Marrakech Riad This traditional riad requires modernisation, but is far from being a ruin, and has great potential as a spacious letting property or guest house. The 200m² living space is arranged over two floors, and is topped by a roof terrace with panoramic views over the Bab Doukkala area of the medina. This is conveniently close to both the Djemaa el Fnaa square and the modern quarter of the city - an important factor for potential visitors. The ground floor retains the original blue and white tiling or zelliges, with a large central courtyard surrounded on four sides. Moroccan tiling always has geometric shapes to form patterns of triangles, stars, flowers, squares and crescents, and production has changed little over the centuries. Faded tiles such as these indicate their originality, and they are often retained as a character feature. The ground floor has two salons, a kitchen, bedroom and WC. The first floor presently comprises four bedrooms and another kitchen. This would be best transformed into bedrooms with en suite facilities. Riad accommodation is always highly sought after in Marrakech, being the best way to sample the real Moroccan way of life. The inner courtyard often features a fountain and lemon trees to create a shady retreat from the heat and dust of the teeming souks of the medina, and meals can be taken here, or on the roof terrace, which becomes an extension of the house, with seating areas, and pagodas set out amongst exotic plants and flowers. Renovation can be organised by our local colleagues, who have access to architects, specialist builders and artisans. As a rule of thumb, if the property is very decrepit you will generally pay the same to renovate as you did to buy. However, in this case one could reckon on a slightly lower budget.