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Shiru Smith's charming wooden cabin in the countryside

Lifestyle
 Shiru Smith's home in Naivasha. [Nailantei Kenga, Standard]

Located in Nakuru County, Shiru Smith's home is patched on the slopes of Rift Valley in the idyllic part of Naivasha.

Shiru's cottage is a retreat from the whirl of Nairobi city. The absence of distraction is pretty amazing. The panoramic views are refreshing and captivating.

The three-bedroomed wooden cabin is on metal stills. The cottage is high enough to have water storage tanks beneath during the rainy season.

A passionate farmer raised Shiru. After school, she went to the city to find her grounding, but the village girl in her was calling. Luckily, she met her husband, who loves to live in the country, married and settled there. She is dexterous and loves country life.

Shiru discovered this land with her husband, Rob, and they both treasure it. They farm and keep domestic animals. Some of Shiru's domestic animals are now her pets, including her favourite chicken, Hellen.

Additionally, furry friends provide great company to the couple and their son.

The patio is built with glass, and the roof is covered with translucent iron sheets. The wooden floor is made to contain heat. "The idea behind our patio is to catch the sunrise before going to work because Kinangop is very cold," said Shiru.

 Inside Shiru Smith's wooden home. [Nailantei Kenga, Standard]

The handcrafted couch is decorated with colourful kanga cushions that make it bright and sunny. The lounge is endearing enough to have breakfast in, read a book, chill or socialise. The enormous floor-to-ceiling windows capture the breathtaking panoramic views, making it feel fresh and airy.

When gazing out at the phenomenal views, your mind soars freely, and a sense of calmness and restoration feels like a scene plucked from a getaway magazine. It feels unreal.

The open kitchen with an inbuilt table and bar stools is inviting and unique.

The furniture has been carefully selected to complement the quaint, rustic house. Most of the art pieces are black and white pictures taken by Shiru's husband. They are printed on canvas. He is husband is creative and comes up with interesting ideas for their home, and she enjoys every bit of it. The ceiling is built with an industrial cheap board, with special white paint giving it an authentic feel. The wooden beams creatively placed in the ceiling are nothing short of epic.

Light fixtures match the look and feel of the house, depicting an aesthetic feel.

The wooden floor is remarkable. The brown rug on the floor gives the space a cosy feeling.

There is a beautiful art piece with bright royal colours. "That is a very personal painting for me. I painted this when I was going through anxiety; it was a kind of release for me. Every time I look at it, it gives me the release without having to paint again," says Shiru about the painting.

The fireplace is outstanding. The anthill-style traditional fireplace is built with mazera stones and pebbles.

 The fireplace [Nailantei Kenga, Standard]

Deep brown velvet recliner sofas positioned perfectly to enjoy the sweeping views over the landscape are sensational. This space is for lounging only. They do not encourage anyone to eat from the living room.

The master bedroom is built for ultimate relaxation and comfort, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the spectacular views of Mount Kinangop. The couple enjoys the sunset with these views, and it is a pretty romantic escape, Shiru says.

The king-size bed with flowery bedding brightens the room, and a his and hers inbuilt wardrobe with sliding doors is as neat as a pin.

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