references
V Visite privée Marrakech
Gad Elmaleh’s house
in Marrakech
LUXURY, TRANQUILLITY AND SOBRIETY FOR THIS CONTEMPORARY HOUSE BUILT IN BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE JUST HALF AN HOUR FROM THE BUSTLING MEDINA.
TEXT OLIVIA ROLAND
A comedian, actor and director born in Casablanca, eight years ago Gad Elmaleh bought a plot of land located on the road to Ourika, near Sidi Abdel Ghiat, about twenty kilometres south of Marrakech, to build his house on a small joint ownership property, which includes four other houses. In this beautiful countryside, which, in addition to peace and quiet, offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, the 600 m2 geometrical and minimalist construction on two floors, is a highly successful blend of European and Moroccan architecture. It is posed gracefully on a plot of 5 000 m2, in a garden also designed as a blend of Europe and Maghreb with its immaculate lawns, exotic species, cacti, lush palm trees, orange trees and scented lemon trees. It gives off a divine impression of harmony. The interior of the house is accessed through an imposing carved-wood door, a first homage to the talent of the Moroccan artisans, who, led by architect Raymond Morel and decorator Corinne Bensimon (for the guest house) helped to create a warm and elegant atmosphere. With Taza stone flooring, similar to marble, tadelakt walls, cedar panelled ceilings, the tone is set straight away: make room for easy living, with shades of beige and cream! The reception rooms are located to the right of the entrance. The large drawing room with a fireplace and high ceilings, decorated with Berber fabrics, rugs, ceiling lights and jewellery, opens onto a splendid dining room and its long dark wooden table. All around, patio-doors make it possible to enjoy the surrounding nature. Among the reception rooms, Gad Elmaleh wanted a Moroccan lounge, a cosy, blue room, with delightful orientalist painting on the wall, as well as a very light lounge-study, Which also has a fireplace. The kitchen which is accessed by a long corridor decorated with black and white photos is incredibly well
equipped. To the left of the entrance there are three bedrooms. Ultra-chic, equipped with immaculate heavy curtains and Moroccan furniture and ornaments here and there, they all have an en-suite bathroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom with its
20 Magazine Émile Garcin