Baroness Karen von Blixen (1885-1962) was the real name of Danish author Isak Dineson, who used at least three pseudonyms during her professional career. In 1914 she escaped the aftermath of the suicide of her father to join her prospective husband in Kenya, where they established a coffee farm in the Ngong Hills near Nairobi. She wrote her memoir, Out of Africa, in 1938, after she left Kenya.
Blixen describes Kenya as the happiest period of her life – 17 years out of her life of 77 years. In addition to keeping the coffee farm going after her marriaged ended, she had other interests, such as writing, painting, and gardening.
The house is set on a large property with manicured lawns and flower beds. Further away from the house, the countryside has wild reserves and winding pathways with tropical vines and bushes.
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
MARTINA NICOLLS