Her Africa
In Kenya, the home of a legendary safari guide comes back to life, thanks to the passion of a gallerist
Near the village of Shela, on the southeastern tip of the island of Lamu, separated from the coast of Kenya by just a few hundred meters of sea, a long white lime wall stands between the fishermen’s beach and a patch of vegetation. A small traditional door in black wood inlaid with floral patterns and phrases from the Koran leads to the garden surround the house that once belonged to Bunny Allen. It was built in the early Sixties, when the famous “white hunter” and safari guide decided to settle down. For decades he had been quite a celebrity, working on Hollywood films, scouting locations and even performing as Clark Gable’s double for action scenes.
The house marked the start of a new career for Allen, applying his creativity not only to his own property but also to the design of homes for new arrivals on the island. The walls in Allen’s home are finished with simple lime wash, and the small towers and crenellations framing the roof terrace give it a mosque-like image. Allen designed the spaces for functional quality: socializing on the ground floor, bedrooms on the upper level. The use of traditional local materials makes the building a forerunner of sustainable architecture. Porticos, terraces and niches offer views of the ocean and the gardens.
Almost 20 years ago, the place was purchased by its present owner, Pascale Wheeler. Only the interiors have been modified, to enhance the contrast with the surrounding vegetation, thanks to almost exclusive use of black and white and sober, mostly modernist furnishings. Like Allen, Pascale has firm ties with Africa: her gallery in London, 50 Golborne, works with African contemporary artists.