The Design House

Rooms

Solidly built and full of designer pieces, The Design House's floor-to-ceiling whitewashed plaster work is accented exposed stone support arches and columns. Some display intricate symbols from the 1800s Portuguese colonial period, speaking of the building's long history.

There are 4 double bedrooms: one on the first floor with a private walk-in shower room and 2 on the second floor, which share a large shower bathroom. These upper rooms also have access to a pueblo-style terrace, complete with hammock, cactus and a rather ingenious bamboo-stick awning. At the very top, the fourth bedroom has sliding glass doors onto its own roof terrace.

The first-floor dining room opens off the all-mod-cons kitchen and afterwards, the cosy living area complete with stereo, WiFi and iPod dock is perfect for lounging. Along with the terraces, the ground floor has a quiet courtyard so there's plenty of space to chill.

All rooms have fireplaces and plug-in radiators ensuring the house is still cosy on chilly winter nights.

Features include:

• WiFi

Eating

The well-equipped kitchen is sleek and long, with a creamy tadelakt (polished plaster) worktop and open shelving. It’s crying out for would-be gourmets to try their hand at tagine and couscous suppers, and on-hand supplies include fruit, bottled water, tea, coffee, milk, oils, salt and pepper. Step through a white archway and dine at the striking ‘tulip’ table, then chill with postprandial tunes in the living room’s music area. In summer, it’s warm enough to have a mint tea on the roof terrace. During our spring visit we breakfasted al fresco every morning.

The house is close to some good bakeries and local fish and vegetable markets. If you tire of cooking, Emma's excellent cook/cleaner can prepare a scrumptious Moroccan meal in her home and deliver it to you - now that’s service! Wine and beer can also be ready chilled in the fridge for your arrival, just ask.

The only problem with dining out is the sheer choice: Essaouria is replete with restaurants and its proximity to the Atlantic means seafood lovers are especially indulged. Thankfully Emma knows just about everyone and is happy to provide recommendations and book tables if required.

Features include:

• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Kids' meals
• Meal delivery service
• Oven
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• The bustling fishing harbour is a delight to behold. Ask Emma about the best fish stall to go to for lunch - the fresh chermoulla grilled fish is sensational
  
• Head down to Essaouira's huge sandy beach (a 10-minute stroll from the house). It’s ideal for a long walk, though strong winds make it unsuitable for sunbathing. Luckily, the house's roof terrace is a fantastic suntrap
  
• Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular in summer (May-Sept); surfing is better in winter. Equipment can be hired
  
• Go shopping at the souks: friendlier, cheaper and often better quality than Marrakech
  
• Horse riding can be arranged from nearby stables, as can quad-biking and camel trekking in the sand dunes
  
• Unwind by experiencing a hammam, massage or facial in nearby Azur Spa
  
• Emma can book yoga and cookery lessons; just ask

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Hammam
• Horse riding
• Shopping / markets
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Windsurfing
• Yoga

Kids

Children are made very welcome, and this house works well for an extended family party or two families holidaying together. Kids under 4 stay for free!

Essaouira is a great destination for families with a fascinating souk, colourful port and long beaches. The Design House is centrally placed for easy access to all sights and it's only 10 minutes from the beach.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

All 4 bedrooms have double beds. The second-floor mezzanine room is best suited for children as its double bed is a little smaller than the others and parents can sleep on the same floor and share a bathroom.

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 15 minute drive
• Hospital: 5 minute walk
• Shops: 2 minute walk

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Design House is in the medina (old city) of Essaouira, on the west coast of Morocco.

By Air
Fly into Essaouira (20km / 20 minutes' drive) or, if you're combining your visit with other parts of Morocco, it may be easier to fly into Marrakech (175km / 2+ hours' drive). From Essaouira airport, it's easy to take a taxi to the medina.

By Car
You won't need to drive to get around Essaouira itself, but it's worth considering hiring a car if you're travelling from Marrakech or want explore the wider area during your stay.

By Bus from Marrakech
There are regular buses as well as a constant stream of grand taxis ploughing the route between Marrakech and Essaouira. We'd advise taking the Supratours bus from outside the train station in Gueliz. These are fast (2.5-3 hrs) and air-conditioned, but less frequent (only 2 per day).

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to Morocco and getting around