our community and enjoy a high level of acceptance – we ask that should you choose to stay at our home that you maintain that standard.

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