THE FORT
The Fort at Shela sits alone in the middle of the sand dunes. Beyond the Fort are 7 miles of deserted beach. Extremely private, it is the last house on the sea front before the next village on the island, Kipungani, 4 hours walk away. Although quite isolated, it is but a short distance walk to the famous Pepponi Hotel, where to relax and enjoy the sunset or go for a sunset cruise on one of the dhows normally parked in front. The Fort comes with a staff of 10 people to take care of all your needs.
The Fort was built 10 years ago as a private house, which it is still today. The building is constructed of local coral stone and is enclosed by an imposing 50 feet high sandstone wall with narrow slits opening for windows to protect from the trade winds and the sand. A splendid gateway leads to an interior courtyard surrounded by grand halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. One can still spot remnants of decoration in gold and blue done in the prevalent Persian style.
This exotic medley and adventurous eclecticism suggests a daring approach in architecture.
Built with those elements in mind, the Fort has very high ceilings, a large open interior courtyard with a swimming pool at its center and several lounging areas. More than one well provides a regular source of fresh water for all of the house’s needs. Large arches surround the courtyard into the living, lounging and dining area. At the center of the Courtyard the tropical garden and the pool.
On the second floor there are 7 en-suite bedrooms, with a balcony overlooking the inside courtyard, tropical garden and pool. There are additional rooms are used by staff and storage. From the lounging area, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Indian ocean, dhows sailing by with the constant trade winds bring you back 100 years.
