The Artist's Residence

Enlarge

1 of 20

loading photos

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

House |3 bedrooms |Sleeps 6

Tangier Kasbah in Tangier City

from £39 / night

£270 / weekBookable online

This property can be booked securely online within a few minutes. Just click on the ‘Check availability and book’ button.

4 nights minimum stay

Changeover flexible

5 out of 5

7 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Beach or lakeside relaxation, balcony/terrace, car not necessary, pets welcome

Check availability and book

About the home

Tangiers is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many of the things that travellers love--a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people. It is an interesting mix of north Africa, Spain, and France and is separated from Spain only by the 20 miles of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Frequent ferries make the short crossing from Europe each day.

The house is 5-10 minutes walk from the port, close to the Musée de la Kasbah and within walking distance from all the city attractions. It is very close to the Socco, where you can browse all the wonderful Moroccan crafts, and a 15 minute walk from the nearest beach.

The Kasbah lies at the top of the Medina market place. I chose this residence because it has a lovely bohemian feel and you are right in the heart of the bustling Tangiers culture. As you may know Tangiers is famous for being the hideaway of numerous celebrated artists as poets such as Paul Bowles, Cecil Beaton, William Burroughs, Joe Orton, Jack Kerouac, Truman Capote and Allen Ginsberg,

The house is located half way down a small dusty alley-way so you are right in the heart of the real Morocco. It is old, traditional and rustic in style with white-washed walls throughout. Please note that this house is not in a tourist area and your neighbours will be Moroccans. This house suits someone who would like to be immersed in Moroccan culture. Please ensure you know what the Medina is like in Tangiers before you book, as this location is not for everyone!

The house has two double bedrooms (4.5m x 2.1m), one bedroom with two single beds (4.1m x 2.1m), a main bathoom with bath and shower (2.5m x 2.1m), a second bathroom with toilet (1.55m x 2.2m), a dining room/living room (4.5m x 2.1m), a kitchen (3m x 2.1m), a balcony (1m x 4m) and a roof terrace (5m x 5.2m). There is also a flat screen wall-mounted TV with satellite broadcast. And an extra double sofa-bed.
Please note that two of the bedrooms do not have windows (which is common in Moroccan town houses to keep the rooms cool). There are quite steep stairs between each floor (see photo) - the house is not recommended for those with mobility problems.

The house will be thoroughly cleaned for you before arrival. My agent Abdellah, a charming Moroccan man who runs his own computer training school, can send one of his students to meet you at the port and accompany you to the house to explain how everything works. If there are any questions or problems during your stay, Abdellah can sort everything out for you. I am also available by phone or email..

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Although the house has a quaint and rustic feel, it is also very comfortable with all basic mod cons. There are doors with glass panes full of different colours, beautiful Moroccan tiles and Moroccan carpets throughout. It is ideal for a couple (if you want lots of space) or a small group of people who feel creative, artistic and want to get away from modern tourist properties.

Already supplied for your visit are the following:

All bed linen including sheets, covers, pillow, pillow cases and blankets;
All cutlery including knives, forks and spoons;
All kitchenware including bowls, plates, mugs, glasses, cups, kitchen tools and place mats;
Basic condiments for use in the kitchen;
Towels for all the family;
Hot water available from water heater. From cold, the water takes 30 minutes to heat up. Once heated it lasts for a few days.
All utility bills are included in the price.

There are two double bedrooms (4.5m x 2.1m), one bedroom with two single beds (4.1m x 2.1m), a main bathoom with bath and shower (2.5m x 2.1m), a second bathroom with toilet (1.55m x 2.2m), a dining room/living room (4.5m x 2.1m), a kitchen (3m x 2.1m), a balcony (1m x 4m) and a roof terrace (5m x 5.2m).

The house is located up an alleyway where there are other houses owned by mainly Moroccan families. There are plenty of establishments to buy food nearby.

About the Owner

Debbie Winterbourne is an English woman who has always had a passion for the city of Tangiers. She first visited the city as a teenager and was mesmorised by the amazing sights and sounds of this wonderful place. Over the years she has visited Tangiers many times and four years ago she decided to buy a house in the coveted area of the Kasbah, the old walled city of Tangiers. She has now completely renovated the house and it is a simple, clean, beautiful and artistic residence ready to rent to anyone wanting a holiday home in Tangiers.

