House Tour: Oliver’s Moroccan Riad

published Dec 11, 2008

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Name: Olivier Van Reeth
Occupation: M.D. specializing in Sleeping Disorders
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
Size: 3000 sq.ft.
Years lived in: 8, owned. This is his holiday home, he usually spends his time between Brussels and Rome

When Oliver visited Marrakech 8 years ago, he instantly fell in love with the city and its people. Back then, Morocco was unexplored by the masses and buying property as a foreigner almost unheard of. But when Oliver bumped into a long-lost friend in Marrakech, (who owned an estate agency) it seemed like fate!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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He viewed several Riads for sale, none of them were in a good state and beyond repair at first glance, but his adventurous spirit and love for the country inspired the unlikely purchase. It took 2 years of blood sweat and tears, but once you manage to find this Riad hidden in the maze of tiny alleys, you realize — it was worth every drop! He successfully created calm amongst the madness of the Medina. He wisely kept the original features and worked around the traditional layout, as a result the house is the perfect haven, the courtyard and splash pool brings escape from the blistering heat and the roof terrace the perfect setting for breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. The traditional key-hole doors beautiful frames the uncluttered walls and adds a sense of mystery to every room. For the last 6 years , this have been Oliver’s home away from home, but recently he decided to turn his hard work into a B&B while he explores the rest of the magical country.

AT Survey:

My/Our Style: Free mind, Non-Classical

Inspiration: The local markets

Favorite Element: The location

Biggest Challenge: The house was very run-down when I bought it

What Friends Say: Lively, Creative

Biggest Embarrassment: None

Proudest DIY: Everything is a DIY project in Morocco

Biggest Indulgence: Having a home in Marrakech

Favorite Sources: Local markets

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources:

Everything in the house was bought in the local markets in the Medina.

Den/Living room:I worked with the indirect lighting & made it colorful and cosy. Everything are from the local markets.

Bedroom:I aimed to keep the sober light large space, enhanced the space with local artwork and furniture

Kitchen and dining/sitting room:A big traditional kitchen, “beldi” style. Everything I found in the markets

Thanks, Oliver!