For more than a century, Nairobi’s Karen suburb has occupied a unique place in the city’s imagination. The neighbourhood grew out of the vast coffee estate of Danish author Karen Blixen, immortalised in her book and the subsequent film, Out of Africa.

Over the years, the affluent suburb has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most desirable addresses, where sprawling gardens, horse paddocks and grand homes stand in contrast to the growing bustle of the capital a few miles away.

Diplomats, entrepreneurs, conservationists and old Nairobi families have long found refuge here, drawn by its space, privacy and countryside-like tranquillity.

Yet, tucked away among Karen’s elegant villas, towering trees and manicured gardens is an unusual piece of history: a vintage double-decker bus lovingly restored and transformed into a boutique retreat.

The white bus, distinguished by two parallel green stripes, has stood along Kibo Lane for the past decade. It is arguably one of Nairobi’s most unusual accommodation options, combining nostalgia, creativity and conservation.

Like the suburb it calls home, the bus has a history of its own.

Manufactured in England, it was shipped to Kenya before independence and operated by the Kenya Bus Service in Likoni, Mombasa County, in the 1950s. It was eventually acquired by friends of the current owner, who kept it unused in their backyard for 30 years.

The bus might have ended up in a scrapyard had the current owner not stepped in and bought it, with the idea of turning it into a tiny dream home.

It was christened Brandy Bus, a name inspired by the Courvoisier brandy advertisements that were once painted on its sides.

Today, it offers travellers a rare opportunity to swap conventional accommodation for something more memorable, combining nostalgia and adventure with the comforts of a modern home.

I had planned to visit the bus over the past couple of years, but something always seemed to get in the way. Recently, Rhoda, the caretaker, agreed to show me around the unusual but popular accommodation.

As you might expect, the tour did not take long. After all, it is a bus!

“Tumemaliza,” exclaimed Rhoda after about 15 minutes. “Basi si kubwa vile lakini si umeona ni poa?”

However, the short tour revealed some interesting treasures hidden inside.

The bus has been thoughtfully transformed into a cosy retreat without losing its original character. Upstairs, two comfortable double beds are tucked beneath the curved roofline, creating an intimate sleeping space.

Downstairs, the original layout has been adapted to include additional sofa beds, allowing families or small groups to stay comfortably.

A full modern bathroom, complete with hot shower facilities, adds a touch of luxury, ensuring guests enjoy the basic comforts of home while experiencing life aboard a vintage bus.

The experience extends beyond the bus itself. Outside, guests can gather around a large dining table for leisurely breakfasts under the Nairobi sunshine, stretch out on sun loungers with a book or spend their evenings around an outdoor fire, sharing stories under the stars.

The surrounding garden creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of the capital, making the property an ideal retreat for those seeking rest and a slower pace of life.

Despite its whimsical appearance, the bus also offers practical amenities for modern travellers. These include Wi-Fi, secure parking, 24-hour security and flexible check-in times.

There is also a well-equipped kitchenette with a gas stove, refrigerator, microwave and cooking essentials. Those who fancy a barbecue can have one arranged on request, making outdoor dining part of the experience.

But there are a few things prospective guests should know before booking.

The property is designed for people looking to relax and unwind. If you are the noisy type looking for somewhere to party, Brandy Bus is probably not the place for you.

There are also two well-fed dogs on the property that enjoy greeting visitors. If you are uncomfortable around dogs, this is another consideration.

Then there is the question of height. If you are more than six feet tall, you might want to take note of a warning posted in the property’s online description.

“The bus is in its total original form (apart from full bathroom addition). It is a ‘tiny house’ so if you choose to use all six available sleeping places it will be a tight fit! People over [six feet tall] will not be able to stand up straight in the bus.”

Its location in Karen also puts visitors within easy reach of some of Nairobi’s popular attractions. The Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, boutique shopping destinations, cafés and restaurants are all nearby, allowing guests to combine a quiet stay with a bit of exploration.

Whether visiting Nairobi for a weekend getaway, a family holiday or as the starting point of a Kenyan adventure, the bus offers a distinctive base from which to explore the city.

Ultimately, this vintage double-decker is more than just an unusual place to spend the night. It is a destination in its own right, with a personality that appeals to curious travellers, creatives and anyone looking for accommodation outside the ordinary.

At Brandy Bus, an ordinary trip to Karen can become an extraordinary story, one that begins with checking into a bus and ends with memories worth sharing.