La Tour des Faucons

In summary

Villa des Faucons is an exceptional Taroudant home in many respects: for its location, its architecture, its decoration, its collections and its magnificent garden.
The property is located in the greenest, most unspoilt part of Taroudannt, the capital of the Souss region. Surrounded by endless fields of olive trees on one side and the royal family's citrus farms on the other, this spectacular residence offers 360° views of the High Atlas, Anti Atlas, Siroua and Souss plains. It lies just 3 kilometers from the ramparts of Taroudannt and 2 kilometers from the modern town, accessible via a pretty road that runs alongside an orange farm.

Indoors 

Originally, the property was an old 18th-century farmhouse comprising a traditional Berber dwelling (1) with outbuildings (2) that housed the animals as well as the farm's stores and equipment.
After renovating this farmhouse and its outbuildings, the owner built a row of three large rooms (3) and a three-storey tower (4).
These two wings were then connected by a large covered gallery (5). The whole is U-shaped, with a large inner courtyard planted with bitter oranges, as was customary in the great mosques and palaces of Andalusia and Morocco.
The villa is at the center of the property.

Architecture:
An 18th-century farmhouse was first rehabilitated with the support of architect-decorator Hervé Pouzet des Isles. A modern wing housing a series of three salons was then built, and the ensemble was completed with a tower.
At the top of the tower are two pairs of falcons. It is to these auspicious birds that the house owes its name.
With its pure lines and beautiful proportions, the architecture is reminiscent of the kasbahs of southern Morocco. You could call it a modern Kasbah. The interior is resolutely contemporary, sober, elegant and serene.

Decoration:
The all-white walls and reddish-beige terracotta floors set the tone for this home. Furniture ranging from the 17th century to the 40s (Adnet, Sornier, Franck) and elegant sofas designed by Hervé Pouzet des Isles offer comfort and style worthy of the finest homes.
The beautiful and rich art collections are intelligently integrated into the home's decor, guiding us on an initiatory journey among the many forms of art expression in Morocco

The collections :
The Moroccan art collection is exceptional for the quality and variety of its objects. Antique doors from southern Morocco stand side by side with magnificently crafted chests from the Anti-Atlas region, and carved wooden pillars from the Siroua and High Atlas regions. The large dining room houses a sumptuous collection of Fez terracottas from the 17th to 19th centuries. Throughout the house, a comprehensive collection of antique carpets can be found on both floors and walls. Huge antique terracotta jars punctuate this intitial journey.
The large white wall panels also highlight the collection of modern paintings, such as this great Viallat from 1987 or this superb Tal Coat from the Aquarium series from 1945, not forgetting the admirable Reth, Charchoune, Survage, Mac'Avoy, Istrati and others. Art lovers will be delighted.

 

Layout

1. The Berber house:
This old, fully restored house retains its old-world charm, with its argan wood ceilings and adobe walls.
It has a suite and a separate bedroom on the ground floor (42m² and 28m²) opening onto a wooded patio (9m x 7m), and a single bedroom (15m² with bathroom) upstairs with a large terrace and a magnificent view of the park and surrounding mountains.
A small living room with kitchenette and a hammam beldi also open onto the patio of this old house. The whole forms a self-contained entity.

2. The outbuildings :
This building houses two large suites separated by an inner courtyard. These apartments feature an exceptional collection of antique doors from the High Atlas and Anti Atlas regions.
The first suite features a very large room with fireplace (105m²). Large windows ensure plenty of natural light. The bed is 2x2m, with a pretty Italian Zanotta sofa opposite the fireplace and quality works of art decorating this sumptuous suite. The bathroom is divided into three sections. A double washbasin, a bathtub, a large shower and separate WC. The walls are covered with large honey-colored marble panels. The palm wood dressing room is both practical and stylish.
The second suite (50m²) is organized around a courtyard. It has its own bedroom and living room, and the walls house a fine collection of Surrealist paintings. A large harlequin by Cocteau illuminates the room. The bathroom has a large shower, WC and washbasin.

