Building a House in Marrakech Morocco

Warda

2010-09-21T17:19:00.002+01:00

Luxury villa to rent in Marrakech. Fully staffed. Fabulous location. www.fabmarrakech.com

Patio

2010-08-30T11:43:00.001+01:00

Mains Electricty

2010-08-11T11:22:00.005+01:00

Today we eventually had main electricty connected. Every day we were visiting the petrol station to buy 150 litres of diesel for the generator. With mains electricity, everything has changed. The peace and quiet is the greatest benefit.

FabMarrakech.com

2010-05-05T15:05:00.002+01:00

Just launched a new website advertising the rental of the apartments.

Luxury rental apartments in Marrakech.

Luxury villa to rent in Marrakech.

www.fabmarrakech.com

2010-04-14T23:27:00.002+01:00

This blog was established to follow the building of a house in Marrakech. We have now spent Easter in the house with everything fully functioning. We have four members of staff and we are very well looked after. The building of the house is now complete and we have produced a fantastic property. We have other properties being developed and will post the ongoing progress of these other properties. It been a great experience and a fantastic investment.

Morocco: real estate taking off

2010-03-13T17:36:00.000Z

According to leading international agent Knight Frank, luxury and prime property in Morocco, particularly in the cosmopolitan city of Marrakech, is in high demand from discerning professional investors and second home owners from around the globe, who are seeking a relatively lower-risk real estate investment in a country less affected by the recession than others like the UK and USA.

Land Rover Update - Mission Accomplished!

2010-02-24T08:44:00.004Z

Arrived on Monday. The outstanding matter relating to the customs duty certificate had been resolved in my absence. All that remained was to arrange insurance and have the registration plates made and fixed. The insurance was good value considering the hazards on the roads in Marrakech! Despite the savings to be made by importing a new unregistered vehicle of this type, its definately not recommended for the faint-hearted. If I was to do this again, I suspect it would take an elapsed period of one month and not eight months and cost £5,000 less which relates to the penalty charges incurred in respect of demurrage.

Land Rover Update

2010-01-18T09:40:00.003Z

It didn't happen! The Land Rover has now been carried on six different transporters in Morocco between various administration offices in an endeavour to get it registered. It seems it's necessary to show the actual physical vehicle each at each office. It has now had the equivalent of an MOT to ensure its roadworthy. I keep paying different local taxes and fees whereever we stop! Went to the last office to be issued with the Registration number but the original customs certifiacte of payment was not available just the receipt of payment and so everything has come to a grinding halt. I have now asked the transportation company in Casablanca to send the certificate to Marrakech. I have now returned to the UK and the Land Rover has been transported to the apartments where it will wait until I return later in February.

Here's my Land Rover!

2010-01-11T21:21:00.004Z

Going to get it registered on Thursday.

Marrakech Today

2010-01-11T21:12:00.003Z

Arrived back in Marrakech today to escape the big freeze in the UK. Its nice in Marrakech today, sunny and warm!

Snow Causes Delays

2009-12-23T15:27:00.000Z

Snow in England caused cancellations of many flights returning from Marrakech. We were booked to return on 21st December but Gatwick was closed and all flights were cancelled. We were then rebooked to return on 24th December but managed to get on a flight on 23rd December. Many others booked on our original flight were delayed until 28/29th December.

Leaving the airport following a cancellation, my shoulder bag was accidentally left on a trolley and subsequently disappeared. It contained all family passports, laptop, camera, ipod, cheque book, documents, etc.. Nightmare! Spent following morning at the Police Station filling the report and afternoon at the British Consulate in Marrakech obtaining temporary passports. Cost £500 for temporary passports.

Land Rover Update

2009-12-17T13:32:00.002Z

Went to Casablanca to finally get the Land Rover cleared.

Met the Shipping Agent who produced the bill for duty, Vat and storage. The Duty was charged on the original invoice value plus an additional amount in respect of their own assessment of value.

The total duty plus VAT worked out at 45% of the original invoice value which is very good when compared to the cost of a new Land Rover purchased in Casablanca which would be nearly double the cost of importing one.

The cost of storage due to the delay in clearing the vehicle came to about £3,600. The delay was caused by the clearing agent failing be honest and attempting to to charge nearly £6,000 in excess of the actual charge.

I should have gone to Casablanca to clear the goods immediately upon arrival from the UK.

This is the Land Rover being delivered to my home on a flatbed truck as its not yet registered.
Cost of delivery from Casablanca to Marrakech was £200.

Friend's House

2009-11-20T13:17:00.003Z

This house was built for a friend by my builder. The build started in April, 2008 and it's just about finished and looks great.

Warda

2009-11-19T00:29:00.000Z

Woodwork and Carpentry

2009-11-19T00:13:00.002Z

The final carpentry is now being completed. Very large shutters incorporating 'Khouka' doors are being installed on all exteriors doors. Meanwhile all doors and shutters are being removed for finishing and waxing. All this work should be completed within 2 weeks.

