Three families, one house
From 1930s cattle ranch to roofless ruin to country sanctuary, a hundred-year arc.
A house, rebuilt with patience and humility
The original house was built in the 1930s by Thomas Lewin, known to Nanyuki as Chippy. Cedar-framed, H-shaped, paneled entirely in red cedar, with a magnificent staircase. It passed through quieter and turbulent times. It survived a fire, lost its roof, left forgotten for decades. In 2003 it lost most of its forest too. Then Leslie Duckworth bought the ruins and began to restore the home, land and forest.
A brave, creative pioneer
It took years for Leslie to restore the house, using old photographs found in the attic. She then began the longer, harder work of giving the land back to nature and planting thousands of trees. Seed by seed, season by season, she re-established roughly a hundred acres of indigenous fauna and flora which continues to grow standing at 150 rewilded acres of forest today.
In January 2006 she opened the doors as a house for rent. The proceeds going into the restoration and rewilding project on the land. She passed away in August 2020, leaving behind a beautiful story and legacy of doing right by the land and inspiring the next generation of enviromentalists.
Anna & Shawn
Today, Leslie's daughter Anna and her husband Shawn continue the project, quieter-edged, wilder, more wellness-led.
Anna Campbell
GuardianAnna, the daughter of Leslie, was born and raised in Kenya with a deep respect for traditional cultures, the natural world and the mind-body connection. After studying Neuroscience and a career in competitive sport and television, she returned home. She now leads Mukima and The Cabanas with a soulful, intentional touch.
Shawn Richman
GuardianShawn is from Maui, Hawaii. Anna and Shawn are rarely seen apart. Pro kitesurfer at twelve, certified arborist, the technical heart of operations, he solo-engineered and built the solar farms for both hotels and now leads the operations and conservation side to both hotels.
The hands & hearts of the house
Most of our team have been with the family for years, some for decades. They are who Mukima is an extension of the family and legacy.
Mother & daughter, never forgetting
The story is twofold. Elephants never forget, a nod to the guardians who poured their love into this land and home before us. We will continue to honour and preserve their legacy.
The elephants themselves are the bond between mother and daughter, Leslie and Anna. Anna following Leslie around the grounds in awe and admiration, always learning from her mother in both life and work.
From cattle ranch to country sanctuary
“Mukima is a sanctuary”
“From the beginning till the end the house, staff and surroundings felt like a warm blanket. The food is AMAZING, so fresh and nourishing.”
“Cozy, intimate and a perfect choice to unwind, celebrate and bond with family and friends. The views of the dam, gardens and Mt Kenya are breathtaking.”
“I stayed at the Mukima Boat House and have been dreaming of it ever since.”