A former fortified farm, the property has undergone various metamorphoses under the aegis of French visual artist Jean-Francois Fourtou who took up residence there in 2000, evolving through the continuous development of his work.
The villa was initially a residence for artists, then the headquarters of a humanitarian foundation helping women and children in precarious living conditions in the region of Marrakech. Dar El Sadaka also hosted meditation retreats.
In collaboration with interior designer Philippe Forrestier, the villa was transformed into a guesthouse, a haven of luxury and comfort that is both unique and fantastic.
Disturbingly realistic yet friendly animal sculptures, created on different scales, are dotted throughout Dar El Sadaka. Outside guests are welcomed by a giant sheep standing beside the swimming pool. Orangutans are perched on the living room lamps and a larger than life-size giraffe leans over the dining room table.
In the sculpture park, unusual monumental installations offer visitors a unique experimental journey that escapes the ordered, tidy adult world: a mud house in ruins turned into an enormous ‘Ant-Nest’, a house upside down ‘Fallen from the Sky’ where the floors, ceilings and walls all lean, ‘Nanitos’ small gardeners with pumpkin heads, and ‘The Giant’s House’ where everything is out of proportion.
Human beings are their own homes and to be happy, peace and harmony must reign within them. Based on these principles, Jean-François Fourtou and Philippe Forrestier have completely redesigned the villa’s spaces.
Each room is a creation that explores the theme of an animal sculpture, where earthen architecture, traditional materials, sleek furniture and local craftsmanship come together.
Seven suites and two en-suite bedrooms are distributed around the mimosa-covered courtyard.
Giraffes Suite, Dog Suite, Tortoises Suite, Donkey Suite, Geese Suite, Camels Suite, Ant Junior Suite, Bee Bedroom, Snails Bedroom… Each is a cocoon of harmony in natural hues, individually designed and fragranced.
The property can host up to twenty guests at one time. Four suites have a super-king-size bed that can be made into twins and two other suites have an annexe with an extra single bed.
Leave a Reply