Courtyard Flowers

2009-11-19T00:02:00.003Z

The Beldi roses in the courtyard are growing rapidly. The surrounding hedge will soon need to be cut and shaped.

Car Hire

2009-11-18T23:55:00.003Z

When I first came to Marrakech in 2007, it was very difficult to find a hire that wasn't a complete wreck. Things are quickly improving and I hired this brand new model Dacia this week for just 280 Dirhams (£22) per day. Petrol is 78p per litre.

Lawnmower and Hedge Trimmer

2009-11-18T23:48:00.003Z

Made good use of the next equipment this week....

Lawnmower Update

2009-11-11T19:39:00.003Z

I sent a new Mountfield Honda lawnmower by air freight last Friday and it arrived in Marrakech on Sunday. The retail cost of the mower is £380 although I paid £280. The air freight charge was £182. I was told there was no import duty applicable to agricultural equipment including lawnmowers. My own research indicated that an import duty of 7.5% is applicable.

I arrived in Marrakech on Monday morning and met the freight forwarder to clear the lawnmower through Customs. I was told the import duty is 1,600 Dirham equivalent to £130.
I challenged this and explained that I had read the import duty tariff which indicated 7.5% for lawnmowers. I was then told that this is correct although there is a minimum charge of 1,600 Dirham. Its the first time anyone has mentioned a minimum charge for duty. I paid the amount due which gave me the lawnmower at a landed cost of £592. I need the check the local cost of the same machine to see if the effort was worthwhile.

I also bought a new Stihl petrol-driven hedge trimmer (£250) which I decided to bring with me on this trip. I put the hedge trimmer in a snowboard bag and checked it in as normal hold luggage. It was brand new and had never held petrol and so was safe.

In Marrakech, the bag arrived in the luggage hall and I then proceeded to walk through customs. They waved me to go through without the bag being x-rayed. As I was about the exit into the Arrivals Hall I was called back and asked what was in the bag. I said some things for my garden and the Customs official the asked me to put the bag through the x-ray machine. All officials gathered at the monitor to observe what was inside.

I was then asked to take the hedgecutter from the bag and was asked for an invoice for declaration of value. I didn't have an invoice but we had a friendly chat and I paid 500 Dirham equivalent to £40. So the landed cost was £290 which wasn't so bad although I need to check the local cost as a comparison.

Still working on the Land Rover and other goods............

Land Rover Update

2009-11-05T20:22:00.005Z

Don't ask!..........The container arrived in Casablanca during the first week of July. Customs decided to make a meal over the miscellaneous household items, nearly all of which were made and originated from Morocco, that I had placed inside the Land Rover. They thought I was bringing in goods from China as its most unusual to repatriate local goods. Moroccans are very concerned that mass produced Chinese goods will have a major detrimental impact on its handicraft industry. The Chinese are producing Moroccan slippers for little more than 10p a pair. However, because of this, I was required to provide additional documentation confirming origin. Meanwhile, the container was placed in the yard at the bottom of the pile. Customs said they were unable to separate the vehicle from the household goods for clearing because all items were detailed on a single Bill of Lading.

Despite my best endeavours, I haven't been able to make much satisfactory progress in clearing the Land Rover and goods. I expressed my concern at the potential demurrage charge to be told there would be no demurrage charge. Two weeks later I received a bill for over £6,000 for demurrage charges! This charge has since been negotiated and the goods have been moved to an area where demurrage is not accruing.

I'm going back to Marrakech and Casablanca on Monday with the objective of getting the goods cleared, whatever it takes! I've spent over £2,000 on car rental in the time that my Land Rover has been lying dormant in Casablanca. It's incredibly frustrating.

Meanwhile, I have just bought a new Mountfield lawnmower in the UK and consigned it today by airfreight directly to Marrakech. The size is about 0.25 cubic metres and weighs 38kg. The cost of air freight and charges was £180. It arrives in Marrakech on Sunday. Anything could happen? According to Customs, there's no duty on agricultural equipment including lawnmowers. Let's see!

Developments In Marrakech

2009-11-04T12:13:00.003Z

Here is a map of Marrakech showing the major resort developments. There are currently 12 golf courses under development all scheduled to be completed within the next 2 years.

Warda

2009-10-29T19:44:00.001Z

Just returned today from 10 days in Marrakech. Weather was fantastic averaging 34 degrees each days. Climbed Toubkal, the highest peak of the Atlas mountains at 4,167 metres. Warda is nearly completely finished. Just doing some final carpentry.

Warda at Night

2009-10-29T18:00:00.000Z

Nehme

2009-10-29T17:51:00.001Z

We are soon about to begin the pise rendering which will be a shade darker than Warda.

