“Anne's home in Fes was the perfect oasis in the middle of the Medina. The central location was superb, and offered us easy access to all corners of the city. Anne kindly arranged a pick up to assist us in finding the home which we were very grateful for. The home is impeccably decorated, and full of character and warmth. The well positioned rooftop deck overlooking the city presented a beautiful outlook to the mountains, and we especially loved the warm fireplace nook by the kitchen. We would highly recommend staying with Anne and would hope to do so again ourselves next time we are travelling in Fes. ”
Stylish House in the heart of Fes Medina
Stylish House in the heart of Fes Medina

Anne
Joined
May 2015
Last login
This week
Response rate
Top Responder
Ratings are based on the speed and percentage of swap requests replied to
Want to contact this member?
Start your two-week free trial to chat to other members
Learn more about How it works
Added to shortlist
This home is in your shortlist. To access your shortlist click the icon in the navigation
Add to shortlist
This home is not yet in your shortlist
- 3 Bedrooms
- Sleeps 5
- 3 Bathrooms
About our home
***PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION BELOW AND LET ME KNOW YOU THAT ARE HAPPY WITH EVERYTHING, OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS THAT ARE BEST ANSWERED BEFORE BOOKING***
This is a second home and so available much of the year. We live in London where, amongst other things we run a busy B&B
Fes is unlike anywhere else, the old medina is really like stepping back in time several hundred years. A labyrinth of tiny streets where modest wooden doors lead to palaces or secret gardens and the main means of getting bulky items in and out by donkey. Once inside it’s car free.
Ours is a 300 year old house in the oldest part of Fes medina, within a few minutes walk of the karaouine mosque, tanneries, Nejarine museum, the henna souk and other culturally important sites. Like most medina houses it is very tall with a central light filled patio. There are a lot of stairs as it is spread over 5 floors including the terraces. The house has been completely renovated using traditional techniques but with a modern aesthetic. Downstairs there is a sitting room, library and a modern kitchen and seating area with a wood burning stove for winter. Both main bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, one has twin beds and the other a double. The master bedroom has double doors which open onto the lower terrace. Stairs lead to the upper terrace with fabulous views across the Medina and to the hills beyond. There is a small third single bedroom with access to a third (shared) bathroom on the ground floor and another double room on the second floor used by our resident house sitter.
This is an area of antique shops, artisan wood and leather workers. You will be immersed in the everyday life and sounds of the old city, artisans working, children playing and people transporting goods by mules. Right next to the house is Musee Behl Ghazi with it's orange tree filled courtyard and small private museum. Whilst many tourists come this way, it is a typical mixed neighbourhood. Mostly Moroccans, a weaving workshop next door, leather shop opposite, a scattering of foreigners and one other guest house. For me this is the appeal, I would not want to be in the middle of a touristy area.
Please note that my house is in the middle of the old medina, that means, lots small dark streets between high houses, people walking (and donkeys ...), so no cars, no taxis, no public transport. Living in the old medina is handy for many cultural sites but about 10-15 minutes walk from the nearest parking and taxis. The medina is hilly, which means you often get fabulous views from up high on the terraces but there is a lot of up and down on foot.
Interaction with Guests
I'm based in London and will be your main point of contact in organising the house swap. We normally have a resident house sitter (living in the house itself on the second floor) who is there mainly to look after the house in my absence and welcome's occasional guests. The house sitter will be your main point of contact during your stay in Fes. Our current house sitter is an American lady. Fes is unlike anywhere else and can be disorientating - we think that it's a very positive thing that to have someone on hand to meet you, give you local tips and help with translation - if you normally prefer to have a house completely to yourself, then let us know before booking to see if it is possible.
We don't have a cook or a cleaner / maid. The role of the house sitter is more that of host. If you want to have dinner cooked for you at the house then we can organise that. My friends sister in law is a great cook and. Happy for you to watch and learn, but she only speaks Arabic She charges around 200DHS plus ingredients.
Other things to note:
I'm very happy to answer questions about the house it's location and about Fes itself - so you can decide if what is on offer is right for you and your family before you book. Fes is an incredible destination like no other, but it may not be right for everyone.
Additional Costs
There is a cleaning charge of €15. In winter if you would like to use the wood burner we ask you to pay for the cost of bringing wood in from the countryside. 250DHS per delivery
You will need to pay for a porter if you want help bringing luggage to and from the house and a guide to bring you to the house if you arrive late/after dark or wish to be taken to restaurants.
We do not provide breakfast, but can buy breakfast items in for you in advance ( fruits, yogurt, local breads, eggs coffee etc..) so they are there for your arrival. 100DHs buys enough for a couple of days.
Our Guide to Fes
After booking, I send by email our guide to the house and Fes. This has info on airport taxis, check in, useful information about the house itself and Fes. I've included a section of my top 10 things to do in Fes (some 'secret spots') and some ideas for day trips.
Our house is called 'Dar Kharmous' which means ‘House of Figs’ and was named after a small square nearby which sells dried figs and dates. It’s 300 years old and the renovation was quite some journey, taking 10 years in total. We really love our house in Fes and hope you will too!
