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Located in the heart of the medieval, UNESO-protected medina of Fez, Riad Numéro 9 is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Its owner, a creative director for a large luxury group, carefully restored the property using only traditional methods over a three-year period. The decoration of this richly embellished space makes it a true one-off: Asian, French and English antiques harmoniously cohabit, amplifying an ambiance of subdued luxury and charm. Each space has been carefully thought out to maintain quiet, relaxing areas that allow one to "escape". The property features two ground floor "salons", a Japanese sunken dining area in the central courtyard, a panoramic terrace with complete kitchen, and individual bedrooms where one can lounge or dine.
Ground Floor
Riad Numéro 9 is a fine example of classical Moroccan architecture. What sets the property apart is the amount and quality of the embellishment which one would normally find in a much grander and sizably larger property. Apparently the property was built by a rich merchant as a guesthouse. The fine finishing was surely meant to express the gentleman’s status and success as well as impress!
The three-storey house is set up around a central courtyard, which has a telescopic sliding glass roof, which may be opened/closed from the panoramic roof terrasse. All bed and bathrooms look onto this inner courtyard rather than the street giving a sense of privacy, intimacy and mystery.
The ground floor is the largest in the house and is made up of an entryway with hand-painted ceilings. The courtyard features a Japanese-style sunken dining table that can seat 8, and a mosaic-tiled fountain which required some ingenuity to restore! The sound system is also housed in one of the integrated cabinets here, allowing for the best acoustics.
Ground Floor Cucina
The ground floor also houses the kitchen, a hybrid of French 1940s cabinetry and Moroccan tiling. It’s fully equipped with juicer, oven, microwave…and a large selection of vintage crystal, linens and silver. Above all, it’s a pleasant space to prepare and savour local offerings.
Top Floor Terrace
The view from the terrasse has to be one of the best in the medina and was the decisive element which persuaded the current owner to purchase the property. The panoramic view includes the medina itself. Beyond the medina one sees ancient Roman ruins and beyond that, the Atlas mountain range. The entire space has been tiled with large built-in sofas, benches, tables…and separated into two areas: one open and the other with awning to provide shade. The terrasse features a built-in traditional Morocian Bar-B-Q and complete kitchen as well as toilet facilities.
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The downstairs lounging area has a sofa, which can double as a single bed (this is the ideal space for a couple with young child) and is a pleasant place to relax, read.
One of two upstairs bedrooms features a double bed that is masked by a 'moucharabie' screen, which acts as a room divider. The bathroom, although not attached, is the largest in the house, with polished plaster walls, huge shower area, closets.
The second upstairs bedroom, with bathroom, is reached through sliding doors. Architectural interest comes from the fact that the space is on two levels with steps leading into the sleeping area. The French Empire-style secretary is a good place for writing. The room also has comfortable seating to read, lounge, diner.
Top Floor Bedrooms
The master suite is, in fact, the two rooms which make up the top floor. One is a bedroom with dining area; the other contains a very generous bath area in addition to a reading/lounging space. As the owner's family gathered here and received guests in the winter months, the space is finely decorated. One of the most spectacular details of the property is the minutely hand-painted ceilings, which are the most finely executed in the house. The five-meter ceiling height makes them all the more dramatic. Furnishings here are also highly original and range from pony-upholstered Louis XV chairs, Asian antiques, Oceanic bark paintings to Art Deco bathroom fixtures and barber chairs.
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