This archive report was first published on 27 October 2019.
For a long weekend, my wife and I embarked on a hunt for a peaceful Airbnb getaway on the outskirts of Nairobi. We were looking for a small house or cottage with a garden in a quiet neighborhood. Our search led us to The River Cottage, a hidden gem located at the bottom of a large property along Mbagathi Ridge in Karen, next door to the Hemingways Hotel.
As we entered the property, we followed a cobbled track to a wooden bridge, where a sign warned us to 'Beware! You are entering gorilla country.' While we were skeptical, the lush surroundings did resemble gorilla habitat. Not far beyond the bridge, we spotted the thatched roof of The River Cottage, nestled among long reeds and a river.
The cottage's wood-cladded walls blended seamlessly with the thick, encroaching vegetation, and a protruding wooden platform provided an attractive open seating area. Inside, the cottage was cozy, with one bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen-cum-living room. The kitchen came stocked with basic breakfast essentials, which was a nice touch.
The interior decor was a mix of elements that matched the log cabin exterior, such as the fireplace and aged leather armchair. However, the decor was also quirky, with a mishmash of artwork and ornaments collected by the owner, Jonny, on his travels. The mantelpiece featured brass dragon candlesticks and miniature Lamu dhows, while the bedroom boasted artwork from India, including a painting of a gorilla holding a skull.
Behind the cottage, a wooden deck served as an outdoor lounge area, complete with interesting trinkets, books, and a table tennis table. Further along the driveway was The River House, an elaborate structure elevated on stilts within a grove of eucalyptus trees planted by Karen Blixen. This unique tree house was also available for rent on Airbnb.
Our warm welcome was provided by a pack of dogs and a huge pig called Ziggy. It was a nice change from our fourth-floor apartment to be surrounded by so many animals, including a noisy flock of guineafowl and a pair of peacocks. One of the dogs, an old Great Dane and Ridgeback cross called Bagheera, was particularly affectionate and joined us at the fireside as it rained in the evening.
The following morning, we were woken up by a sudden grunt at the door, which turned out to be Ziggy, looking for breakfast. As the weather had cleared up, we joined one of Jonny's neighbors, Cynthia, for a walk along the river. The scenic trails through the farms behind the cottage offered stunning views of the Ngong Hills and plenty of birdlife.
For a quick and quirky escape from city life, look no further than Jonny's two unique homes. For more information about both The River Cottage and The River House, check out their pages on www.airbnb.com.