Features
- Vacation Home
- Balcony
- Wifi
- Air conditioning
- Washing machine
- No pets
Anne's reviews
As a host (8)“Staying in Fez came as quite a culture shock. With it's narrow streets, winding passages, fascinating shops and tanneries. The House proved to be a quiet oasis. We stayed in the top bedroom with access to the roof terrace and views across the city. Nice to relax with a drink or two at the end of the day watching swifts and storks flying overhead. Getting used to so many steep & narrow stairs was a little daunting for us Seniors, but we soon got used to them. Oliver proved to be a lovely host, full of local knowledge and helpful at all times. We loved trying doors which opened up to amazing tiled courtyards.”
“Anne’s home in Fes is simple and elegant, decorated in a mediterranean style. Very comfortable with lovely fresh white sheets and fluffy towels. The house has been beautifully renovated and decorated, with a stunning roof terrace. Lots of stairs to climb, so not suitable for the elderly. Staying in Fes Medina is quite an experience! It feels like going back in time by 500 years, the narrow pedestrian alleyways throughout the Medina are busy with life, traders selling their leather goods and wares, essential oils, fruits, vegetables and incredible spices, not to mention the working leather tanneries, which give a strong odour at times! Everyone is busy, and always trying to sell you something, so exploring the city is quite an experience. During our stay Oliver, the house sitter was there to hold our hands and show us around. This was such a bonus for us, he gave so much of his time, showing us stunning Riads and Palais within the Medina which we would never have found ourselves! Not for the faint hearted traveller, but a wonderful experience, I would recommend 3 nights stay.”
“This home is located inside the Fez Medina, which is unique in of itself. Getting to it is complicated because transportation leaves you about 15-20 minutes away. Then you need to go through a maze of alleys and turns. Our host did provide assistance in getting to it.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed staying in Anne's house right in the middle of Fes Medina. The medina is an amazing experience and the location of the property is everything. Just a step out of the door into the hectic mixture and excitement of culture, people, food and exotic colour... then back again into the calmness of the beautifully restored townhouse built around a fabulous courtyard with glass sliding roof and terrace with views over the walled city. Anne was great with sending us information and is very responsive and helpful. Having a house sitter who can advise on the many restaurants, shops and workings of the Medina will be reassuring to many guests; and particularly helpful for the initial meet and greet and assistance on arrival as Anne's period home is tucked away and not easy to find in a traffic-free area of narrow passages and side streets (that's the charm). We stayed three nights and loved the experience. ”
“A great experience in Anne house. The house is bigger than expectations, the house sitter very very kind. The location in the middle of Medina. We spent 3 nights in January so in Fez is a little cold, but was easy to heat the house. Anne sent me lots of useful info for the trip. I recomend this host! thank you Anne ”
“We had an AMAZING 3-day stay at Anne's home in the heart of the Fes medina!!!!! One of my favorite home swap stays ever (and we've done a bunch)! Anne's home was so beautiful, my jaw dropped the moment we walked into the Riad. Their home really should be featured in a design magazine. Also, their house caregiver was simply amazing. She went above and beyond in every regard to make our family of four (two young kids) feel safe and welcome. She made our trip even that more exceptional. She held our hand when we needed help, but also encouraged us to learn how to navigate on our own. By the end of our stay I felt very comfortable exploring the beauty of the Medina's labyrinth of streets and alleys. Thank you, thank you, thank you for accommodating us in your home. I highly recommend a stay in Anne's beautifully renovated home!!! :)”
“We had a wonderful time in Anne's house in the midst of the Fes Medina. It was fun to find a place like this in the labyrinth of little streets and be part of the inhabitants of Fes, for a few days. The house is very modern, cool and beautiful. The rooftop terrace was my favourite place to stay. Watching the other rooftops and listening to the buzz around us. We liked Fes a lot. And the street food. I 'd love to go back there someday. Thanks Anne”
More about us
-
Previously worked in design and innovation, now we have a homeware store and a B&B in London
My partner Ian was a chef for many years. -
enjoys walking, growing, photography
-
lives in London,
Swap availability
- White
- Open to offers
- Green
- Available
- Red
- Not Available
Where is it?
Neighbourhood
My house is in the middle of the old medina, about 10-15 minutes walk from the nearest parking and taxis. To get to the house you need to walk down some tiny streets. Right next to the house is Musee Behl Ghazi with it's orange tree filled courtyard and small private museum and an artisanal leather shop.
This is a typical mixed neighbourhood with small family houses, some larger houses, there is small guest house nearby and a restaurant further up the street.
This is an area of antique shops, artisan wood and leather workers. You will be immersed in the everyday life and sounds of the old city, artisans working, children playing football and people transporting goods by mules.
You may also like
Fes El Bali, Fes-Boulemane, Morocco
Dar 7 Louyat is located near Seffarine square where coppersmiths can be seen hammering their wares into shape, and close to the Qarayouine mosque, from which...
Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Morocco
This 2-bedroomed self-contained house is on a site of almost 3 acres, with a large villa on the same plot, and another smaller house for the resident staff,...
Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Morocco
Along Marrakech’s famous palm grove, La Palmeraie, lies the luxury riad Jnane Allia, a genuine oasis of peace and serenity. This luxurious riad offers eight...