She works in partnership with her friend Abdellah and his wife Houda who live in Tangiers and runs their own computer training school. Debbie lives in London and is happy to help with all email, calls and queries about the house.

Further details outdoors:
The house is accessed through a pedestrian alley way. It is possible to park a car two minutes walk from the house, and will cost you around 1 euro per night. The Kasbah area has magnificent views across the sea. There are plenty of small shops around for you to purchase food. There is also a wonderful cafe a stone's throw away where you can have a mint tea whilst looking at the sea.

Further details

There are four flights of stairs which can be a bit steep so the house is not so suitable for those with difficult mobility or very small children unless they take the rooms on the first floor only.

Conditions

Smoking only allowed on the third floor balcony or on the roof terrace.

Photos

 

Enlarge

living room on third floor

 

Enlarge

Front Door to House

 

Enlarge

First bedroom on first floor

 

Enlarge

Second bedroom on first floor

The Tangier/Rif Mountains region

Please note that this property is brand new on the market, and that is why there are no reviews yet!

Tangiers lies at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts here and the Romans made it a capital city. It was occupied by the Arabs and invaded by Vandals and Visigoths. Before the Spanish, the Portuguese controlled the town. In the early part of the 20th century, Tangiers was an international city whose tax-free status and cosmopolitan image attracted European and American artists and writers.


The town beach is a several kilometre long curve framed by the white houses of Tangier and ending in the barren mountains. There are several Atlantic beaches west of Tangiers, which all offer a good alternative to the town beach. The setting of these beaches is gorgeous, with mountains on all sides, wide and clean beaches with all necessary amenities.

The medina of Tangier is full of mystery: there are narrow streets and houses in many different styles. The gate to the medina near the Great Mosque connects directly to the beach. It is also the easiest entry to the most fascinating parts of the old parts of Tangier, and you will immediately find yourself walking in narrow streets which ends up in the Petit Socco.

Morocco was the first power to recognise the United States of America as an independent country, and in response an American embassy was erected in Tangiers in 1777. It now serves as a free museum where every visitor is guided around by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. There are art collections by local American artists.

Socco is the Spanish version of the Arabic word for market: suuq. But with the Spanish long gone, the word Socco survives in Tangier. The Grand Socco is located north-east of the medina, and is no longer a market place. Today it is a meeting place and a transport junction, principally for taxis. The Grand Socco is also the point where the modern part of the city meets the narrow streets of the old city.

The Kasbah fronts the former sultanate palace which now has been converted into a museum. It is dominated by its fortifications which are still in very good condition.

The Kasbah these days is still a nice area, quiet and in good condition. But the real wealth is behind often anonymous facades, and there are many luxurious houses here. Most of them are fairly old though, because most rich people of Tangiers now live further away from town centre.

The Tangier City / Tangier Kasbah area

Getting around

Walking is perhaps the best way to see Tangiers. Petit taxis are common, but if it is unmetered make sure you agree on a price first. Tangiers is very easy to navigate; the two main roads are Boulevard Mohamed V which runs from near the Medina through the ville nouvelle and Boulevard Mohamed VI which runs along from the beachfront from the port to Malabata. The Medina area is a complex array of alleyways some of which can only be accessed on foot. Boulevard Mohamed V has a whole range of clothes shops, pharmacies and cafes as well as many hotels.

Half an hour's drive outside Tangiers will take you into beautiful countryside and beaches perfect for walking and admiring the views.

.
What to See

The Kasbah – see the tomb of Ibn Battouta, a 14th century famous traveller who was born in Tangiers.

Teatro Cervantes, rue Salah Eddine et Ayoubi. An old theatre, closed and falling to pieces but take a photo from outside the gates as you pass by on the way up to the Grand Socco.

The American Legation, 8, Rue America,. The Tangier American Legation Museum (TALM), a thriving cultural centre, museum, conference centre and library in the heart of the old medina in Tangiers, is housed in the only historic landmark of the United States located abroad. The museum exhibits a large collection of art and historical items. It also has a Paul Bowles Wing dedicated to the writer and composer who lived most of his adult life in Tangier.

