NATURAL WONDER Take home inspiration from this Moroccan lodge

Earthen walls, palm ceilings and beautiful Berber architecture give this sunbaked sanctuary a restful aura

SALON

Light pours into the space through large, uncovered windows, which were designed to create expansive views of the tranquil countryside. This makes the rooms feel as if they are part of the landscape, something that was important to Romain. Much of the furniture throughout was sourced at fleamarkets in both Morocco and Paris. For a similar floor lamp, try Maisons du Monde.

COURTYARD

(previous page) The lodge is situated on land peppered with olive trees, native wild grasses and reeds, with a garden created with the help of Paris-based landscape designer Arnaud Casaus. Ancient irrigation techniques are used to water the plants, all of which were chosen to suit the environment. Trees are positioned alongside Morrocan-grown Mexican succulents, including the Barbary fig, as well as native herbs, such as verbena and mint.

HALLWAY

(previous page) ‘Morocco has become my country, and the place I feel at home,’ says Romain. In this light, he has borrowed from the Berber design aesthetic and used materials that reflect the country’s traditional building techniques. The walls are a mix of earth, straw and limestone, while the ceilings are made from a weave of palm, eucalyptus and bamboo-like reeds. The vintage yellow star, sourced in Casablanca, makes a dramatic statement.

BATHROOM

All the bathrooms are simple, but luxe details keep them from being too utilitarian. Circular mirrors (try Heal’s for similar) hang above handmade stone sinks, while naked-bulb pendant fittings provide light when the sun goes down. The cane side tables come from local markets and were made by regional craftsmen (try Broste Copenhagen for similar). The striped towels are also handmade – online retailer Sand & Salt offers comparably rustic styles.

‘MATERIALS THROUGHOUT REFLECT TRADITIONAL DESIGN TECHNIQUES’

GUEST BEDROOMS There are further local touches in the guest bedrooms – headboards are made with rattan from the port city of Essaouira, while the simple sheer curtains were made by an artisan weaver from a nearby town. The cupboards are built-in and covered with fabric stretched over bamboo frames. Romain made the wicker lampshades himself. Throughout Berber Lodge, rooms are decorated with vintage lanterns, framed 19th-century photos and other objects that have been collected from Morocco and beyond.

‘THE SIMPLE SHEER CURTAINS WERE MADE BY AN ARTISAN WEAVER FROM A NEARBY TOWN’

MASTER SUITE The beds are topped with crisp cotton sheets and rustic throws, both made locally – try French Connection Home for similarly relaxed styles. An original Moroccan tea table sits in the centre of the seating area, while, in another corner of the room, a mid-century bureau desk is set with a rattan chair (Tikamoon sell similar). The terracotta flooring, handmade by a local artisan especially for Berber Lodge, is softened with a variety of vintage kilim rugs. LOCATION While Marrakech has long attracted visitors, the most discerning travellers have moved towards the serenity of the surrounding area. Berber Lodge is a short drive from the city, a haven in the seemingly untouched Moroccan countryside.