Kenya's most famous spymaster, James Kanyotu, was a highly secretive man but his wealth was just too much to be kept under wraps.

Following his death in 2008, a long protracted battle over his vast properties by family members opened them up to public scrutiny.

The late Kanyotu was once described by the Daily Nation as a shadowy, private man who shunned publicity until he was unmasked at the inquiry into the country’s worst financial rip-off — the Goldenberg scandal.

It was during these court cases that the public was made aware of the fact that one of the spy master's most lucrative pieces of real estate was a palatial home located in Tigoni, Kiambu county.

Registered under Kawakanja Limited, Kanyotu's house (currently Sovereign suites) stood out not only due to its sheer size, but the level of opulence on display.

Little is known about the history of the palatial house, but it is believed that the former head of intelligence came to own it when the original white settler owner was forced to repatriate after Kenya attained independence.

Its interior design, as well as layout, remained a closely guarded secret up until Kanyotu's death, after which it was soon converted to Sovereign Suites, an exclusive members’ country club.

Sitting on six acres of prime property, Kanyotu's house has been used on numerous occasions by celebrities for exclusive video shoots and other private undertakings.

It has 14 unique suites that ensure that each guest was able to enjoy personalized service during visits.

Surrounded by exotic flower farms in the tropical Tigoni climate, the spy chief's mansion was a cut above the rest, equipped with all the extras that define a luxurious house, from whirlpools to private steam rooms.

Here are a few more photos of the former spy master's Tigoni house: