The Most Beautiful House in Africa, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the house you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 06:23

Picture a serene evening with a fiery sunset backdrop, highlighting the contours and vibrant aesthetics of various homes. This image captures the essence of celebrating architecture across Africa, where each house tells a unique story through its design and cultural influence. By curating a list of the most beautiful houses, we not only appreciate this beauty but also inspire a sense of awe and recognition for diverse architectural achievements. Voting for your favorite house adds a personal touch to this celebration, turning it into a collaborative endeavor that reflects a wide array of preferences and styles. As votes accumulate, the ranking dynamically changes, reflecting current trends and popular opinions. This engages a community of enthusiasts and casual admirers alike, creating a lively discourse centered around Africa's architectural marvels.

What Is the Most Beautiful House in Africa?

1

37
votes
The Palace of the Lost City, South Africa

Sol Kerzner

This luxurious hotel is inspired by ancient African kingdoms and features stunning architecture and design.
The Palace of the Lost City is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Sun City, South Africa. Inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom, this opulent palace is a luxurious oasis set in the heart of a sprawling resort complex. It is renowned for its exquisite design, blending traditional African motifs with lavish luxury to create a truly enchanting experience for visitors.

Architectural Style: African-inspired grandeur

Size: More than 282,000 square feet

Number of Rooms: Over 300 luxurious rooms and suites

Gardens: Beautifully landscaped tropical gardens

Pools: Multiple sparkling pools with waterfalls and sun decks
2

43
votes
Moongateclimber · CC BY-SA 4.0

The House of Wonders, Zanzibar

This historic palace was built in the 19th century and features intricate carvings and ornate balconies.
The House of Wonders, located in Zanzibar, is a magnificent building that stands out as one of the most beautiful houses in Africa. It is an iconic landmark and an important cultural heritage site in East Africa. The house was constructed as a ceremonial palace for the Sultan of Zanzibar in the late 19th century and was used for various purposes throughout its history.

Architecture: The house is a perfect blend of Omani, Indian, and European architectural styles, creating a unique and striking appearance. It features large balconies, intricately carved doors and windows, and decorative elements that showcase the cultural influences on the island.

Size: The House of Wonders is a massive four-story building, covering an area of approximately 1,500 square meters.

Height: The structure reaches a height of about 17 meters, making it a prominent landmark in Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic center.

Clock Tower: One of the most distinctive features of the house is its clock tower, which was the first-ever public clock in East Africa. The clock was a symbol of technological advancement and modernity during its time.

Decoration: The interior of the House of Wonders is adorned with ornate carved decorations, grand staircases, and beautifully designed rooms that once housed the sultan's ceremonial throne and reception areas.
3

21
votes
Andy Gilham · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali

This iconic mosque is the largest adobe building in the world and is known for its unique architecture and intricate decorations.
The Great Mosque of Djenné, located in Djenné, Mali, is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Africa. It is a monumental adobe structure that represents a unique example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture.

Location: Djenné, Mali

Architecture Style: Sudano-Sahelian

Construction Material: Adobe (mud bricks and earth)

Size: Approximately 75 meters long and 26 meters wide

Minaret Height: Approximately 16 meters
4

25
votes
Step from Amherst, USA · CC BY 2.0

The Bait Al Zubair Museum, Oman

This traditional Omani house has been converted into a museum and features beautiful architecture and design, as well as exhibits on Omani culture and history.
The Bait Al Zubair Museum is a stunning cultural institution located in Muscat, Oman. It showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Omani people, making it a truly beautiful representation of the country's history and culture. The museum is housed in a traditional Omani mansion known as a 'Bait', which has been meticulously restored and preserved to its former glory. With its striking architecture, intricate details, and picturesque surroundings, the Bait Al Zubair Museum is a true gem of Africa's architectural landscape.

Location: Muscat, Oman

Architecture Style: Traditional Omani

Size: Unknown

Construction Materials: Stone, wood

Year Built: 1998
5

10
votes
The Rock Restaurant, Zanzibar

This unique restaurant is built on a rock in the Indian Ocean and offers stunning views and delicious seafood.
The Rock Restaurant is an architecturally stunning and unique establishment located in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. Perched on a large rock formation in the Indian Ocean, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters surrounding it.

Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Architecture Style: Unique, Rock Formation

Views: Ocean, Turquoise Waters

Ambiance: Romantic, Relaxing

Cuisine: Seafood, Mediterranean
6

8
votes
Bpcorps · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Dar el Makhzen Palace, Morocco

Sultan Moulay Ismail

This historic palace was built in the 17th century and features beautiful gardens, intricate mosaics, and stunning architecture.
The Dar el Makhzen Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Tangier, is an exquisite example of Moroccan architecture located in Tangier, Morocco. It is considered one of the most beautiful houses in Africa, showcasing stunning design elements and intricate details.

Location: Tangier, Morocco

Architectural Style: Moroccan

Construction Year: 17th century

Materials: Marble, cedarwood, zellij tiles

Size: Over 20 acres
7

17
votes
The Royal Palace of Casablanca, Morocco

This palace is the official residence of the King of Morocco and features beautiful gardens, fountains, and architecture.
The Royal Palace of Casablanca, Morocco, is a breathtaking and grand residence located in the heart of the city. It is one of the most beautiful houses in Africa, known for its exquisite architecture and luxurious design.

