From the patchy Ndovu Road that branches off Kipevu road, the feeling of the wild hits one right up to the gate where the treasure is hidden.

The house is modelled on a sense of the African homestead with locally available materials being put into maximum use — mostly wood.

Located near Hardy Shopping Centre, the house is surrounded by the wilderness overlooking both Ngong Hills on one side and Ongata Rongai on the other, bringing out the true meaning of the countryside.

The trail to the main reception is marked by bushes that line both sides of the path leading to a wooden structure that serves as the reception. It also serves as the main lounge with a side lounge facing the exterior.

At the door of the main lounge stands a life-size statue with striking features of an adult male. In a white top and matching khaki shorts, one can easily mistake the inanimate structure for a concierge.

The floors of all the structures within the compound are made of wood; the walls are also made of smooth hard wood timber, which appeals in its exclusive brown colours, which is manifest all through.

One of the elevated cottages at Ngong House.

Lovely lounges

In the lounge also lies a wine bar stocked with tots of all different kinds of drinks. In addition, each separate room has a wine bar.

Out of the common lounges lies a wide space where campfires can be lit during the night. In this opening is a water pool surrounded by a few papyrus trees grow and flanked by a miniature swimming pool, which serves the visitors just right. The water pools symbolises a spring of water which is much needed for life. It also adds to the wild nature of the place.

The open ground is further dotted with lumps of bushes. There are paved paths that lead to the different houses, which have been built using African architecture.

There are three types of houses: the tree houses, cottages and suites. The most outstanding of the three categories is the tree house, which gives a feeling of living on top of a tree. A tree house is made of wood with a grass-thatched roof. This is made even more inviting by a double-size bed made in the form of a dhow.

On the walls of the house are paintings that tell tales for enthusiasts of fine art. The closet and the washrooms are made of wood. The bathtub is made in the form of a boat carved out of wood too.

The light bulbs emit golden glows that blend with the brown theme that marks most of the wooden houses in the compound. 

A visit to the cottage tells an almost similar story only that it is not suspended like the tree houses. The art, the furniture and the interior décor are a replicated story. The cottages, however, have lots of space with two beds, which is good for a family venturing away from home. The roofs of cottages are also made of grass.

In each of the rooms is a library of books on the wooden shelves.

The books are gems, that have withstood the test of time.

The furniture in all the houses are ancient beauties.

Different looks

African artefacts are all round the place. Bushes outside the house bushes are perfect for nature trails and walks. Bird watching would be interesting as small birds fly around. There are also small animals like the squirrels, hares, monkeys and baboons. These can be seen atop the tree houses which are strategically built with balconies that give clear views.

Outdoor activities like camping make the Ngong House popular.

So whether it is a family party, team building or honeymoon, the getaway fits them all.

 

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