Number Thirty
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira meets Brighton: an original townhouse with bright, quirky furnishings (sleeps 2-6, self catering)
As first impressions go, this one's a bit bizarre. You wind away
from Essaouira's main square, down crooked streets and into a dark
alley. And just as you're thinking you must have got it wrong, a
pink door emerges from the gloom. Welcome to Number Thirty. It's
not what you'd expect in the traditional, fishing town of
Essaouira; and neither are the interiors. Tiffany Mumford - the
owner, a stylist and photographer - has created a wonderfully
kitsch little sanctum inside, and it's a world away from all things
Moorish.
Bar the pink door, things look standard from the outside. A
whitewashed townhouse, with star-shaped windows and keyhole
doorways. But enter via the kitchen and you're dazzled by flowered
chairs, an array of hot-pink implements and a fuchsia fridge.
Upstairs, 3 double bedrooms and a salon are sprinkled
with antique toys and colourful trinkets; and at the top, a roof
terrace is lined with retro cushions to lounge on. It's quirky and
it's cool. Cath Kidston, eat your heart out.
Reviewed by Fiona Reece
Last updated 13 January 2012
Highs
- Lots of original charm; authentic floor tiles, old taps, keyhole doorways
- Decorated with a real sense of fun; pink plastic chairs, beaded fringes and an abundance of 70s fabrics
- Great location in central Essaouira - within easy walking distance of the beach and restaurants, but in a quiet street (lit at night)
- The roof terrace; perfect for sunbathing
Lows
- Some of the finishings aren't quite complete; it's a bit rustic
- The rooftop overlooks a few ramshackle buildings
- No air con or fans so it may get hot in summer
