Living my best life in Aburi, Ghana

Greetings! I’m back after a small writing break. It’s been a busy couple of months saying goodbye to South Africa after 14 years and relocating back home. Ok, I haven’t moved home exactly but it’s close enough. I will be living and working in Cote D’Ivoire but with frequent travel to my home country Ghana (only 1 hour flight/8 hour drive).

Luckily, I get to spend most of July and August in Ghana and the best part is, I get to live in the house I’ve been building at snail pace since 2013 and on land that I bought back in 2008. It feels like a dream. In fact, my new life in many ways reflects two of my past blogs: one on my dream house and another on a living a life of natural abundance.

In this blog, I am so so proud to share some photos of my house (even if incomplete). It is located in a mountainous region in the most beautiful part of Ghana. Aburi is known for its cool climate and captivating landscape. It’s home to the botanical gardens and increasingly is becoming an ecotourism destination complete with hiking trails and mountain biking. And it’s 45-60 minutes away from Accra.

In the last three weeks, I have lived as close as possible to my “fantasy” of “natural abundance”. We partially live off grid and grow a range of fruits and vegetables. My three year old loves the outdoors, chasing lizards, playing in his makeshift sandpit, kicking a ball in the garden and going for walks with me. We don’t have any furniture at the moment aside from the basic necessities (and a TV because I’d die) but we couldn’t be happier.

I see myself settling there one day, making chocolate, perhaps doing some teaching at a nearby university (see my blog on this university), writing children’s books… it’s a long list. But until then, I’ve got a new exciting job which I’ll speak about in a future blog.

Peace and love 💕

59 responses to “Living my best life in Aburi, Ghana”

  1. Andy Candy Avatar

    Holy crap your home is beautiful and has so much potential to the green oasis you want it to be. Way to go. #goals How did you obtain this sweet piece of land and find this location? What encouraged you to build off grid? Have a great day, Afro Optimist!

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you very much Andy Candy! We knew someone who owned several pieces of land in that area. Partially living off grid was actually a necessity. The land is a bit remote so we had to do our own water connection (borehole). I’m connected to electrical grid but will in future explore solar alternatives. I like the idea of green living 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Juliet Boaheng Avatar
    Juliet Boaheng

    The house look amazing Nana, even at it uncompleted state, i know i have been there once but the changes now is drastic, i love it see it again so i will wait for my invite…. well done.

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you Juliet! Yes, you have to see the transformation. Let’s definitely plan it when I’m back in town.

      Like

    2. Ahlumba Avatar
      Ahlumba

      While i was reading your post i had to stop several times and shout in celebration…lol!! God is so very good and I feel blessed that He led me to your blog for you are currently operating in what my heart longs to have. I am looking for land in Ghana however I’m not familiar so as I’ve learned about different parts of Ghana i search it out to help me identify a location. My desire is to have a home offgrid that is self sufficient yet still offer all 21st century amenities. Thank you for sharing.

      Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you very much! I appreciate it 🙏🏾

      Like

  3. Sylvia Avatar
    Sylvia

    Omg Adowaa, I’m so in love with your house. I’m so happy for you. I’m Sylvia. I’ve been looking for lands in Aburi and among the people I know it seems like I’m the only one because no one else is interested. I fell in love with the Aburi hills on my weekend visit there. I’m actively trying to find a land but since covid-19 is on going, I’m finding myself waiting and searching for the lands online. I’m so excited to find you (another person building there). You have no idea how happy I am to have had find you accidentally.
    If you don’t mind, can we please connect through email or WhatsApp?
    I would really love to have you as a mentor of some sort to this process since you have already almost finished yours. lol

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Hello Sylvia! Thanks for the compliment and for getting in touch! It’s such a lovely area. I’m glad you’re looking into land which can be complicated as well but in the end, it will all be worth it. If you have Instagram, you can check my page for other photos and you can also DM me via Instagram with questions (@talkingdrumchocolate)

      Like

  4. H. Kwasi Prempeh Avatar
    H. Kwasi Prempeh

    Nana, this is awesome! Just beautiful. Congratulations! 👌🏾

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Aw thank you so much Prof 😊🙏🏾

      Like

  5. Nana Yaa Avatar
    Nana Yaa

    Nana, what a beautiful home. I’m
    In love!!

    I would like to pick your brain about the resources that went into this beautiful home if you’re willing to share.

    Thank you!

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you Nana Yaa! If you’re on IG, you can DM questions and I’ll do my best to answer.

      Like

  6. Emily Brown Avatar
    Emily Brown

    Hi Nana!
    I am from Cote d’Ivoire!
    I came across your blog via Vanessa Kanbi’s website!
    I love your house.
    Well done sis😊😊

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Bonjour Emily!! Thanks very much! I appreciated it!

