Villa Qissi

Description

In the 11th century, in the north of the town that is poetically named the “Ochre City”, on the banks of the Tensift wadi, the Almoravids established an immense garden oasis, intended to grow dates, olive oil and other North African delights. Maintained with love by the people of Marrakesh for almost a century, the palm grove now has more than 100,000 fruit trees, its varieties stretching over 13,000 hectares and sheltering a few privileged homes in its enchanting surroundings.

A house, or rather palace, that makes an architectural masterpiece in a Moorish yet also contemporary style. The rammed earth construction material of the building gives a natural and authentic look, proudly exhibited with the large ribbed Andalusian vault openings and evoking images of a sultan’s home. In the evening, a designed game of the lights illuminate its volumes and reveals an absolutely magical appearance.

Behind the large entrance door, bordered by a small pond that goes by the house, guests are welcomed by a small, pure-white marble fountain and a variation of modern Moorish motifs that are spread across the hall. Behind wooden lattice walls, the living room is revealed, where large adjustable cushions create a modern ambiance but respect the tradition of a Moroccan living room, favouring conversations around the table with tea. The living room and the adjoining dining room are illuminated by the large windows that lead onto the immense garden.

The six bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, enjoy splendid views of the garden and swimming pool, or the south side of the Atlas Mountains at the back of the home. Each room creates its own particular universe and a variation of motifs and Andalusian art tiling. Under a sculpted dome on the ceiling, one of them offers a 180° panoramic view thanks to its circular bay window. Apart from the bathrooms, the villa also proposes a treatment area complete with a Hamman and massage room.