Musée d'Art Contemporain de la Ville de Tanger

The Kasbah Museum, the former Sultan's palace deserves to be seen not only for its collection of artefacts from the Phoenician to modern times, but also for the building and garden. There is a small fee for entrance (10 Moroccan Dirham or about $1USD) and varying opening times winter and summer.

What to Do

Try people watching on the Terrasse des Paresseux, boulevard Pasteur or on Sunday along the beachfront Av. Mohamed VI.

Drink a mint tea in the famous cliff top rustic café of El Hafa and enjoy the view of the ocean .

Mnar Park - aquatic park with an amazing view of the coast. Open in 2005 it costs 5€ for children and 10€ Adults and has aqua slides, karting circuits, cafés and a romantic restaurant.

Get happily lost in the medina, which is most active in evening and night.

Visit the American Legation Museum in the walled city. (Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States, in December 1777 with the hope of promoting commerce with the new republic. This act by the Moroccan sultan was the first public recognition of the U.S. by a head of state.)

Go to the souk on Thursday or Saturday mornings to see the Rif mountain women in their colourful costumes selling their produce and dairy products all along the wall of the English Church.

Things to Buy

Most brasswork is made in other towns but is available here. Leather goods are also available. Stay away from the tourist traps and you may find the price quite reasonable. There is a infamous market in Tangiers called "casa barata" (the house of cheap things) - there are bargains to be had here which are sold alongside vegetables, electronics, clothing, shoes, spices, carpets, ironmongery and everything else one can think of!). There are other markets notably the souk in the medina (mainly vegetables, clothes and tourist items) and in Ben Mekada (vegetables).

Colourful leather slippers with pointed toes are great gifts to take home and cost about 600D a pair, more if they have soles suitable for walking outside. Men and women’s clothing can be bought for reasonable prices in the medina.

Where to Eat

There are many choices of restaurants and cafes. Many of the luxury hotels offer a good selection of both Moroccan and Continental food, though at prices much higher than what you will find elsewhere. There are also many restaurants along the Ave Mohamed VI (the beachfront) where you can enjoy a nice meal with a glass of wine on the beachfront.

In the evening, go to the plaza next to CTM bus station. There are several cafes and restaurants facing the plaza and the prices and service are good. Just wandering around in the medina will produce numerous Moroccan restaurants offering similar dishes, quality, and prices (main dish around 5 euros), so you can just choose one of these at random and probably feel satisfied.

There is also some fresh off-the-boat seafood restaurants for locals in the port behind the warehouses. At the port entrance, walk towards the water and keep to the right. It's on the docks towards the farthest point out behind some buildings...all outdoor seating for the most part. Order a tray of shrimp, a (big) salad and the calamari and fish tray. No menus or prices but it's quite inexpensive and authentic.
Some of the popular restaurants and places to eat in Tangier are as follows:

El Minzah Hotel (Moroccan) - located near the French Consulate at top of Boulevard Mohamed V, very expensive

Otori Sushi (Japanese) - located near the Grande Poste, Avenue de la Resistance

San Remo (Italian) - located near the town centre

Pagoda (Chinese) - located near the town centre

Sable d'or (Indian) - located on the beachfront, Ave Mohamed VI

Restaurant Al Andalous (Moroccan Deli & Fish Bar) opposite the Al Andalous Mosque, Lalla Chafia.

Oslo (Pizzas and snacks) located on the Boulevard and on the beachfront

Restaurant Populaire (Moroccan)

Drink

There are many places in Tangier to drink - people have their own favourite haunts. Much depends on the current owner who tends to give the place a certain ambiance. Favourite bars/discos with foreign (and local) clientele include Casa Pepe, Sable D'or, Morocco Palace, Marco Polo (popular with truck drivers) and hotel bars such as Ramada and El Minzah.

You could opt for a coffee instead - there are no shortage of cafes; some of which are the best in the country. Some have amazing views (like Cafe Hafa), some good coffee, some are popular (cafe Tropicana, cafe Celine Dion), some with music (cafe in the Dawliz complex), some have good cakes (cafe Oslo), some are places to relax after a hard day shopping (cafe Madam Porte, cafe Vienna) - the choice is yours.

