Fleewinter

Shela House is a beautiful private coastal villa, with 5 en-suite bedrooms, located in the village of Shela on the northern coast of Lamu Island. Built in traditional Swahali style Shela House has three floors, centred around an open courtyard, the house well and an ancient scented gardenia.

It is spacious and light and is suitable for a large family, two families or a group of friends wishing to share. The entrance hall leads into the courtyard, edged by a baraza seating and eating area. Two staircases lead to the upper rooms. There are 3 double bedrooms, another with 2 large four-poster single beds and a smaller single bedroom. There is also a nursery. A second-floor dayroom and terrace provide additional lounging areas. You’ll probably find that you spend a lot of time relaxing on the two rooftop terraces.

Shela House has three staff: the resident manager will help to ensure you have everything you need, assist you with menus and also help organise local excursions. Even if you opt for the self-catering option, you don’t have to cook! You just buy your food in the local market and the house cook will conjure up an excellent meal for you. He will bake bread, suggest menus and cook excellent international cuisine and Swahili fish dishes. Basic foodstuffs, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit are available in the local Lamu market, while other supplies are flown down from Nairobi. Fish, lobster, crab and fresh oysters will be sold by the local fishermen at your door or can be ordered. Although beer and sodas can be bought locally, Fleewinter recommends that you take your own wine or spirits.

There is a good supply of fresh water from the house well for showers. There is also a water purifying plant which supplies clean water to all the kitchens and carafes are supplied in the bathrooms. Commercial bottled water is also available.

Bed linen, mosquito nets and house towels are supplied. A full laundry service is provided but there are no dry cleaning services available.

There is a CD player in the house so take along your music!

There is no phone in Shela House, allowing you to spend time away from the pressures of the office and the outside world. However if you want to 'stay connected' several local mobile phone companies provide services and and you can also obtain local sim cards.  

Shela House is perfectly located within the village. Step from the house to wander through the tangle of narrow sandy lanes, tall stone houses, mosques, and market stalls that make up Shela, a sleepy village whose inhabitants include gentle donkeys, weathered fishermen, the occasional beach boy and a handful of visitors.

Shela House is one of 4 Private Shela Houses. Rates vary dependent on the season. Both self-catering and full board are available. Please email lamu@fleewinter.com for more details.