An architect-designed medina house in Essaouira’s historic Mellah with five impeccably finished bedrooms, swish contemporary bathrooms, a large loft-style living area and a cool, creative, sociable vibe.
In the Mellah, Essouira’s old Jewish Quarter. While this is a little off the beaten track for Essaouira, it does immerse you in a thoroughly original corner of the old city, and nothing is more than 10 minutes walk away. The easiest access is from Bab Moulay Mohammed, to the right of Bab Marrakech.
Originally designed as a home for architect Edoardo Miotti and his partner Silvia, this dar (old city house) is exceptionally stylish, well planned and finished. Downstairs an open-plan living/dining room and kitchen create a sense of loft living. Light filters down the central atrium and there’s a small, enclosed patio garden, with everything furnished in an easyly contemporary fashion – the huge Dolce Vita poster in the kitchen a giveaway of Edoardo’s Italian roots. It’s both comfortable and cool, which is why it attracts so many creatives.
True to their original house, Edoardo, Silvia, Said and Warfa won’t promise you the earth. This is a house, not a fully fledged hotel. That said they will give you some very good advice on where to go and what to do. They’ll help organise trips, spa treatments, kite surfing and cooking classes, and they’ll knock up some nice subtle snacks and suppers to scoff on the sunny roof terrace or around the communal table. And, if everyone’s up for it you can share with your fellow guests in what feels like a mini house party.
A sinuous tadelakt staircase with echoes of adobe architecture leads you to five first- and second-floor bedrooms arranged around the atrium. Each is unique in shape and style and named, jokingly, after ex-girlfriends (the Blonde, Brunette etc). Furnishings are fairly minimal and carefully chosen – one bedroom has a huge carved bed, another an ornate wardrobe and a gentle cow-hide rug.
Bathrooms have a ssubtle Japanese aesthetic, with sliding doors, ceramic basins and woven baskets full of rolled up towels. Some have large tubs, others generous walk-in showers. But don’t think its all style over substance. An architect lives here! So, walls are double insulated, rooms are fitted with radiators, the finish on the tadelakt is faultless and there’s a powerful rooftop water pump to guarantee the perfect shower.
Warfa prepares a delightful breakfast of pancakes, homemade jams, fresh juice, yoghurt and omelette, which is laid out at a long table until 11am. She’s also happy to provide subtle lunches and Moroccan-style dinners. If Edoardo’s around, there’s also the possibility of a very tasty Italian dinner. That said, many people who stay here prefer to eat out at one of the very good recommendations offered.
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