No corners were cut and this house, the most opulent and comfortable home in Laikipia, was created with breathtaking views to Samburu in the north.

The house was built on 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 the house’s new owners have spared no effort in recreating 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!

The property 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. This 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 the 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. This property 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.

The Service includes: Full Board accommodation, All in house wines, spirits and cocktails, Beers, bottled water, soft drinks, tea and coffee, Laundry, Game drives and walks, Riding, Fishing, Tennis, Fly camping, Helicopter and Light Aircraft game viewing by arrangement. In fact, almost anything can be arranged, without fuss.

Amenities include: Large Heated Private Pool, Clay tennis court, All bedrooms are equipped with mosquito nets, Office with Fax / Email, TV, Telephone.