Marrakesh, jewel of the south, one of the four imperial cities of Morocco situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. A vibrant and exotic city with faded rose tinted buildings of local earth. Djema El Fna is a huge market square which comes alive at sunset with musicians, food vendors, snake charmers and storytellers. A magical mystery delight.
Riyad Edward is situated in the Zaouia quarter of the Medina, north of Marrakech's main square, the Djema el Fna. The entrance to the house is by a typical Medina alley which contrasts strikingly with the interior of the house.
The terraces and interiors have been lovingly and authentically restored from former neglect using tadillac, a marble type material unique to Morocco. A grand entrance leads into a pretty courtyard dominated by a tall cypress tree that was planted over 100 years ago. A swimming pool (7m x 3m) runs between the courtyards' central arches. Traditional Moroccan doors open onto the courtyard leading to a large sitting room and dining room and the master bedroom and bathroom. . A strong Moroccan influence runs throughout the property with stunning tile-work, carved cedar ceilings and doors, and various local artefacts and rugs scattered around the rooms.
This house sleeps a maximum of 12 with seating in the dining room for 24. The first floor contains the remaining 5 bedrooms, 4 ensuite bathrooms and two large terraces. The Douriya Suite comprises 2 of the bedrooms (one blue, one striped décor), with bathrooms and a sitting room with a spectacular ceiling.
The top floor terraces boast magnificent views of the town, the Mosques and the distant snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Ground Floor:
Grand entrance leads to courtyard with dining room, fireplace, double bedroom with four-poster double bed (bedroom 1) and bathroom with bath, shower, and fireplace. Swimming pool, Hammam Kitchen, private staircase to bedroom 4.
First Floor:
2 large terraces, the Douriya Suite with sitting room, fireplace and 2 bedrooms each with a double four-poster bed and ensuite bathroom. Bedroom 4 and 5 (four-poster) also with an ensuite bathroom and double bed and bedroom 6 with twin beds opposite a bathroom.
Second Floor:
Panoramic views from the terraces with Moroccan style sofas, tables and chairs.
Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with cooker, freezer, fridge, oven and washing machine. There is satellite or cable TV as well as a CD player and radio. Telephone and fax are provided. In the garden there is barbeque and garden furniture. The house comes with a daily maid service, linen, towels and sauna.
Efta, the guardian, runs the house and there is a cook and maid. Efta can arrange lunch and dinner as well as providing help with transport in Marrakech and for excursions outside Marrakech. There is a modern health spa located 5 minutes by taxi from the house. A telephone line is installed and there is a fax machine.
