Ocean View room at The Serai

Built by us, our friends, some fishermen and lots of volunteers over the last 17 years, the Serai is a very unusual house. Almost every visitor says it has a special and beautiful atmosphere. Maybe that's because when you take that long over something you put into it your heart and soul, and because it looks and feels like it's been here for centuries? Who knows? It might just be because of that monumental view, or the utter peace and quiet, the bright starry sky, the sound of the waves... The space The Serai sits on a forested hillside between two small fishing communities, 30 min from Essaouira. There are tremendous views up and down the coast and the beach is 8 min walk away. The main part of the house is arranged around a central courtyard shaded by a vaulted roof of vines. This is the beating heart of the Serai, an interplay of light and sound. Frogs call from the waterfall that splashes into a small, natural plunge pool, while birds fly in and out of their nests amid the rustling vines. Morning sunshine floods into this space through the dining room. The evening light fills it from the western arch, while in the heat of the day, beneath the dappled shade is the perfect place to eat lunch, with a view to the ocean. The reception areas and kitchen are open plan. Large windows everywhere flood the house with light. The dining room, and the living room with its spectacular vaulted brick ceiling enclose two sides of this courtyard. The western side of the courtyard features a bar area, more seating beneath the arch and a staircase up to the roof deck. The Vine Room is the last of four bedrooms along the south side of the courtyard. Accessed from either the courtyard or a large, west-facing French window, this room has perhaps the best view of any in the house. The double bed converts to two singles if required. The room also features a circular bathroom of rich tadelakt plaster with a spectacular brick dome overhead, a wood burning stove and a writing desk. Beyond the dining room lies the kitchen with its south and east facing breakfast patio. A spiral staircase leads onto the roof. Guest access Accessible: all reception areas inside and outside, the pool, and garden. Not Accessible: Other bedrooms, the north wing, kitchen and laundry.