Apartment Furniture

Within hours of getting the keys the furniture arrives...

Keys to Apartments

I had been delaying final completion on the apartments pending completion of the pool, spa and restaurant. The whole complex should have been completed in Deember, 2008.

I did complete today and now have the keys. I think the other facilities will soon be ready.

I spent a couple of hours with the Notaire signing docs, etc.. The total cost of Notaires fees, property taxes, stamp duty, translators fee worked out at 4.62% of the property purchase price.




Indoor pool with wave machine.

Land Rover - Update

Went to Casablanca this week just to deliver the original Bill of Lading to the shipping company. It's a 4-hour round trip on a very good and new highway. The sealed container is now being transferred to Marrakech and is expected to arrive today. This is where taxes and duties are payable.

Once cleared we then need to register the vehicle and get our Moroccan number plates.

Fortunately, I have extremely capable people in Marrakech assiting with the import process. Everything appears to be progressing well and I am hoping to have the Land Rover in my possession early next week.

Fountain

The fountain made from Tazza stone was delivered and installed today.

Gardens at the Apartments

The gardens at the apartments are being well tended and look fabulous.

Zagora Pots

Bought these pots locally but they originate from Zagora near the Sahara Desert.

Palm Tree Problems

During the course of the night, three palm trees had fallen. They don't have much of a root and need to be well supported with posts.



These workers attempted to raise one.....


...but gave up without success.

Curtains

Abdellatif came today to measure the apartments and house for curtains and poles. He will also reupholster some furniture and make some poufs from old carpets.

Warda - Maison Personnel

This is the maison personnel. Big enough for 4 members of staff. The door and windows face west and and do not overlook the main house.

Lanterns

Cedar Front Door and Copper Knocker

Warda Swimming Pool

Ali the Gardener

This is Ali, our gardener, running around with the hosepipe making sure all newly planted palms have plenty of water.

Warda

Zagora Palms

Yesterday we received 20 palm trees from Zagora on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The trees are exceptional, very old and stunning. They are date palms. We are hoping to have another 20 palms arrive on Monday. We planted them all in one afternoon with the assistance of a JCB. They have completely transformed the environment.

Mustapha

Mustapha appeared. He is the master of all zelige and tiling workers. He wasn't happy about the JCB driving over his bejmet tiles on the terrace.

Washingtonia Palms

Patio

Sun Protection

Apartments

Apartments

The apartments are finished and are built to a very high standard. The swimming pool, spa, gym and restaurant are net yet finished. We are now waiting to move furniture in.

Olives

We have 200 olive trees which will produce 60kg of olives per tree.

Four facades of Nehme

North

East. The chalk lines indicate where the Andlucian garden will be constructed.

South

West

Plaster Carving

We're still carving! We've had the carvers now for about 8 months. It's nearly finished.

Warda

Oranges and Lemons

Courtyard Planting

Today we have begun planting the courtyard. The two trees on either side as you enter the front door are Orange trees used for making marmalade. The flower has a very beautiful scent and will be very pleasant as you enter the house.

The next two trees are orange and clementine, both for eating.

Finally, at the rear of the rear of the courtyard are the two old olive trees. Each tree was cut back very hard before transplanting and the stil each weighed 1500kg.

Tomorrow we will plant roses all around the trees.

Nehme

Courtyard Fountain

I saw this picture of a fabulous fountain in an old book on Moroccan riads. I decided to have one made just like it for the courtyard of Warda.


I visited the marble producer today to check on progress. They have spent nearly one month making the fountain and, I am told, it will be finished and installed by the end of this week.



This it what it looked like one month ago.

Other work all produced by hand.

Road to House

The houses are located 17km south of Marrakech. The access road from the main road has been made since this picture taken in January 2008.



This is the road today.

Land Rover Update

The Land Rover arrived in Casablanca over one week ago but there was a problem clearing through customs because a vehicle specification "Fiche Technique" was not provided with the car. I was told that vehicle details were inside the car under the drivers seat but customs stated they were unable to open the container until all necessary papers were presented.

I spoke to Land Rover head office in Coventry who were extremely helpful. Although they were uncertain as to what was required they produced a full specification and covering letter for customs in French.

Yesterday in Marrakech, I provided a further document that was required in respect of other items in the container. The next stage is that I am hoping the container can now be transferred to Marrakech from where we will unload.

I still don't know the full extent of the taxes and duty...

Nehme

Warda

Today, in an area about 20km from Marrakech, I bought two very old olive trees (about 200-300 years old) that will be planted in the courtyard. Very old trees are difficult to find and can be expensive. The transport arrived later to collect the trees but they had difficulty in getting the trees onto the lorry. I was told that a second attempt will be made today and will post a picture of the trees when installed .

The tadelakt has now been done in all bathrooms.

Landscaping

The ladies have arrived to plant the lawn.

A Friend's House

Exporting a Land Rover - Update

Just heard that the vessel shipping the Land Rover is arriving in Casablanca this afternoon. It has just been 10 days since leaving Felixstowe. Next update on this subject will be customs clearance.