house, Hiking, Mountain, Shops, Top Floor, Storage, balcony, terrace, Attic, Courtyard, fireplace, Roof Terrace, Views, air conditioning, Cooker, Fridge, microwave, Shower, Television, Toilet, Washing Machine
This is a delightful dar (small riad) is in the old quarter of Marrakech. A dar is effectively a quarter size of the classic riad; so compact yet with a lovely sense of space and ideal as a pied a terre. Barely three minutes walk from the DJmaa el Fna square and Cafe de France, the established rendez-vous for all locals.
Walking in there is a short light passage, with a guest toilet immediately on the right; then it all opens out to a charming little courtyard open to the sky with a eucalyptus tree in the centre and a small fountain set in Moroccan tiling on the large blank wall. Overhead is a large Moroccan perforated metal lantern hanging centrally for an evening atmosphere.
Off the courtyard is the well tiled easy to use kitchen with a good modern gas cooker, double sink with monobloc tap, microwave, fridge freezer, washing machine and plenty of storage along with all the basic kitchen equipment and plates cup &c necessary. There is also a day room (good for a cool siesta) with a single bed, shelves for display or books, and an attractive ceiling. Both rooms have windows onto the courtyard and so are bright and light during the day.
Looking up there is a lovely dog-leg balcony accessible on climbing the stairs one uses to get to either of the double bedrooms; both have double beds, hanging cupboards, wall panel heating and ceiling fans; off both is a compact and fully stone tiled bathroom with a modern basin with monoboc, shower, toilet and heated towel rail. The doors are glass and both have small windows, so there is plenty of light.
Between the two bedrooms another stairway leads up to the top floor. Going left takes you into an ante room with a glazed roof lantern, so again very light; here there is a drinks fridge and small basin on a tied shelf with a toaster and kettle for upstairs dining needs. This area leads to an attractive sitting room with two sofas, pretty curtains to attractive curved topped windows and a fireplace. There is a TV with Sky box (dish on the top terrace) and air conditioning.
Outside is a roof terrace with large tiled dog-legged bench. Large fitted cushions, cane chairs, a small table and sun umbrella make this a delightful place for entertaining, as well as breakfast, which Naima, the lovely housekeeper (who lives 10 paces around the corner) lays up daily, (including fresh croissants the exquisite local fresh orange juice, coffee and anything else you ask her to provide).
A small metal staircase takes you up to the upper roof terrace from where there is a wonderful view of the magnificent Koutoubia minaret, (the 1000 year old landmark of Marrakech, floodlit at night), and then there is also the spectacular backdrop of the Great Altas mountains, especially in the spring when still snow capped.
The house comes with all furniture, rugs, wall hangings, books, kitchen equipment and any drink left in the fridge! The housekeeper Naima does an amazing job and we strongly urge any purchaser to keep her on. The property was entirely repainted two years ago and is in general good shape. Although only a basic holiday home for the present owner it would be extremely easy to enhance the comfort and decorations at no great expense, with all Marrakech has to offer with its vast Souk and also chic shops in the French Quarter of Gueliz.
The estimated approximate dimensions of the property are as follows ...
The overall footprint - 100m2 (10m x 10m)
The courtyard - 25m2
Hall - 4m x 2.5m
Guest toilet - 1.5m x 1m
Kitchen - 5m x 2m
Day room - 5m x 3m
First bedroom - 3m x 2.5m
Connecting bathroom - 2.5m x 1.5m
Second bedroom - 5m x 2.5m
Connecting bathroom - 2.5m x 2m
Anteroom (top floor) - 4m x 2.5m
Sitting room - 5m x 3m
Lower terrace - 5m x 4m
Upper terrace - 4m x 4m