The Fascinating Lord Egerton Castle: A Hidden Gem in Kenya

Hey LinkedIn Fam!

Have you ever heard of Lord Egerton Castle in Kenya? Or better, have you been there? So I made this kasmall bucket list of places I would like to visit, and this castle happened to be on the list. Once I landed in Nakuru last week, #LordEgertonCastle called me by all my names (come, baby, come).

It is a stunning piece of history nestled in the heart of Njoro, #Nakuru County, #Kenya. Oooh, did I talk about the history behind its existence. You got time? Popcorns? Interest? Well, story time is here.

So, I did not have a guide to walk me through the beautiful castle, but I loved it more, going in and out alone. When I learned about the castle, thanks to #google, I remember saying, “so it is this.” I vaguely remembered the story about the castle as I heard it when I was young but they said the rejection happened 13 times! Amazingly, I never thought it happened in #Kenya! Well, it did. So learning about it and the location, I was thrilled and couldn’t afford to miss it. Here is what I gathered.

So #LordMauriceEgerton, a British aristocrat, had this castle built from 1938 through 1954. It took longer to complete because it was built using imported materials, and a war limited the importation of materials. Regardless of the time, Egerton seemed like a non-quitter; plus, the castle had a purpose – Impressing his fiancé. She had rejected his proposal previously for living in a small house. Given his lineage, he was expected to marry someone from a royal family, so he needed to impress the lady to become a baroness. She matched his standards. But did he meet hers?

At first, he had built himself small colonial houses, which his fiancé declined. This prompted the building of his second house, a bit bigger, and what she would like (he thought). When the fiancé landed, and #Egerton asked her to move in with him in his new four-bedroom house, she called it a house chicken. Not her class? Yes, you are right. They say that love is a strong feeling. It is true. Lord Egerton decided that this time, “I am going to impress her with a grandiose and extravagant gesture of love” (not his exact thoughts), and boy, did he succeed?

The castle was built in a rare, unique archaic architecture, featuring intricate carvings, glass windows, oak stairways and floors (the oak was imported), zinc tiles roofs (imported also), and 53 rooms. I said 53, no tripping. Once you get in, the classic room housing a broken piano is on your left. There is a master bedroom, children’s rooms, a wine cellar, study rooms, a basement, darkroom for photo development, among other spaces. It is massive. It is a true testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders.

I know you can visualize the beauty of it. Imagine she rejected it; she could not live in a “museum.” It is said that she stayed for only an hour – she lands, sees the castle, and turns down the proposal without even getting inside it. She left. Devasted, sad, and rejected, Lord Egerton lived in the castle for the next four years before dying in 1958. During that time, it was said that no woman was allowed near the castle. Signs indicated that any woman spotted near the castle would be shot. He never remarried, and the castle was never reoccupied after his death. He marked the fourth and the last #BarronEgertonofTatton.

Now, fast forward to the present day, and the castle has been beautifully restored and is open to visitors. You can tour the castle and even glimpse Lord Egerton’s personal belongings, like his radio collection, sound amplifier, and camera, among other things like a travelling trunk.

But wait, there’s more! The castle also hosts several events, from weddings to corporate retreats and even movie shoots. No wonder the castle has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The irony of it all – people choose it as a venue to celebrate love!

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re in Kenya, make sure to add Lord Egerton Castle to your bucket list. It is a true hidden gem that’s sure to take your breath away. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find some inspiration for your grand gesture of love! And if you’ve already been, share your experience in the comments below.

Let’s connect over our love for history and travel!