Pavilion

2009-10-29T17:45:00.000Z

Staff House and Herb Garden

2009-10-29T17:40:00.000Z

We're planting another herb garden just outside the kitchen door and alongside the staff house.

With all the sunshine and plenty of water this herb garden will look very established within 2 weeks.

We have two staff houses, one for each main house, comprising a large open room, kitchen and bathroom. Each staff house can be occupied by up to 4 personnel.

Inside Warda

2009-10-29T17:15:00.001Z

A couple of photos of the lounge and dining area. Still need to be furnished properly but isn't a priority as we spend all day outside.

Warda

2009-10-29T12:51:00.000Z

We climbed Mount Toubkal

2009-10-29T12:00:00.001Z

Mount Toubkal can been seen from our garden right above the swimming pool house. We drive for about 1 hour to a village called Imlil situated at 1,700 metres. We then spent 8 hours walking to the refuge at 3,207 metres.

The view from the summit of Mount Toubkal at 4,165 metres. We left the refuge at 6.00am and reached the summit at 10.00am.

This is taken from the refuge at 6.00pm. The refuge is at 3,207 metres.

A little shop on the way up kept its drinks cold in the natural water source from the mountain.

Apartments - Progress

2009-10-29T11:59:00.000Z

We stayed at the apartments for the first time as a trial. Very comfortable and peaceful yet very close to the old medina. The landscaped gardens are maturing very quickly. Its a prestigious development located within two minutes of the Amelkis and Royale Golf courses.

The swimming pool is now nearly finished although the restaurant and spa probably won't be ready until the end of the year.

The spa has hammams, saunas, treatment rooms and gym.

The Most Luxurious Hotel in the World

2009-09-18T18:27:00.003+01:00

Luxury hotelier, Jumeirah Group, owner of Burj al Arab, the most luxurious hotel in the world, has announced today that it is the build Jumeirah Marrakech Golf and Polo Resort. The project, which will open in 2013, includes three, five-star hotels, an 18-hole golf course, two polo fields and residential villas and is located just 5 minutes drive from our houses.

Tamesloht Pottery

2009-09-03T12:35:00.002+01:00

Our nearest town, Tamesloht, is renowned for its pottery.

Marrakech Railway Station

2009-09-03T12:32:00.001+01:00

A Local Market

2009-09-03T12:29:00.001+01:00

More Palm Trees

2009-08-31T20:21:00.002+01:00

Have taken a delivery of 17 palm trees from the Sahara.

We've created an alley of palms leading from the main gate.

Swimming Pool

2009-08-31T20:11:00.002+01:00

Swimming pool being filled for the first time. The water is coming directly from the well.

And the very first swim...

Update on Nehme

2009-08-31T18:20:00.003+01:00

North face main entrance.

Ceiling of the study.

Master bedroom.

Pergola

2009-08-31T18:10:00.002+01:00

These carpenters worked until 11.00pm every day to finish building this pergola in one week.

Warda At Night

2009-08-28T00:52:00.005+01:00

Some photos of the house and courtyard at night.

Abri Terrace - Roof Terrace

2009-08-28T00:42:00.002+01:00

Berber Tent - Chill Out Zone

2009-08-28T00:38:00.001+01:00

Lunch at Richard Branson's

2009-08-26T13:10:00.001+01:00

We have now moved in to Warda

2009-08-25T10:50:00.002+01:00

We moved in one week ago! There are still plenty of builders around finishing off jobs. We have 12 people staying and have a great time.

Land Rover Update

2009-08-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

The Land Rover has been stuck in Casablanca for six weeks! The problem is not the vehicle its all the miscellaneous household items with which I filled the vehicle. I have been asked to itemise all the contents and indicate a value. The cost of renting a car in Marrakech for one week exceeds the value of the contents so its been very frustrating. I was told the Land Rover would arrive in Marrakech yesterday but have have received no news.

Apartment Furniture

2009-07-22T07:09:00.003+01:00

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

Keys to Apartments

2009-07-21T23:25:00.005+01:00

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

2009-07-21T08:01:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-20T23:39:00.003+01:00

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

Gardens at the Apartments

2009-07-20T23:34:00.002+01:00

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

Zagora Pots

2009-07-20T23:30:00.002+01:00

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

Palm Tree Problems

2009-07-20T23:20:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-20T23:13:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-19T23:56:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-19T23:53:00.001+01:00

Cedar Front Door and Copper Knocker

2009-07-19T23:49:00.001+01:00

Warda Swimming Pool

2009-07-19T22:50:00.002+01:00

Ali the Gardener

2009-07-19T09:21:00.002+01:00

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

Warda

2009-07-19T08:46:00.003+01:00

Zagora Palms

2009-07-19T00:58:00.008+01:00

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

2009-07-19T00:50:00.000+01:00

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

2009-07-19T00:19:00.002+01:00

Patio

2009-07-19T00:12:00.004+01:00

Sun Protection

2009-07-18T23:50:00.002+01:00

Apartments

2009-07-18T23:40:00.002+01:00

Apartments

2009-07-16T23:07:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-16T23:02:00.002+01:00

