Faces in the Medina - Abdellatif

Abdellatif Ait Ben Abdellah views the work on his house.

An historic house in Fez is brought back to life

Abdellatif Ait Ben Abdellah has been restoring the magnificient mansion in the heart of the Fez Medina, which used to be known as Dar Skalli, for the past three years. He says it means much more to him than simply a commercial venture. "It is close to my heart". When the 4 million dirham (US$500,00), project is completed, the house will open as a maison d'hote in "September, inshallah".

The house will have a name change to Dar Ben Souda, as there is already a Riad Dar Skalli. This would honour the house's most famous former resident - Sufi saint Sidi Ahmed Taudi Bensouda. It also stands opposite the Zouia that bears his name.


The mansion had fallen into decrepitude when Abdellatif bought it. While he was in negotiations to purchase, all the huge cedar doors, which he describes as "the jewels of the house", were removed by one of the brothers who owned the property. They were being transported at night on the backs of donkeys, when luckily they were spotted by local residents David Amster and Maria Riesterer. Through some wily detective work, David found out they had been taken to Rabat. He then purchased them back for 60,000 dirhams in the nick of time – one set had already been sold to a French couple who were dissuaded from taking them. Abdellatif then bought them from David.

Abdellatif operates a business in Marrakesh with a number of riads that offer accommodation, and has been restoring houses for more than a decade. He says this one has been his greatest challenge, due to the difficulties of access into the medina, obtaining the right materials and the costs involved. When finished, the riad hotel will offer nine rooms and two suites, with a restaurant, hammam, plus a swimming pool in an adjoining garden.

Workmen are, of course, restoring the valuable historic features such as the wonderful marsherabia, carved plaster work and zelij, while adding some modern touches such as ensuite bathrooms and a terrace finished in beige tadelakt. Abdellatif says, "you must respect the past. The role of anyone who owns such a building is simply to be one of the supporting walls.''