0.75 acres of coastal Watamu coral land on the edge of one of Africa's oldest marine national parks. Two villas, two pools, private beach access, and ten years of Superhost history. Offered for the first time.
Set on 0.75 acres of mature coral garden in the heart of Watamu, this is one of the few private properties on this stretch of the Kenyan coast with both a primary residence and an independent guest cottage, each with its own pool, each with private access to the beach.
The position is what makes the property singular. The property sits on the edge of Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest protected marine reserves in Africa, gazetted in 1968. From the verandah, Turtle Rock rises from the water in the middle distance, the protected reef breaks beyond, and the powder white sand of the bay stretches in both directions. On calm mornings, pods of bottlenose dolphins pass close to the reef; between July and October, humpback whales breach offshore on their migration north from Antarctica, visible from where you sit.
For ten years the property has operated as a quietly successful Superhost rental business, drawing a devoted international following. It is being offered with the option of acquiring the running business intact, or simply as a private home for the buyer who falls for the view.
Swimbo is the main residence on the property. A three bedroom villa sleeping eight, fully renovated and arranged across a relaxed coastal layout. The two master suites each have a private kids' pod add-on; the third is a double with air conditioning. All bedrooms are ensuite.
The house has a full kitchen with a separate service kitchen behind, an indoor dining area, an outdoor dining area on the verandah, and a bar inside. It opens onto a wide sun lounge and a substantial swimming pool with the bay beyond. A chef and housekeeper come with the house. Mosquito nets, fans, and wifi throughout.
“We had a wonderful stay at Lynda’s beautiful home. The staff (chef Fondo, Joyce, and Reuben) were all so lovely and attentive. Fondo’s food was exceptional. The house is even better than it looks in pictures and the pool/outdoor area is the perfect place to relax and socialize with friends. 100% would come back!”
Lyn · Wimberley, Texas · August 2025
“This was my family’s first visit to Swimbo but not our last. An absolutely great house with a wonderful staff. Lynda is an incredible host, so responsive and willing to work with us in a manner that made this trip extra special. The beach is walkable with a magical path.”
Airbnb guest review
Khuzi is the cottage. A three bedroom self contained guest house with an en suite double, a second double, and a twin sharing a bathroom, sleeping six in total. Outdoor living is at its heart, with a verandah dining area, an outside lounge, and a plunge pool of its own.
The cottage has direct access to the beach, full kitchen, wifi, fans and mosquito nets in every room. A housekeeper is included, and a chef can be engaged on request. Ideal as overflow for the main house, as a long stay guest residence, or as a second income stream in its own right.
“What a beautiful cozy, open bungalow for a couple, family or group of good friends. Enjoy serene snippets of private ocean views and breezes from the refreshing plunge pool and large tree-shaded patio and covered porch, then wander down a quiet path to enjoy beach walks and ocean swims. This place definitely provides excellent ‘Vitamin Sea Therapy’ for those who love a natural Kenyan beach holiday.”
Emily · April 2026
“We would happily return to stay another time. A perfect combination of indoor and outdoor, with sitting and dining space outdoors under the large thatch-protected patio. The plunge pool was clean and refreshing. Access to the beach was just what we needed. The housekeeper/cook was lovely and well informed.”
Tamara · April 2026
This is not a holiday home looking for a buyer. It is a working hospitality business with a decade of history, an established repeat clientele, and verified Superhost status across both listings.
Lynda, the current owner and host, has hosted on Airbnb for ten years. The two villas together have generated 136 reviews with an average rating of 4.76. Bookings come from Europe, North America, and the East African region, with strong repeat demand and a year round occupancy pattern that follows the coast's two clear high seasons.
Beyond the business itself, Watamu's coastal property market has shown sustained growth. Coastal land values have appreciated by approximately 70 percent over the past five years, per the HassConsult Coastal Land Price Index, Q4 2025. The trend is supported by limited new beachfront supply, the upcoming Malindi Airport expansion, and Kenya's tourism arrivals climbing past one million international visitors annually. Premium beachfront with clean title remains the scarcest part of that market.
For the right buyer, the property can transfer with operations intact: live bookings, staff, listings, brand, and goodwill. The existing co host team can continue running the business on the new owner's behalf. For a buyer who simply wants the home, the rental operation can be wound down at completion.
A private pathway from the property to Turtle Bay Beach. No public access route, no shared right of way. The path is yours.
One of the most sought after outlooks on the Kenyan coast. Turtle Rock in the middle distance, the reef beyond, the bay in front. Visible from the main pool and verandah of Swimbo House.
Most Watamu homes sit on a quarter acre. This is three times that. Two villas, two pools, mature coral gardens, and silence.
Ten years of bookings, 136 reviews, established staff and management. Transfer the business intact, or take the home and walk away from the operation. Your choice.
Live in one, rent the other. Or run both. Or invite the whole family without anyone sharing a bathroom. Rare flexibility on a single title.
The property sits on the edge of Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest marine protected areas in Africa. Pristine reef immediately offshore, regulated coastal development, and a guarantee that the setting cannot be built out around you.
A quiet fishing village turned discreet getaway for those who know. Watamu sits within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, fringed by coral reefs and the Mida Creek mangroves. The town's restaurant scene rivals anywhere on the East African coast, and an enduring Italian community has shaped its rhythm for forty years.
The property sits on the edge of Watamu Marine National Park, with the village a short walk inland. The Mida Creek boardwalks, the Gede ruins, and a handful of Kenya's most celebrated kitchens are all minutes from the gate.
Swimbo House and Khuzi Cottage are being sold directly by the owner's family. All viewings, documents, and negotiations are handled in person. No intermediaries, no inflated commission, no rush.