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

Four facades of Nehme

2009-07-16T22:10:00.003+01:00

North

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

South

West

Plaster Carving

2009-07-16T22:01:00.003+01:00

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

Warda

2009-07-16T00:02:00.000+01:00

Oranges and Lemons

2009-07-15T23:17:00.002+01:00

Courtyard Planting

2009-07-15T23:03:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-15T22:55:00.002+01:00

Courtyard Fountain

2009-07-15T22:40:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-15T22:30:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-14T07:55:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-13T23:56:00.002+01:00

Warda

2009-07-13T23:45:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-13T23:33:00.003+01:00

The ladies have arrived to plant the lawn.

A Friend's House

2009-07-13T21:50:00.004+01:00

Exporting a Land Rover - Update

2009-07-03T10:07:00.003+01:00

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.

Nehme

2009-06-28T23:03:00.005+01:00

This carving is around the ceiling of a bedroom.

This is a shelving display in the kitchen.

Warda

2009-06-28T21:49:00.003+01:00

The windows and decorative metalwork are being installed today. All workwork in made from Cedar. This picture shows the wooden window bay "Menzeh" installed in the bedroom on the first floor.

The decorative woodwork is called "Moucharabieha".

Apartments

2009-06-27T15:56:00.003+01:00

The colour of the apartments has been changed and they now look great. These apartments are built to a very high standard and are located in an excellent area on the outskirts of the medina.

The landscaping is fantastic and will look amazing as it matures.

Zellige

2009-06-27T15:51:00.004+01:00

The wash basin in the swimming pool house.

This frieze in the lounge is all cut and assembled by hand.

Exporting a New Land Rover Defender

2009-06-19T22:07:00.004+01:00

I've bought a new left-hand drive Land Rover 110 Defender. It's the 12 seat version. I'm having it shipped to Marrakech. It leaves Felixstowe on Tuesday arriving in Casablanca on 7th July via Lisbon. I plan to be in Casablanca to deal with customs, duty and registration. Should be interesting! I've been told that I will be paying import duty and taxes totaling 32.5%. Look out for the update in July to see what is actually paid!

The Land Rover is being transported in a sealed 20 ft cargo container. I've filled the car with personal possessions for the house and filled the little remaining space in the container.

The Land Rover will be great for our expeditions to the desert, mountains, beach, etc..

Warda in February

2009-06-04T13:25:00.000+01:00

Just found this picture of Warda taken in February.

Garden

2009-05-31T09:48:00.002+01:00

Countryside

2009-05-29T09:50:00.003+01:00

Just 10 minutes drive from the house towards the Atlas mountains you can discover fabulous countryside scenery.

Woodwork in Warda

2009-05-28T20:05:00.003+01:00

This timber is the highest grade cedar. In the next month it will be transformed into windows, shutters, doors and cupboards for Warda. A four-poster bed will also be produced from this.

Plasterwork in Nehme

2009-05-28T19:37:00.004+01:00

Bejmat, Tadelakt and Zellige

2009-05-28T17:59:00.006+01:00

The bejmat interlacing has been laid in each room and each section will now be filled with Des plaster. The house is then closed for 15 days to allow the floor to harden.

Each of these pieces of zellige is cut by hand in Fez.

It took four men one week to lay the lounge terrace bejmat.

This is the coeur service area where staff enter, goods are delivered, etc..

This is the open room on the roof terrace. I has just had tadelakt applied to match the external colour of the house.

The stone floor for the kitchen arrived today.

Warda

2009-05-28T17:28:00.010+01:00

Nehme

2009-05-28T17:24:00.001+01:00

The houses have now been named

2009-05-28T12:54:00.005+01:00

The houses have now been given names.

House 1 is called Grace or Nehme.

Grace - نعمة - Nehme

House 2 is called Rose or Warda

Rose - وردة - Warda

Plaster Carving

2009-05-28T12:42:00.002+01:00

It'll take two men 10 days to carve this fireplace surround.

House 2

2009-05-23T01:13:00.002+01:00

Zellige and Bejmat

2009-05-23T01:00:00.003+01:00

New Road

2009-05-23T00:49:00.004+01:00

The final part of the journey to our houses involved an traveling 2.5km along an unmade road.

The unmade road is now being prepared for a tarmac finish which will be finished in 20 days. I'm told the road will be lined with palm trees and street lights.

House 1

2009-05-20T21:58:00.002+01:00

House 2

2009-05-20T21:51:00.004+01:00