In Marrakech, This $4 Million Riad Blends Traditional Architecture With Bold Style
In the beguiling heart of Marrakech, Morocco’s ancient Red City, a captivating riad on the market for €3.7 million—a bit more than $4 million—blends historic architecture with modern comforts, bold style, and contemporary artworks.
Like most traditional riads, the sprawling compound offers little exterior ornamentation and few exterior windows, which enhances the sense of seclusion and cuts down on street noise, while the elaborately embellished interiors are oriented inward around a series of courtyards.
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Beyond the wooden entrance doors, the soaring archways, towering pillars, and vibrant patterned tilework, known as zellige, are all emblematic of Moorish architecture. There are numerous fountains, which help to cool the hot North African heat; arcades lined with sculpted stucco arches and intricately carved wooden railings; and a breathtaking variety of painted and carved wood accents.
Comprising three adjoining riads that sprawl over more than a third of an acre, there are 15 air-conditioned bedrooms and 15 up-to-date bathrooms throughout almost 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space.
Surrounding the courtyards, one of which has a green and white checkerboard tile path that cuts through lush plantings, are intimate sitting rooms, one of them protected from the elements by a sheet of glass, and airy dining spots tucked into soaring loggias.
On the upper levels, the bedrooms are awash in sumptuous fabrics, glamorous light fixtures, and a kaleidoscope of rich colors, one in plum, another in mustard, and a third in sapphire. Brightly colored zellige tiles are featured prominently in many of the lavish bathrooms, including one with hand-plastered tangerine walls and great slabs of flannel-grey marble.
One of the riads is given over to a sheltered swimming pool and serene gardens that provide a perfect spot to escape the daytime heat, while the sprawling rooftop terraces, with views over the medina, are perfect for catching evening breezes.
The property, known as Riad Haldimann, is authorized to operate as a guesthouse—a sort of boutique hotel with private bedrooms and shared common spaces—but would also work well as a spacious full-time family compound or vacation getaway capable of comfortably accommodating more than two dozen guests.
Axel de Sambucy at Morocco Sotheby’s International Realty is handling the listing.
Click here for all the photos of Riad Haldimann.
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