Nestling down a quiet alleyway within the walls of the medina, two minutes walk from the bustling souks, outdoor cafes and candlelit restaurants, and just seven minutes from the beach, Dar Ettouahen, the 'Mill House', can be found. Cosy enough for two, but well-equipped and spacious enough for a whole family or group of friends, Dar Ettouahen is an elegant, light and airy riad, with traditional stone arches, tadelakt (marble-dust walled) bathrooms, tiled floors, high thuya wood ceilings and a open log fireplace. On the roof is a large sheltered terrace with views over the medina, and from a second smaller upper terrace, you can look out to the sea and watch the waves crashing on the rocks below.

 

Essaouira is a small historic fishing port on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, renowned for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, souks stuffed full of local art and craftwork as well as local produce, its long sandy beach and its well-preserved old walled medina, named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2001. The weather is temperate and warm year-round and the bracing sea winds make it an attractive spot for windsurfing. The beach is also home to daily local football and basket ball games and at the south end are the ruins of Borj el-Berod, mythically said to have been the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Castles made of sand’. The old medina ramparts are a great spot to watch the waves crashing onto the rocks as the sun goes down over the ‘Ile de Mogador’, a group of tiny islands which offer sanctuary to Eleanora’s falcons. Inside the medina, the narrow streets (from which cars are banned), are filled with bustling fish, spice, vegetable and pottery markets, art galleries exhibiting work of local artists, souks selling carpets, ironwork and local thuya wood craftware and children playing. Stop and stare in one of the local cafes or patisseries, selling strong coffee, Moroccan mint tea and freshly squeezed orange juice. Evenings are happily wiled away in one of the numerous restaurants, steeped in atmosphere and warmth, which serve traditional Moroccan fare: tagines, couscous and Moroccan and French wine.

 

Breakfast can be provided if you would like (at about £1 per person), including, fresh baguettes, Moroccan crepes, tea and coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Khadisha, our lovely housekeeper, can also offer traditional Moroccan home-cooked meals so you can eat at home (at about £5 per person). You will find a menu in the house.

During your stay, you will be looked after by Noureddine, our local house caretaker, who can offer all kinds of help and advice about things to do and local facilities.

Noureddine can also help you with transport arrangements, and can organise a taxi to pick you up from Marrakech or Agadir airport (about £40 for the two and half hour journey).  

The house comprises 4 bedrooms in total; 3 double, 1 twin and 1 cots. The property also has 3 single sofa beds located in the living room and TV area. This gives room for up to 10 people. Bed linen and towels are provided for your use.

The house has 2 bathrooms and 2 WCs for your party's use.

The house has television dvd. The music system will play cassettes, cds, radio. If you need to keep in contact there is a telephone for incoming and outgoing calls.

There is room for 10 in the living room and 8 in the dining room. The open fire can be used to create a comfortable atmosphere. To prepare food you will find a cooker, an oven, a fridge, a kettle. You will also find a washing machine, a clothes drier, an iron and ironing board. The owner has also provided cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils.

This is a non-smoking house

Pets are not welcome 

Not suitable for wheelchairs 

The house is in a quiet area but you may hear occasional noise. It has a west facing patio area, sea views, panoramic views.

The house is right beside historic sites.

Close to the house you will find a beach, swimming, wind surfing, fishing, walking, tennis, a museum, shopping areas, a restaurant, a food shop.

Within easy reach of the house you will find horse riding.

Sea kayaking, kite-surfing, surfing, quad biking, camel-riding, hammams

Fishing port, old walled medina (UNESCO world heritage sight), souks (traditional markets)

The house is....

180 km from Marrakech airport.

Any day of the week.

Any day of the week.

3 days.

12 PM

11 AM

Jackie says: "The property was huge, well equipped and having a cook on call was a great luxury. Thanks for everything. - PS, I didnt read the guide in time and got ripped off by the fish market. Be warned!"

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