Fes Restoration

Photos by Suzanna Clarke.

Thanks to Suzanna Clarke for the photos.

Suzanna has written a book

called 'A House in Fez' documenting the

restoration. The book includes more

than 60 pages of photos.

Pictures coming soon

Examples of our projects in the medina

Working with a team of local artisans and experts we have overseen and managed several restoration projects in the Fez medina. Our restoration work is regarded by many to be in the top echelon of quality and attention to detail throughout Fes.

Below are some examples of some completed projects and renovations in progress:

Completed Projects

Dar Settash

FOR SALE - Contact us for details

Dar Settash is a medium sized dar with lots of intricate and original decorative features including fine zelij (mosaic), carved plaster and painted wood.

The restoration of these features required a lot of fine detailed work.  The installation of modern electricity and plumbing was also made all the more difficult because we chose to be considerate to the original decorative elements.

"The project (Dar Settash) is a very ambitious one...It looks very impressive.  They have breathed life back into a beautiful building.  You have to take your hat off to what they have achieved" - Sarah Beeney speaking on Ch 4's 'One Year to Pay off the Mortgage'

"Each room feels light and colourful. The terrace at the top is the crowning glory" - The Times

"There’s no doubt that Jonathan and Jenny’s care and attention to detail has paid off ...this is a superb piece of work" - Ch 4 Homes

The house was restored using local craftsmen and like-for-like materials. Dar Settash now runs as a small guest house.

Riad Zany

Riad Zany is a beautiful small riad situated in L'ayounne.

Although the riad is filled with original zelij, plaster and woodwork the house was in a neglected state. Many of the decorative elements had deteriorated or had been broken. The riad was also suffering from a damp problem.

We set up Sandy and Suzanna with a team of craftsmen and provided consultancy during the major parts of the restoration.

"He (Jon) has been invaluable in helping us find our great team of workers and babysitting the project" - Sandy McCutcheon, The View From Fes

Working with local architects, experts and artisans Riad Zany has been restored to a very high standard with a practical yet stylish finish.

"A local and well respected architect observed: 'Very few restorations in the Medina manage to produce a result which so faithfully retains the spirit of such an ancient building.' " -  The View From Fez

Riad Zany is the home of The View From Fez and often holds evenings of traditional Moroccan music for locals and foreigners.

Dar Rouah

FOR SALE - Contact us for details

Dar Rouah is a small traditional house situated in the heart of the Fez medina. It has many decorative elements most of which were hidden behind layers of plaster, paint and even wall-paper. We have been meticulously restoring this house for the past six months.

The house was initially in poor condition with many cracks in the masonry work and rotten wood. This has all been restored using materials true to the time.

Simultaneously we have installed modern luxuries and restored much of the original decorative elements.

We hope the house can be an inspiration to other renovators and show them that good work can be achieved using traditional materials and some imagination.

Dar Rouah is now completed and is for sale! Contact us for details.

Tiriyana

Tiriyana is a small traditional masion close to the Bouinania medersa. The house has an ancient mashrabiya (wooden lattice work) balcony and lots of charm.

We have provided the client with a supervisor and several artisans. Acting as project managers we liaise between the craftsmen and the client and also advise on materials, styles and costs.

"Using your services has already saved me thousands of pounds from my restoration"

"Thanks again for your help, it is a great bonus for me to have this service. It certainly keeps my stress levels down" - Steve Peterson, Market Harborough.

The renovation is now complete.

Current Projects

Derb Kettana

Derb Kettana is a small courtyard house in the centre of the Fes medina. Handed over to us in a state of disrepair the house is being transformed back to its former glory whilst retaining all of its original features.

Charablienne

Charablienne is a small and ancient courtyard house in the centre of the Fes medina. It has many original decorative features. Because of its age the house was in poor condition, much of the woodwork needed to be restored and cracks in the mortar repaired.

Working with local contractors the house is slowly being brought back to its former glory.

We provide consultancy on materials, design and building techniques as well as acting as a liaison between the contractor and client.

"Working with Jenny and Jon has given us the confidence to fulfill our dream of owning a house in Fes despite work commitments.  Jenny and Jon have already made a positive contribution by ensuring that our restoration is executed according to our wishes of high quality and traditional methods. They have also saved us expenditure by limiting unnecessary work." - Mark Cripsey, London.

We expect the restoration to be complete in early 2008.

Derb el Menia

Derb el Menia is an interesting house conveniently located near Talaa K'bira. It has many beautiful architectural features including carved plaster, Moroccan mosaic and decorative wood. The riad is in relatively good condition and the majority of the work involved includes fixing minor structural problems, water-proofing the terrace and installing kitchens and bathrooms as well as modernized electricity and plumbing infrastructures.

Working with a local Moroccan contractor we act as a liaison between the clients and the contractor as well as proving design and advice for the project.

We expect the house to be completed in 2008.