Fresh fruit juices are sold by street vendors during the summer months. The cafes also serve fresh juices and often have what is called a panache - a mix of fruit juices often with milk, apple and almond which is delicious.

Street Food

You may quickly bore of tagines and street food is a great option for snacking throughout the day. Fresh orange juice costs about 5D; sandwiches of egg, peppers, and sauce are about 10D. Yogurt mixtures can be particularly creative, such as avocado and almonds, or fruit mixtures. Tiny stalls in the souk sell cooked vegetables like eggplant, with rice, and other tasty treats and a meal there can cost 10D or so. In the early evening you may find squares of chickpea cakes sprinkled with salt and paprika.

Breakfast

In the morning a "locals" cafe will give you a cafe au lait for 5D. (Cafes where tourists congregate will charge you 10D.) Usually there is a bread vendor at the cafe (by the port or the medina) who will serve you bread with cheese and honey for another 5D. It's perfectly okay to buy your bread/breakfast elsewhere and eat it outside at the cafe.

Vegetarians

Vegetarians will find plenty to eat in Tangiers and Morocco in general, but watch the vegetarian tagines which often contain lamb stock. Street food is a lot more creative and fun. If you've brought a camping stove, shop at the souk and make your own.

Stay safe

Generally, Tangiers is a very safe city compared with many places in Europe. The only trouble you may encounter is the persistent touts, whom you should ignore, and whom you will mainly find in the medina. There are policemen everywhere and you will probably feel safer in Tangiers than at home. Dressing like a local - as opposed to white shorts, shoes, and a backpack - will help you blend in and get good reception from merchants, who will often quote you actual prices instead of inflated tourist prices. The general dress code in Morocco is to cover your knees and shoulders which are considered to be private body parts.

Language

The first language in Tangiers is Arabic and French is also widely spoken. Some people will speak English and Spanish too.

How to get there

The Artist's Residence What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

Reset Map

The house is 5-10 minutes walk from the port in Tangiers

There are several ways to get to the port in Tangiers:

1.Take a cheap flight to Spain (Malaga is the closest airport). From Malaga take a bus (two hours) or hire a car (one and a half hours) to the Spanish port of Algerciras. Or you could take a flight to Gibraltar which is only a 30 minute bus ride to the port of Algerciras.

From Algerciras it is best to get the free bus to Tarifa (about 30 minutes) from where you can get the high speed FRS catamaran boat to the port of Tangiers in the heart of Tangiers city, which takes 35 minutes (one hour in the winter). The boat leaves every 2 hours from Tangier and the last FRS boat of the day returns to Tarifa at around 22.00. The cost is around 37 euros for one way, or 67 euros for a return ticket; Sometimes there are variations in arrival and departure times so it is always wise to check when you are there;

2. Another option. Is to take a ferry from Algeciras to the new port of Tanger-Med which is situated in about 30 km from Tangiers. The cost is around 30 euros one-way and about 63 euros for a return trip. The ferry takes one to two hours. Obviously that is not as convenient as you do not arrive in the city of Tangiers and the journey is longer.

3. By Air Direct to Tangiers

Tangier-Ibn Batouta Airport (TNG) is located 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city (travel time about 20 minutes). Taxis cost around 100 Dirham (10€) from Tangier and 150 Dh (15€) at night from the airport to Tangiers. At present Royal Air Maroc, British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Iberia, and Air Arabia Maroc fly here. All persons entering or leaving Morocco are required to complete an entry/exit card and non-residents are permitted to remain in Morocco for a total of 90 days. Arriving by aeroplane is the easiest and most hassle-free way of getting to Tangiers.

4. By train

ONCF opened a new train station, Tanger Ville, in 2003, which is now the end of the line. While it's closer to the city centre than Tanger Morora, the former last station), it is still quite a long walk so take a petit taxi for 15dhs or so.

The country has an excellent railway system with 1,893km (1,176mi) of track and a fine intercity passenger service. Overnight train services running throughout Europe can connect with Morocco. Most of the time, non- stop trains are fine but those which are not direct sometimes make unscheduled stops en route but you will reach your destination eventually.

There is a night-train leaving from Tangier to Marrakesh at 9:05PM costing 350 Dirhams for a couchette. There is a daily Train service to Fez for 155 Dirhams for a first class fare (5 hour journey).