      Like

  7. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Beautiful home. I like the space. Is there some land that I can buy near by?? Thanks from Australia

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you, Liz. I’m trying to find out about lands in the area. Will let you know if I come across some good deals.

      Like

      1. Liz Avatar
        Liz

        Thank you. Appreciate it. Planning to visit Ghana as soon as our international borders are opened and would love a quiet life not in big city but somewhere not too remote as I need primary school for my 6 n 4 year old. Cheers

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Austin Avatar
    Austin

    I love your taste and style. The architect was awesome. The house is Completely different from what we see every day in Ghana. It is contemporary and Beautiful . Well done Sis, you nail it. I love it.

    Austin

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you so very much 🙏🏾

      Like

  9. 0203002144 Avatar
    0203002144

    You are bless Nana. Wow! I just fell in love with your home. The architectural design was great.

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Aw thank you 🙏🏾

      Like

    2. Nana Akua Avatar
      Nana Akua

      Came across your interview with vanessa, what a beautiful home! Can’t wait for part two. Am so very proud of the African woman. Real inspiration.

      Like

      1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

        Aw thank you so much! Let’s inspire each other.

        Like

  10. leonora Avatar

    So beautiful.
    I am planning on buying land back home in Kenya and also building my dream home.
    Currently I am in Europe and working towards that goal.

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thanks so much Leonora. Buying land and building is most stressful but soooo rewarding.

      Like

  11. Kwame Asiamah Avatar
    Kwame Asiamah

    I saw your home on YouTube
    I love it
    The house is beautiful
    Aburi is beautiful but not like my Kwahu 😆😆
    If you have not visited please do
    Find time
    I can volunteer to chauffeur you there
    Thanks so much for this beautiful write up.

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Hahaha. A proper Kwahu man! I will visit 😀

      Like

      1. Maya Avatar
        Maya

        Well done, Nana! Enjoy your lovely home.

        I also built my home in Ghana (Pokuase, Accra) with a mortgage from Ghana Home Loans (now First Nat. Bank) and it’s soooo rewarding to complete the house and live in it.

        So happy for you!

        Liked by 1 person

  12. gabriel Avatar
    gabriel

    Hello friend i really like your building and i live in UK, Will it be possible to link me to the architecture to see other plans he has and possibly offer him work ? oxtonygh@gmail.com

    Like

      1. oxtonygh Avatar
        oxtonygh

        Hello thank you very much. I have gathered the pictures and about to email her how possible she can combine 2 buildings specification and make it one for me. Also if you can email me on this personal email oxtonygh@gmail.com then I can have your business email as I dont won’t to discuss business and possible things here . Will be great.

        Like

      2. oxtonygh Avatar
        oxtonygh

        I guess I can’t discuss land acquisition and how to acquire such location here .? Links to buy 2 acres here, as moving forward it wouldn’t be advisable for me to put the rest here on the plain ? If you can email me on oxtonygh@gmail.com .

        Like

  13. oxtonygh Avatar

    can you please link e t the architecture who did this beautiful design. i want a three story building , wouls like to see more f his design. living in UK at present. email me on oxtonygh@gmail.com

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Please google Nadine Engelbrecht Architect. You’ll find her website and contact address.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Hi Nana, your home is beautiful. The architecture is perfect and suits the landscape.
    I also fell in love with your spirit while watching a tour on Vanessa Kanbi’s channel.
    Wishing you joy and abundance in your new home

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      God bless you Lisa!! 🤗

      Like

  15. Mastery Avatar
    Mastery

    This is such an inspiration! What you have done is amazing! we have been looking at buying some land in Aburi for a year now. can you help us with sourcing the land?

    Like

  16. Tahiru Mawia Avatar
    Tahiru Mawia

    Hi Nana,
    I saw your house tour on Vanessa Kambi’s YouTube channel and love it. I live in the States with my family and would like to connect. I’ll like to get a contact with the seller of your land to see if we can get a piece of land. Thank you.

    Like

  17. Bradley Anika Avatar
    Bradley Anika

    Hi Nana I saw your house on YouTube. it is perfect . I’m in a middle of a project in Kumasi and was wondering if you could link me to the company that did the flooring please

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you. The company is called Interface. They’re in Accra. Have a look at their website.

      Like

  18. Sekai Ndemanga Avatar
    Sekai Ndemanga

    Just watched your video on youtube, well done!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. You have motivated me 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Yaw Avatar
    Yaw

    Congrats on a beautiful project, Nana. You’ve inspired me to start mine. I have an acre in Aburi, incidentally not far from your location; I’m told just about 200 meters away. Your landscaping is spectacular, and I think you owe mum some $$ for her work. Btw, is she running horticulture consultancy service (LOL)?

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      I hope my mum never reads this comment. She will collect 🤣. Please give me a shout when next in Aburi. I’m making effort to know my neighbours.

