British Architect Finds New Home and Inspiration in Marrakech’s Medina

"The climate in Morocco is magnificent, the wine is cheap and there is no underlying racism here, like in the UK," says British-born architect Philip Brebner, who has been running the Riad Porte Royale, a B&B he owns in Marrakech, for 20 years. His first trip to Morocco dates back to 2004. He was accompanying his wife on a business trip, and took the opportunity to acquire the property in the Medina. At the time, the Marrakech riad was "dilapidated and rundown," because the couple "didn’t have much money," but they decided to renovate it before opening it as a guest house in 2006, and Philip has never looked back, reports Mail Online.

Since then, the British-born architect has fallen under the spell of the city. "Marrakech is a really charming place and a wonderful location. It’s a kind of oasis, and you can find everything you need. In the city, all the buildings are pink, so it’s really magical and charming," describes Philip. He will add: "There is also the Agafay stone desert nearby, and from the city you can see the Atlas, where you can ski if there is enough snow. And then, if you cross the Atlas, you discover magnificent gorges, a dune desert and oases. And of course, the weather is nice most of the time!" Expatriates who settle in Marrakech can choose to live in the old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by "