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Architectural Style: Moorish and Islamic design

Size: Approximately 2 hectares

Materials: Marble, wood, and ceramic tiles

Number of Rooms: Over 80 rooms
8

6
votes
The Villa Rosa Kempinski, Kenya

Kempinski Hotels

This luxurious hotel features beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and world-class amenities.
The Villa Rosa Kempinski is a stunning luxury residence located in Nairobi, Kenya. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful houses in Africa, offering an unparalleled level of elegance and opulence. The villa seamlessly combines traditional African design elements with modern architectural concepts, creating a unique and visually striking aesthetic. The interior of the villa is lavishly decorated, featuring exquisite artwork, high-end furnishings, and luxurious amenities.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Architecture Style: African fusion with modern design

Artwork: Exquisite and unique pieces throughout

Furnishings: High-end and luxurious

Amenities: Top-of-the-line facilities and services
9

9
votes
The Leela Palace, Ivory Coast

This luxurious hotel is inspired by the traditional palaces of Ivory Coast and features beautiful architecture, design, and amenities.
The Leela Palace, Ivory Coast is a stunning and luxurious house located in the heart of Ivory Coast, Africa. With its exquisite design and meticulous attention to detail, it stands as one of the most beautiful houses in the region. The house offers a perfect blend of opulence, elegance, and modernity, providing a truly unique and unforgettable living experience.

Location: Ivory Coast, Africa

Architecture Style: Contemporary

Size: Approximately 10,000 square feet

Materials: High-quality and luxurious materials

Exterior Features: Expansive gardens, swimming pool, and outdoor entertaining areas
10

9
votes
The Château de Chantilly, Senegal

This historic château was built in the 16th century and features beautiful gardens, a museum, and stunning architecture.
The Château de Chantilly is an exquisite architectural masterpiece located in Senegal, West Africa. It is renowned for its stunning beauty and rich history, making it one of the most remarkable houses in Africa.

Location: Senegal, West Africa

Architectural Style: French Renaissance

Size: Over 8,000 square meters

Construction Period: Started in the 19th century and completed in the 20th century

Special Features: Sculptured gardens, ornate fountains, and a grand canal

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful house

Architectural design

Architectural design plays a significant role in determining the beauty of a house. The style, layout, and overall appearance of the building should blend cohesively with the natural environment while maintaining a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Landscape and surroundings

The property should be well-maintained and have a well-planned landscape that complements the house design. The surrounding environment should be beautiful and harmonious with the house, including elements such as gardens, lawns, or natural features like forests, water bodies, or mountains.
Cultural and historical significance

A house with significant cultural or historical connections can add to its overall beauty and appeal. It may be designed using traditional African architectural techniques, materials, and customs, reflecting the rich history and diverse culture of the continent.
Materials and craftsmanship

The quality of materials used and their visual impact plays a key role in determining a house's beauty. The use of local and sustainable materials in the construction and design of the house, as well as the craftsmanship displayed in details such as masonry, woodworking, or ironwork, adds value to the aesthetics of the property.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness

In the current era of environmental concerns, sustainable design and eco-friendly features add to a house's beauty. This may include energy-efficient systems, water conservation strategies, or green roofs and gardens that blend with the surrounding environment.
Interior design

The elegance, style, and layout of the interior design is an essential factor in the overall beauty of a house. Good interior design balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetics to create a harmonious living space.
Innovation and uniqueness

A beautiful house in Africa should possess a unique charm and character that sets it apart from others. This may be achieved through innovative design, artistic elements, or unconventional architectural features.
Size and proportion

While the size of a house can be a factor in its beauty, it's essential to consider the proportions and balance between various elements of the structure and its surroundings. A well-proportioned house, regardless of size, will be more visually appealing than an unbalanced or overly ostentatious one.
Maintenance and upkeep

A well-maintained house that showcases its design and features in the best light will inevitably be more beautiful than a similar but neglected property. Proper care for the exterior and interior of the house, as well as its surroundings, is a key factor in determining beauty.
Social and community impact

The impact of a beautiful house on its community adds to its overall appeal. A house that is designed to be contextually sensitive and promotes community interaction, or serves as a testament to local craftsmanship and talent contributes to its beauty and merit.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful house in Africa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or house is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1367 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

The Palace of the Lost City, South Africa
The House of Wonders, Zanzibar
The Dar el Makhzen Palace, Morocco
The Château de Chantilly, Senegal

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each house once every 24 hours. The rank of each house is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful house in africa

Africa is a continent renowned for its diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and architectural marvels. From the colorful mud-brick homes of Mali to the modern skyscrapers of South Africa, African architecture is a rich tapestry of styles and influences. When it comes to beautiful houses in Africa, there are countless contenders. Some are traditional, reflecting the local customs and building techniques of their region, while others are modern masterpieces that push the boundaries of design and technology. Whether you are drawn to the ornate detailing of a Moroccan riad or the minimalist elegance of a Cape Town villa, there is no shortage of stunning homes to admire on this vast and vibrant continent. So, what is the most beautiful house in Africa? Let's explore some of the contenders and see if we can find an answer.