Architect Chema Katua and his wife Priscilla Katua are the owners of the iconic Ol Talet Cottages on Magadi Road, Olepolos, Kajiado County – considered one of the best getaways in the country.
Chema and Priscilla always wanted a getaway home for their family. During a visit to Olepolos in 1994, Chema admired the surrounding of an eatery they were enjoying Nyama Choma at.
He sought for the owner of the land overlooking the eatery, and with the help of a friend, he acquired 10 acres that year.
The property remained undeveloped until 15 years later when the first cottage, Oloika was built, 2009. Ol Talet Cottage was built 2 years later in 2011. Since then, Chema and Priscilla have made several renovations and additions such as the infinity pool.
Ol Talet in Maasai translates to ‘viewpoint’. The cottage has a panoramic view of the Ngong hills and the valley below.
The couple designed the cottage themselves. Chema did the exterior and Priscilla, the interior.
Chema is an architect since 1989. Priscilla has no background in design but she did a great job on the interior. The cottage boasts a rich African element, with Maasai colours.
The couple sourced everything locally. From the blocks, yellow stones from Kiserian, and wood off cuts. They spent Ksh7 million on the project. According to a report by Business Daily on December 24, 2020, the couple spent Ksh7 million on the project.
Other projects
Chema is an established architect. His works live in some of the most renowned places in Nairobi. He designed the Kihingo Village houses in Kitisuru, the Harry Potter Castle at Brookhouse School.
His firm, Dimension Architects is behind the castle-like new buildings commissioned by All Saints Cathedral.
From the onset, Chema viewed Ol Talet as an investment, not just a getaway home.
Ol Talet & Oloika Cottages
Ol Talet cottage accommodates 8 Adults in 4 Bedrooms. The rooms have two double beds and two twin beds, and 4 bathrooms.
Ol Talet has; All En-suite rooms • Fully equipped kitchen • Complimentary Wireless Internet Access • Flat-screen TV with DVD player • Manicured private lawn and barbeque area • Panoramic bathrooms including external ‘open air’ bathroom • Private plunge pool • Terrace with bar and spacious veranda
Oloika Cottage accommodates 6 adult in 3 bedrooms. Bed type (2 doubles and 1 twin) and 2 bathrooms.
