Fès: Dar Seffarine (Guesthouse)

0.3 business

Address: 14 derb sbaâ louyati, Fès el-bali , Fès , Morocco
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Telephone	035 635205
Email	info@darseffarine.com
Website	www.darseffarine.com

Lonely Planet review

Tucked behind the Kairaouine Mosque and University is the most stunning riad (traditional townhouse) in Fès. Like a catwalk model, it has impeccable bone structure. Unlike a model, it also has soaring columns, original painted ceilings and a trim of faintly painted stucco topped by bands of rich, dark cedarwood.

Kate and Alaâ have stripped everything back to its original beauty. Whole antique-tiled floors have been raised to insert structural beams and then replaced so carefully that there isn't a hair (or tile) out of place. Their faithfulness to the original is evident everywhere - no superfluous flourishes, just a few enviable antiques, simple white linens and embroidered hendiras (shawls) and haiks (traditional outer garments). The south-facing massriya (guest apartment) with its tiny koubba (domed ceiling) was a total ruin when they started and is now possibly the loveliest suite in Fès. Kate and Alaâ are engaging hosts and foster a sociable, communal atmosphere in the house. The kitchen is open to guests, and meals are taken together. In future they hope to host artisan workshops here.