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Back from the jetty and just behind Peponi, in the same neighbourhood as the houses owned by the Monaco and Austrian Royal families sits another family home, Mnarani House. Chris and Margarita Hawley are the original owners and designed and built Mnarani House, (with the help of Sidiki of Baitil Aman Guest House). The plot was bought in 1989 and building started at about the same time as Jasmine House, to be completed in August 1990. The doors and windows are all original Swahili antiques which the family bought on a trip to Pate and other neighbouring islands during the building of the house.
Over the years the rest of the Hawley family (now grown ups!) have added, further improvements to floors, kitchen and a rooftop sitting area as well as solar hot water for showers. The current Mnarani staff are Lucas (cook), who has been at Mnarani now for about 10 years, and Esther (house keeper) who has recently joined the team.www.crocodileracers.com
Mnarani House Sleeps 6-8 people. 'Mnarani' means 'near the minaret' in Kiswahili and the house is situated near to the Friday Mosque, just a couple of minutes from Shela Beach. There are very good views of the sea from the first and second floors. There are three double bedrooms ensuite upstairs, one small double ensuite on the ground floor and one 'open' single room without bathroom upstairs. All bedrooms have fans and mosquito nets.
There are three levels with several areas for sitting and lounging. The top floor consists of a sitting area with a small fridge for drinks, overlooking the sea. The Dining room is on the first floor with good views and plenty of breeze coming in from the channel. There are eco-friendly solar heated showers in the double rooms. Full time staff and good cook included. The house has a friendly and unique design, with very open areas allowing plenty of breeze.
Mnarani, like most of our Retreats will lend itself to either family groups or two or three couples vacationing together. With the beach a short walk over the dune or five minutes through the village away, Mnarani is a great location for those who want to work on their tan and their bar bills at Peponi!