      Like

  20. LT Kola Avatar
    LT Kola

    Like many who had written before me, I saw your story on youtube with Vanessa. I was impressed. I was captivated not only with what you were able to do with the construction of your house, but the way your humble spirit and down to earth disposition shined through the video presentation. I am scheduled to be in Ghana the second week of October and would like to chat if your schedule and time would permit. I would like to know if your architect is available for consultation and to learn more about your journey through the construction of your lovely house. Thanks for your generosity.

    Like

  21. LaSogasa Avatar
    LaSogasa

    Beautiful home Nana. I saw it on YouTube. Congratulations. How I love Ghana and its People !!!!. The vibe, the food, the markets and the hustling. We can swap. Can’t wait for this lockdown situation to end and I can spend time in Accra once again.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Maame Tweneboah Avatar
    Maame Tweneboah

    This is so beautiful and inspiring. Am so happy to have come across your blog Nana. I just purchased a land in Aburi. I wanted a place quiet nice and calm from the congestion of Accra and Kumasi. Somewhere l could live and enjoy life and all the natural greenery and my brother suggested Aburi. I wanted the north but he suggested Aburi as well. Am so glad you are enjoying the place. I can see that my kids n l will also be happy relocating over there as you seem to have similar wants/needs as me (regarding habitation, living organic…….) and you’ve been able to accomplish them in this project. Am super excited for you. Btw, l love the architecture too, will definitely reach out to Nadine. Enjoy my dear sis and future neighbour. Stay blessed and continue having fun at your new place till we come and join in the fun.😍😍😍

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      How exciting!! I look forward to having you as my Neighbour!!! Keep in touch please!

      Like

  23. Hannah Avatar

    Hi,

    It’s an absolute pleasure watching your story. Hoping you have many many happy years in your lovely home.
    I’m planning on visiting Ghana in December to check out land for building. Could you please provide details of TRUSTED real Estate Agents in your local area? Thanks in advance and blessings from the UK.

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Hi Hannah! Thanks for watching. I actually don’t know of agents. Finding land is very tricky in Ghana but it’s good you’re coming down to search for yourself. All the best.

      Like

  24. Matilda Aduam-Doberstein Avatar
    Matilda Aduam-Doberstein

    Hello Nana Adwoa,
    wishing you and your family a hapy new year. I am so inspired by the Youtube Video (Vanessa Kanbi) of your house in Aburi. May i know how big your Land/Plot is? I also have a Land in Aburi and plan to build soon. The Architect is amazing and not just some boring building. Exactly my Dreamhouse like Vanessa mentioned. And beside you are really a humble and nice person the way you portrait yourself in the video. Where in Aburi are you based? I am living in Hamburg, Germany and planning my moving to Ghana in some years.

    Greetings
    Matilda

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Aw thank you Matilda! Happy new year! The land size is one acre. All the best in building your dream home!

      Like

  25. Samuel ANdoh-Owusu Avatar
    Samuel ANdoh-Owusu

    Hello Nana Adwoa
    My Name is Samuel Andoh I am an architect and also a student at the Central University located at Miotso near Dawhenya. I am a subscriber of Vanessa Kanbi’s YouTube page and after watching the two videos about your house I am very happy as an architect because of the use of natural light in the building design, the use of the slope of the land to fit the design and the great use of spaces in terms of the rooms and garden area etc.
    I want to make a request (one I pray will be granted) if I could drive up to your place whenever your are available so I could see the place for myself and have a study on it.
    P.S. I speak French so I hope we get to speak our 2 by 4 French if and when we meet.
    thanks in advance.

    Like

  26. Dominion Avatar
    Dominion

    Hello Nana, how much did the plan of your house cost please?

    Thank you

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      In SA, architects will charge somewhere between 7-10% of the building cost.

      Like

  27. jackie horowitz Avatar
    jackie horowitz

    I just stumbled on your blog as I was searching building in Abrui, your house is wonderful. I am hoping you would share with me your house plans, your builder and etc. As I plan to begin my first build. I’m from New York, and would love to get what you process was like would you did right or wrong etc. I hope this email finds you please email me if you can thanking you in advance.

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Hello Jackie! Sure. Please send me an email and I will reply with the requested info. I must apologise that this comment got lost in spam and I’ve only just seen it 😦 Please do check my latest blog with info on how I built the home.

      Like

  28. Akua Avatar
    Akua

    I’m loving your entire blog, and of course your home is simply fabulous even more so that now its complete! You are inspiring!

    Like

    1. Nana Adowaa Avatar

      Thank you so much! I am planning for an updated blog as so much has changed in the house since I posted this.

      Like

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I’m the Afrooptmist (Nana)

Welcome to Blog, my cozy corner of the internet dedicated to all things African, Diasporan, Travel, Parenting, Career, personal and social development. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of Afro optimism and navigating a complex world as an African. Let’s talk about it!

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