Tim Vaulkhard moved to the farmhouse at Kawamwaki in the Highlands of Kenya in the 1970s. He was an architect but was an avid conservationist and over a number of years, he bought a few plots of land around the farmhouse and set about planting back the indigenous forest.
Thanks to his efforts, the land is in excellent condition and the forest has brought back a wealth of biodiversity and birdlife. A small dam sits in the middle of the proposed development, surrounded by a maturing indigenous forest, frequented by colobus monkeys, and at the bottom end of the forest, runs the Ruaka River, with a cascading waterfall. It has provided the family with many years of magical moments walking / riding/bird watching/ painting and just experiencing nature.
In early 2019 he died, leaving the forest and farm to his family. One of the many initiatives, which we intend to undertake is to set up an artist residency. Nairobi is only 40 minutes away but in many of the townships in between, you can find a wealth of artistic activity and inspiration for our guest artists.
We now offer two separate residencies. One offering a 1 to 3-month residency to emerging or established artists & writers, where he or she can work along side local artists, and immerse themselves in nature and the Nairobi art scene, with the objective of building a portfolio, which they might show in a gallery in Nairobi or back in their hometown.
The second part of the residency offers a series of artist retreats or holidays. Offering guests the opportunity to paint, draw, write, and create with an instructor at hand. They will have the chance to relax and explore the beautiful natural surroundings or venture into Nairobi or even some of the closer townships where one can find many fascinating artist studios and art scenes. Day trips to Naivasha, Nakuru, or the Aberdare’s could be an option too if guests are keen to venture a little further & even a choice of a second week at a coastal property, where guests can continue their artistic venture.