Neem House was designed and built in the traditional Arab/Swahili vernacular.

It is a private, family coastal residence in Malindi on the Kenya coast.
Affordable accommodation available throughout the year for vacation and holiday rental.

The residence, surrounded by numerous large Neem, Palm and Fig trees, 
is situated on a coral outcrop catching the ocean breeze.

Neem House is approximately 350m from the beach, accessed via  
 one of several lanes and is a short drive to the Malindi Marine Reserve 
established in 1968, where glass bottom boats and snorkeling are available to explore the reef.

There is a beautiful pool at Neem House.

Built in the classic Arabic style, it is in excess of two meters deep
and is situated in a private courtyard.

There is an outdoor shower adjacent to the pool and a large sunroom
with day beds and a hammock. 

All rooms are large, spacious and feature Arabesque archways and antique carved doors from Lamu.

Large exterior windows are enclosed with ornate wrought iron and interior 'windows' are fitted
with cane blinds or teak shutters, this creates a very open and cool living space.

Ceilings, supported by traditional 'Boriti' poles are in excess of three meters.
Floors are tiled with cool Galana stone, sourced from the Galana river, north of Malindi.

All of the furniture is teak, designed for comfort on the coast. The 3.6m dining table comfortably seats twelve.
There are teak loungers and large traditional day beds around the pool and on the verandas.  

There are four bedrooms, three are en suite. These all have overhead ceiling fans and large walk in mosquito nets.
The main bedroom has a large veranda with private seating area and three single beds
 - ideal for families with small children

Main Bedroom Bath Room
Neem House sleeps a maximum 12 people, perfect accommodation for family groups on holiday, vacation.

There are three double bedrooms with en suites and surrounding personal verandas,
two of the rooms can be converted to twins if required. The remaining six beds are singles.
The fourth bedroom, containing four single beds, is a classic "Lamu style" room.
Situated on the roof, in the canopy of numerous Neem and fig trees, this room features a
traditional Makuti roof and waist high perimeter walls.

A secluded courtyard leading from the dining room is nestled under the Neem trees
with sweeping views of the garden. Great for alfresco dining and barbequing.


The traditional flat roof is over 100sq meters and sits just above the tree tops.
The views from the roof are breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset and star watching at night is must.

 Water is mains supply although we do filter it for drinking.
We have beautiful lanterns and candelabras throughout the house in case of power outages.
These interruptions are usually brief, apparently due to the proximity of our house to both of Malindis' hospitals.
The kitchen has a six burner gas/electric cooker and there is a large stainless steel BBQ
in the courtyard by the pool.
There are three refrigerators, a large Bosh with excellent freezer and another that we use 
specifically for drinks in the kitchen and a smaller fridge on the landing upstairs.

Kitchen Neem House
Kitchen
There are four members of staff at Neem House.
Erustus, an experienced cook, produces classic Swahili dishes, refreshing salads and freshly baked bread.
He sources only the freshest ingredients from the market and works closely with Abu, the fisherman,
who comes to the door most mornings with a selection of fresh seafood, weather permitting...
The house keepers are responsible for all housekeeping and laundry duties. 
Sammy the groundsman is in charge of the gardens and pool. The night watchman (Askari), is on duty
in the evenings from 6pm to 6am. The house also has a monitored security system.
Additional help in the house, Ayas' (nannies) and babysitters can be employed on a casual basis if required.
Shopping is fun and hassle free. For groceries and supplies you can either pop into town in a Tuk Tuk, order buy phone and have it delivered or alternatively, you can request one of the staff to shop for you. If you would like a small preliminary shop done in advance please ensure we are given plenty of notice.

Imported foods are quite expensive, however local fruit and vegetables are excellent quality and good value.
The local markets are very interesting - the range of produce is immense
and the people very friendly and welcoming.

The butchery at the Italian supermarket is excellent if you tire from fresh seafood!
Kenyan beer is very good and the wine is also reasonable.

Malindi town has been a travelers destination for 4 centuries and has an incredibly interesting history.
A classic African town, chaotic at times, real African mixed with Arab Swahili influences. Vibrant and full of colour.

There are numerous things to see and do in and around Malindi and lots of sites on the internet about
Malindi, Watamu, Gedi and Kipepeo, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and the Tsavo National Park.

Diving and snorkeling in the Malindi and Watamu Marine Reserves is highly recommended.

The coral gardens are spectacular and there is always a chance of spotting turtles, dolphins, giant groupers
or the harmless Whale Shark who are regularly sited in the area.
There are PADI registered dive centres in both Malindi and Watamu.

Malindi is famous for big game fishing (tag and release).
Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Swordfish, Kingfish and Tuna are all plentiful.

Safaris into East Tsarvo National Park, 100kms to the west of Malindi can be arranged.
The classic tented safari camps are situated along the Galana river. 

The Gedi Ruins, remnants of a 13th to 17th century Swahili town abandoned 3 centuries ago along with
Kipepeo butterfly farm is also well worth a visit.

The numerous restaurants in Malindi are excellent thanks to the resident Italian and German influences.
Local African style places are also very good. Nyama Choma (BBQ meat) and Swahili seafood curries in particular.

Shopping is excellent and very good value. Beautiful silver jewellery, fabric, throws, kangas and kikoi's,
beaded leather sandals, bags and belts, soapstone carvings, locally made brass and glass light fittings.
Classic Tinga Tinga artworks - stylised modern paintings in enamel and 
famous Makonde wood carvings, Arab and Swahili antiques.

There are direct flights into Malindi via Nairobi. The airport is ten minutes from Neem House.
A driver will collect you with our compliments.

We look forward to you enjoying our home.

Karin Duthie and Mark Henningsen

Neem House is available throughout the year on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Rates are based on the number of guests, duration and season.