In the heart of the medina in Marrakech lies a beautiful haven of peace. Even it’s name, Houdou, means serenity, in Arabic. It’s a 17th century mansion, with an inner courtyard, shady and green with citrus trees and the ever present buntings chanting their song. The roof is part shaded and part in full sun, a lovely place to rest and enjoy a view of the Atlas on a clear day. There is a hammam and if you’re too hot from shopping in the souk, there is a plunge pool to cool you down. Food is freshly prepared, local but with influences from the French owners.
I’ve tried to show you what it’s like INSIDE a traditional riad, I hope you like it and if ever you visit Marrakech I recommend it highly!
Can you show us Inside? Maybe you would like to see other interpretations to inspire you.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/photo-challenge-inside/
Lucid Gypsy 
What could be better than being inside Houdou !
Its so special!
That’s a beautiful Riad Gilly. How I would love to return to Marrakesh someday.
I hope you get there!
Beautiful!!
Thank you Skye!
There is no mistaking the serenity all the plants provide just by their presence. I wonder if all that green colour isn’t also responsible for the essence of peace.
Lovely photos, Gilly. Colourful, yet quiet.
Thanks Tess, I think you’re right about the plants!
😀
So pretty. I love Morocco.
It’s a real assault to the senses!
Just beautiful, another place I’d love to visit.
I expect your list is as long as mine!
Beautiful!
janet
Oh wow! It’s so gorgeous there Gilly. Love the pool and the interior decorating is beautiful! Great shots hon and thanks for sharing. 😀 *big hugs*
Thanks for visiting Sonel 🙂
Simply beautiful! 🙂
Thanks Robyn 🙂
Simply beautiful! Love the details of the ornaments and the peacefulness of it.
I’ve only shown a tiny bit of its beauty!
Super idea Gilly, I do wonder what is inside those cloistered places … and it looks beautifully cool and refreshing 🙂
If you ever go make sure you choose a riad and not a hotel!
Awesome! Great tour. I wish you didn’t just show it to me. I wish to live in it together with the French cook if it’s not too much to ask. Ahihihi 😀
Well don’t worry, the cook was Moroccan but the owners were french!
Lovely, like a secret garden, a place to linger.
If you see the outside of these places you’d never guess how lovely they are.
This looks wonderful, full of traditional colour and texture. A shaded cooling haven in the midst of the harsh dry heat. Your photos capture the serene atmosphere perfectly 🙂
After the heat of La Place, it’s great to arrive back there 🙂
an oasis!
It is indeed!
I think Frizz said it best … an oasis. I am putting it on my Bucket List.
Wonderful photos for the challenge. xoxo
Issy you would love it! 🙂
great clicks for the challenge
Thanks so much Amar 🙂
All that green and white is so beautiful and peaceful!
Its a special place full of colour!
Great photos for inside! Looks like a very peaceful place to spend the day relaxing.
It’s a peacful haven after the chaos of the souk!
This is heavenly!
Indeed a beautiful piece of heaven. Cozy, peaceful, relaxing.
Definitely does look serene! Beautiful, Gilly!
So many interesting articles_I always enjoy them. bebee
how I long to visit this exotic land…