5. By car or motorcycle

You can come by car by ferry from Algerciras and Tarifa in Spain or through the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (reached by ferry from Algeciras and other ports in Spain). The ferry crossing varies from 1 hour to 3 hours. The shortest and cheapest will be from Tarifa to/from Tangier taking around 35 minutes.

Coming by car or motorcycle can be a daunting process especially if you are new to Morocco. You have to complete a temporary import form for the customs ("Douane" in French). Sometimes this is done on the ferry (usually in the busy summer months) and at other times on arrival in Tangier. All persons entering Morocco also have to complete an entry/exit card. The Police and the Customs will both search your car - often not together so you need to be patient.

6. By bus

Tangiers has two long distance bus stations. The first, at the CTM offices near the port, is the arrival point of most CTM buses. Some other CTM buses, and those from other companies, arrive at the station on Place Jamia el-Arabia.
C.T.M. - Place d’ Espagne. Gare routière - Tel. 00212 (0)39 931 172

.

.

Activities near Tangier City

Reviews

Review: 1 to 3 of 7

>

11 Sep 2012

“Great place in the middle of where you want to be” Really enjoyed the house. It was well equipped, comfortable, clean and in the perfect position, in the middle of the old town where everyone is really friendly. If you want to see Morocco you need to see it from here. We ate well every day with good local food in local restaurants very cheaply and the beach is just down the roan. We will be back!!

28 Aug 2012

“A real Moroccan experience” We, that is myself and three teenagers, stayed in the house for two weeks. We had a brilliant holiday - the situation of the house in the Kasbah meant we really felt part of things and more like... more Response: We are continually updating the house. Last month we installed a flat screen TV and a new sofa bed so the house now sleeps up to eight people.

23 May 2012

“Everything the photos portrayed and more!” The property was everything the photos portrayed and more. When we arrived, we were haggled by taxi drivers when we got off our bus, but Deborah had someone waiting when we arrived. He tracked us... more

Review: 1 to 3 of 7

>

Review: 4 to 6 of 7

>

<

16 Apr 2012

“Basic, authentic and great for a cheap break with much cultural immersion” There is much to commend this property - it is exceptional value. Its location in the medina is excellent, with many shops and cafes nearby to buy food and provisions. You feel very much part of... more

17 Dec 2011

“The charming place for staying in Tanngier” We were staying at the House for one week. It is very clean and komfortably equipped, amazing traditional Moroccian house in old town of Tangiers. We were a group of 5 persons (4 adults and 1 child)... more

25 Aug 2011

“The perfect house for experiencing the magic of 1001 nights!” Me and my friend spent 6 lovely days in this wonderful house in the old original kasbah/ medina. It's location is perfect - in a narrow street withdrawn from the touristic main streets and just... more Response: I always wish the best holiday for the people who stay in the Tangiers house. So if ever you have any questions or queries you are welcome to contact me at any time. From the owner.

Review: 4 to 6 of 7

>

<

Review: 7 to 7 of 7

<

30 Jun 2011

“Tangier's inspiration” I spent a week in June 2011 in this beautiful house in the heart of Tangier. I felt safe, welcomed and inspired. During the day I visited attractions nearby including the modern style beach that is... more

Review: 7 to 7 of 7

<

Reviews powered by

Rental prices

Prices for group size 6
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
January to December	1 Jul 12	1 Jan 14	270£ 270	45£ 45	45£ 45	4 Nights

The property does not have weekend tariffs.

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

The price is the rental for the whole four-storey house. The price includes all bills,cleaning and access to staff if there are any problems..

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to book the house. The balance is payable four weeks before arrival.

Cancellations: the 50% deposit is always non-refundable. This is used to secure your holiday and I will be turning other people away for your dates once you have put down the deposit. If you cancel giving more than one month's notice, then you do not need to pay the remaining 50%. If you cancel giving less than one month's notice, then the whole rental fee becomes payable. This is because I usually get enquiries at least four months before a rental booking and so would have missed out on another client booking. I also liaise with my agent in Morocco and make plans for your arrival. Therefore I need at least a month to prepare.

We accept Paypal or direct transfer to bank account in euros or British Pounds.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here