Returning Home to Morocco
Suzanna Clarke has always held a special place in her heart for Morocco. In 1961 her father toured the globe studying literature and architecture on a Churchill Scholarship. A portion of this endeavor brought her parents to a camp ground in Marrakesh where she was conceived. Growing up, family nights were often filled with picture slides of various trips to Morocco. Things such as colored wool fabrics hanging in Marrakesh streets reverberate in her mind. Her father furthered her Moroccan interest with various literary works on the architecture that he had studied there.
Now in her mid-40’s, Clarke was drawn to a lavish Moroccan riad located in Fez. Nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains was a 300 year old riad (older Moroccan home) featuring a lush courtyard garden as its center. Residing in Morocco was not something at the front of Clarke’s mind at the time. At one time, she had resided in a Moroccan home built by her father. Feeling the ancient charm of this home, she simply could not pass up the opportunity to return to Morocco to make another home.
The riad is nothing short of lavish in nature. It features two huge bedrooms that could easily fit a Moroccan family in each. In the courtyard garden, fruit trees blanket a beautiful fountain. These two elements come together to create a serene, tranquil setting to relax and unwind after a busy day. Also in the courtyard are several couches to accommodate her, her husband and house guests. The couches provide the luxury of laying back and getting lost in the Moroccan sky seen above.
Although she and her husband, Sandy McCutcheon, a former radio presenter, maintain ownership, they have yet to move into the home. A few odds and ends need to be tied up with their present home first. This does not dampen Clarke’s excitement about making a permanent residence in Morocco. Alongside the lavish new home, the warmth and hospitable feel of Morocco is what will help make her house a home. Clarke easily feels a sense of community and belonging in Morocco. Beautiful life is not hampered by over-crowding.
The couple has a hand in renovations taking place at the home before move in day arrives. With these renovations, the house should be good for the next 200 years. With that, the piece of Morocco will stay in their hearts and be their home for many years to come.
…more on Morocco Real Estate
by Sam Mitchell
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