Riad in Marrakech for sale
 Riad
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This magnificent Riad was occupied
until 2007 by generations of the large Laksour family. Brothers, sisters,
uncles and aunts - all resided in more-or-less harmony in the various
‘suites on three floors, all located round a large central courtyard’
(= the definition of a Riad). Mother (by now great-great Grandmother)
still supervised the cooking of copious meals and presided over the large
family gatherings at meal times. As the years went by and a new generation
of brides came into the family with dreams of more independence, some
began to move out to modern apartments elsewhere in the city. Riad El
Jadida no longer hummed with the daily activity of the traditional Moroccan
family and the difficult decision was made that the last two remaining
families would also move, taking Mother to live in her own apartment in
the same building.
It was the end of an era.
--- Riad in Marrakech for sale ---
The building was bought by two young, foreign entrepreneurs who had every intention of upgrading/modernizing it, both to live in themselves as well as to run it as a Guest House – space enough with its 27 rooms with individual entrances! They spent three years getting all the details of the paperwork in order - a frustrating, thankless but vital task which will be of great benefit to future owners who can make plans for renovation without further delay. However, to quote John Lennon, ‘life is what happens to you when you are making other plans’ and changed family circumstances oblige the owners to re-think their life-plans and it is therefore with genuine, heartfelt regret that they have decided to sell Riad El Jadida.
--- Riad in Marrakech for sale ---
Riad El Jadida is in a unique location, only a few minutes walk away from the world-famous square, Jemma El Fna. This square teems with life at all times and at night it is a myriad of lights strung over the sixty or so tables, the enticing smells of spices wafting through the air and the fresh fish grilled in front of you. Long, communal tables ensure an air of conviviality. Story tellers and snake charmers abound and the air throbs with the beat of the drummers.
However, enter Riad El Jadida and you enter an oasis of peace and quiet. From the third floor the view over the square is superb. Declared a Unesco Heritage sight in ….. this view will not change. The smoke and smells from the cooking always waft in the other direction. From the roof terrace you look directly across to the famous Koutoubia Mosque and in the distance you see the snow covered peaks of the High Atlas mountains – truly unique and every travellers’ dream!
Riad El Jadida is located at the end of an alleyway (Derb El Jadida) so there are no casual passers-by (or tourists) and with the addition of romantic lighting and plants this would become a much sought-after ‘public secret’.
--- Riad in Marrakech for sale ---
The present 27 rooms are a myriad of multi-coloured tiles. The traditional balconies and stucco work are pleasing to the eye and there are many original features (ceilings etc.).
Everywhere light streams in from the large, open courtyard. The whole has a ‘peaceful’ feel. Many of the rooms have obviously been sub-divided by walls to accommodate growing families – remove some of these wall and suites of generous proportions would be created. This building is an architects/interior designers’ dream and would lend itself to (large) family use or conversion into a Guest House with ample space for kitchens and staff quarters, and/or for owners living in.
--- Riad in Marrakech for sale ---
The ideas of the present owners were in a developed stage and it is with real regret that they have had to make other life decisions. Not every dream can come to fulfilment!
| Price |
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| · Asking price | 968.000 € |
| Quick
Facts |
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| · Location and views | prime location |
| · Bedrooms: | 27 |
| · Size: | 250 sqmground floor,total 850 sqm. |
| · Type: | Riad |
| · Views: | Impressive attic with 360º views; direct views of 'El Fna' without any disturbing noises |
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| Photos |
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One
of the owners - Paul - in the central patio |
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The
world-famous square, Jemma El Fna |
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In the distance the snow covered peaks of the High Atlas mountains |
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The
traditional balconies and stucco work are pleasing to the eye |
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Everywhere
light streams in from the large, open courtyard. |
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This building is an architects/interior designers’ dream |
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| Next
step? |
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