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 thougth 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 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 away of 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 first floor and rooftop are available for renting and can sleep up to 4 adults and 2 children: 
Two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and dressing areas, one overlooking a garden, the other one overlooking the courtyard.  A third sleeping area, 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 streetlife. As in the old days, the rooftop holds the kitchen 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 bed & breakfast basis and has a cook/caretaker, who will look after your every need.   In his fully equipped kitchen, he can also prepare lunch and dinner on request.  Just tell him what you would like to eat and he will organise it for you.  You are also welcome to accompany him to the colourful local market.

Preserving Lamu
Takwa ruins on the neighbouring Manda island was once a thriving port, long before lamu.  It was abandoned because the town ran out of sweet water.  Lamu could suffer the same fate.

As water is extremely scarce and because we wanted to preserve the character of the house, the old bathrooms have been restored.  The toilets are the original long drops, improved for your comfort.  Traditional birika’s have been turned into showers.  Kindly use water sparingly, use natural soaps which are provided and preferably bring your own natural shampoo’s and shower gels.