The bold, sleek lines integrate beautifully with the scenic setting

The timeless allure of the Sahara Desert, the majestic Atlas Mountains and a rich Berber heritage have led Morocco to become a celebrity playground. In this fascinating country, ancient and modern happily coexist, and tradition mingles with cosmopolitan attitudes.

Marrakech still attracts celebrities from all over the world and has been a top choice for luxury holiday homes. Now property buyers in search of peace and space are looking at a different part of Morocco, the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Last year the Financial Times said this about real estate in Morocco: “The real opportunity at the moment is in the Atlas Mountains. It’s outstandingly beautiful, close to Marrakech and very well protected from overdevelopment.”

The stunning Ouirgane Valley is attracting royalty, celebrities and the chic and fashionable from Marrakech. It offers national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in abundance, making it one of Morocco’s premier destinations.

The area is perfectly placed to offer endless possibilities for outdoor pursuits in one of the world’s most beautiful environments. Activities include mountain biking, horse riding, birdwatching, fishing and kayaking. There are excellent opportunities for trekking, being one of the main starting points for the Mount Toubkal trek (the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 metres above sea level). Also within easy reach is the Oukaimeden, Africa’s highest ski resort, with its village sitting at 2,600 metres, offering over 20 kilometres of trails.

Poised on a plateau surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped Atlas Mountains and with panoramic vistas across the Ouirgane Valley, the view from this property is nothing less than picture-perfect. Best of all, the area surrounding the property is a national park, ensuring the breathtaking views will remain as untouched in the future as they are today.

Set in the serene foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this exceptional property is characterised by the contrast between its striking architectural design and its stunning rural location. With only 15 residences, privacy and serenity abound on the scenic 11 acres. A building density of only 5% ensures that much of the gorgeous natural surroundings will be retained.

With outstanding minimalist design, the villas offer a very fine composition of simplicity, luxury and style. The modern property was conceived and designed by award-winning London-based architect Nick Gowing, together with one of Marrakech’s leading architects, Hicham Belhouari. The villas blend the best of Moroccan artisan craftsmanship and traditional materials with pure, streamlined design aesthetics.

The serenity of the immediate landscape and far-reaching views has influenced the villa design, offering a seamless integration of architecture and nature. Intelligently laid out, the deluxe villas comprise 204-267m² of living space with two to three en suite bedrooms, modern kitchen with European stainless steel appliances, lounge and dining area.

Every room is decorated in calm, natural stone colours, maximising the light and views. Kitchen worktops and bathroom vanity units are made of fine cut marble from the Atlas Mountains, with traditional Tadelakt wall finishes, Bejmat tiled flooring and lights that are handmade locally or constructed on-site.

Positioned for the views, the elegant villas come with private gardens of at least 1,260m², providing secluded natural beauty. Each villa has its own private plunge pool with pool deck, an internal courtyard and roof terrace to enjoy sweeping 360-degree views over the magnificent mountains and the lush valley.

The development comes with a full management and rental scheme, offering a range of facilities one expects of a luxury resort. Owners have access to on-site facilities such as separate adult and children’s swimming pools, a tennis court, spa treatment rooms, clubhouse, 24-hour security and landscaped gardens, replete with bougainvillea, almond and citrus trees. Optional management services include private gardener and chef, laundry, cleaning, transportation services, airport shuttle and grocery delivery.

A heavenly retreat from the bustle of Marrakech, yet just 50 minutes away, the villas enjoy a privileged location. There are eight hotels within about 20 minutes, ranging from the elegant La Roseraie where the Moroccan King stays, to Sir Richard Branson’s sumptuous Kasbah Tamadot, a hotspot for the well-heeled.

The stylish enclave occupies an unrivalled position, with villas at a level of build and finish quality rarely seen in Morocco, offering a truly unique and attractive property investment.

Prices: From £349,000.

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