another riad, friends and even cheaper flights

Grrrrr, Ryanair announce 25% off flights if booked within the next 24hrs, just a week after I booked for January.  Oh, well the flights were only £14.99 each way and it has meant that our friends Sam (www.sparrowandco.com) and Laura have taken advantage of the offer to come with us, yeh!

Grant emailed details of the above riad, in Douar Graoua, this time titled and 130sqm plot size, four sided, with a wonderful 10/12m street facade.  It has a generous courtyard, but only one floor, so looks likely to be a demolish and rebuild job in order to create the necessary stability to add a first floor and terrace above.  However, for the price it is, that seems like a very attractive option.   The long street facade would give the option for external windows to open up the house (which is not all that common) and allow us to transform the riad into a more open, light property with external light sources.  The car access at the end of the derb is convenient, as can be seen in the last photo.  The house is well below the derb so you would rebuild the house above the derb, with higher rooms and two proper floors.  The level of the new terrace would then be above the neighbours.

Hoping its still available when we get there in December.  Only 6 weeks to go!

birthday treat

Grant thinks he has a better Riad for us to look at in Douar Graoua, its titled and 130sqm for 850,000dhm.  Sounds too good not to investigate.

Booked to go back to Marrakech in January for a week for my birthday...well, the flights are only £14.99 each way (plus taxes, admin charges, baggage - but still cheap!)

Progress is slow...but its still progress!

The owner of the riad we like still doesn't appear able to clarify whether it is titled or not, despite owning it for 2 years.  Sounds like its not titled!  Notwithstanding this, he's trying to put me under pressure to make an offer, having bought it at the peak of the market and not sorted the title, he still thinks he can find a mug to buy it for a premium when the market has dropped 30%.  Well, at least he's an optimist!

Spoke to Grant again today on Skype, who has confirmed my fears and given me confidence that we can get more for our money elsewhere.  The search continues.

Emailed Simon at Riad Laksiba, who responded very helpfully and having worked with Grant to find and renovate Riad Laksiba, is very happy to recommend him.  Looks like we might be staying there in December!

House Hunters International MARRAKECH Part 2 of 2

House Hunters International MARRAKECH Part1 of 2

Morocco TV Advert

The Yellow Riad (AKA the rabbit house)

This 140sqm plot riad is located in Zauoia and is built of brick, so relatively solid.  Nice 1st floor balconies, but ground floor rooms very compromised and difficult to see how they could be opened up.  However, nice features like the doors and cedar ceilings.  A decent size for the money, with loads of potential for renovation without being a knock down and rebuilt proposition.  Although a roof terrace could be easily created and there are even existing stairs, the surroundings are very open and difficult t create any privacy, plus the derelict riad next door, shared entrance and general surrounding area were not to our liking.