About the House

A View from your Doorstep

Front of Mwenye Amin House

Situated in the heart of the old town, Mwenye Amin house once belonged to the Al-Bakry family, one of Lamu’s influential lineages. The house is thought to be over 250 years old.  It is named after the late Mzee Mwenye Amin, a well respected elder and devout Muslim.  Though the house was in a poor state of repair when we found it, its charm and character were unmistakable.

Three years of renovations later, keeping to the original design and using mostly local materials, the house has retained still its “harmonious irregularity” and much of its old character.  Its massive coral walls, high ceilings, inner courtyards and large open galleries make the house, cool, light and airy, a true oasis, a place to dream about days gone by.  The simple design of the house is enriched by carved wooden doors and ornamental niches.   The bathrooms are little jewels, each of them a unique blend of old and new.  The furnishing is the creation of a local artist, recycling old dhow wood.

The house is available for rent, and the first floor and rooftop are the living quarters which sleep up to 4 adults and 2 children:  There are two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and dressing areas, one overlooking a unique garden, the other one overlooking the courtyard.  There is a third sleeping area which is ideal for children as it is close to the master bedroom. From the dining area on the first floor one can catch a glimpse of Lamu street life below. As in the old days, the rooftop is where the kitchen is located as well as a terrace overlooking Lamu town, ideal for afternoon tea with a good book or to enjoy a nice breeze.  In the evening, the roof terrace becomes the favourite place for candle lit dinners and star gazing.

The house is rented out on a self-catering basis and has a cook/caretaker, who will look after your every need.  In his fully equipped kitchen, he can prepare your meals on request.  Just tell him what you would like to eat and he will organize it for you, shopping for fresh seafood with the local fishermen at your request. You are also welcome to accompany him to the colourful local market to see what's there for yourself.