An extraordinary house was built by two Lords as a country retreat outside Nairobi. No corners were cut and Laragai, the most opulent and comfortable home in Laikipia, was created th breathtaking views to Samburu in the north.

Laragai was built on Borana Ranch by two brothers, the Lords Valentine and Michael Cecil, who were looking for the perfect country retreat outside Nairobi. On the edge of an escarpment looking across the plains to the Northern Frontier District, the views from Laragai are stupendous with Ol Olokwe Mountain dominating the horizon and Mt Kenya looming in the clouds to the south.

In its time this extraordinary house was the most opulent in Laikipia. Antiques were brought over from Ireland, china from London and furniture from Rajasthan. Today Laragai’s new owners have spared no effort in re-creating its former glory and the result is a wonderful tapestry of styles and textures, describing the property’s history whilst providing the most elegant luxury which gives Laragai its utterly unique appearance. The house accommodates ten in extreme comfort and there is plenty more room for children and nannies or safari guides.

The Great Room is ‘African Baronial’ with a roof thatched in makuti and an enormous open fireplace at either end; collected paintings hang on the walls and medieval weapons hang over the doorways! A verandah runs along the escarpment side of the building, looking towards Ol Olokwe on the top of which breakfast can be arranged - helicopters take guests to the mountain on a fabulous dawn expedition!

Laragai is arranged over two large buildings. The Great Room and two enormous bedroom suites with open fires - the master bathroom comes complete with ‘throne’ - another large double and two twin rooms in one building and the dining room, a children’s sitting room (games, TV, etc) and other bedrooms in the other.

There is a full house staff, all of whom are very friendly and attentive yet discreet under the superb guidance of the house management couple. Laragai really is a home and one feels a warm houseparty atmosphere - guests are encouraged to help themselves (and others) to drinks although if something is needed then a member of staff miraculously appears.

Along a path through the garden one arrives at the enormously comfortable pool house, equipped with its own bar, kitchen and bathroom facilities - the perfect spot for long leisurely lunches. The (heated!) free-form swimming pool commands stunning views to the west over Borana Ranch and siestas work extremely well in the shady stone alcoves around the water’s edge.

Should a sudden rush of energy overtake anyone, game drive vehicles are on hand whenever a safari or bush picnic is called for and the clay tennis court has seen many a Kenyan open competition played out in earnest. Laragai has everything one could need of a home in Kenya and really is wonderful opportunity for those lucky few who can take the opportunity to visit.