3. The enfilade of 3 lounges (200m²):
This is the heart of the villa. It includes a large dining room opening onto the garden. The table d'hôtes can accommodate up to 16 guests. A large fireplace adds to the comfort of this pleasant room, which is directly linked by two openings to a huge double living room.
This double living room is the centerpiece of the villa. A monumental fireplace with double hearth separates the 2 parts of the living room. On one side, a Mauritanian coffee table surrounded by contemporary banquettes is the ideal place for informal discussions, aperitifs and parties with family and friends. On the other side of the fireplace, a more private sitting area is ideal for listening to music or reading a good book.

4. The four-level tower :
On the garden level is a large library that can also be used as a bedroom (85m²). It has its own bathroom and a very pleasant outdoor covered terrace.
On the 1st floor of the tower, a suite (85m²) features a 2x2m bed, a sitting area with sofa and two Meurice armchairs. It opens onto a large terrace that gets plenty of sunshine in the morning. A second terrace, accessible via the dressing room, offers one of the finest views of the setting sun. The bathroom is very spacious, with a bathtub, shower and double-sink basin.
The second floor is a suite/sitting room of astonishing proportions (8.5m x 7m x 5m). Designed as an artist's studio, it enjoys spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and olive groves. Its balcony, large fireplace and upstairs bathroom are a permanent invitation to idleness and relaxation. It also has its own shower room.
The third floor is an eagle's nest for lovers. Its large windows open onto breathtaking landscapes. It has a 1.8m x 2m bed and a full bathroom.

5. The large covered gallery:
This 80 m2 gallery links the 2 wings of the villa and houses a spacious summer lounge overlooking a courtyard planted with orange trees and the garden. Protected from the elements and the heat, this gallery is agreeable all year round.

6. Pool house :
The pool house is a house in itself. It is located at the end of the large swimming pool (31 m x 4.6 m) and offers spacious accommodation: a large dining room, kitchen, lounge and two bathrooms.
The poolside facilities (tables, armchairs, sun loungers) can accommodate a large number of guests (up to 50 for a party, birthday, etc.). Please consult us for larger groups.


Outdoors​ 

The property is surrounded by a 3.2-meter-high wall, ensuring a high level of discretion and security. The entrance porch, framed by the staff quarters, is both discreet and majestic.

The garden at La Tour des Faucons is designed in the tradition of the great English gardens (principally Hitecote), while incorporating elements of Italian and French gardens. Thus, the space is compartmentalized into areas of greenery or ponds, with views outwards.
Rare species have been imported: Beautiful tulip trees from Gabon, large Chorézia, Bouhinia, Jacarandas and more. The result is an almost heavenly haven of peace. The dense plantation, perfectly tended by the master of the house himself, ensures coolness in all seasons.
The Falcon Tower is a work of art created by its owner Karl Morcher, a man of taste, culture, tolerance and openness to all forms of life expression.

A long swimming pool (31m x 4.6 m) is laid out like an Andalusian pool, with a very spacious and comfortable pool house (6). The pool is set slightly back from the villa, hidden behind a dense plant curtain.


Staff & Services

Services included :
- Quality service (chambermaid, cook, gardener, janitor)
- Breakfasts served in the pool house
- Water (one bottle/day/person), tea and coffee (ground) consumed on site
- Air conditioning and central heating (underfloor)
- In-room safe
- Internet connection
- Satellite TV
- CD/DVD player in lounge library, films available free of charge
- Swimming pool
- Sun loungers, parasols and towels

Other services on request, at extra charge:
- Airport transfers from Agadir or Marrakech
- Catering: Fresh produce, seasonal fruit and vegetables purchased daily.
- Laundry, ironing
- Massages on request
- Baby sitter
- Car rental with or without driver
- Cab reservations
- Booking of excursions and sporting, tourist and cultural activities
- Restaurant reservations
- Introduction to Moroccan cuisine
- Events: theme evenings, birthdays, weddings, incentives...