Number Thirty

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.

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