Dar Beida – 4-Bedroom Holiday House in Essaouira Medina

“A cool, tranquil oasis amongst the excitement of the Medina. I only wished we’d had longer, but what a great excuse to return.”
– Kirsty P.

A Unique Holiday House in Essaouira’s Old Medina

Dar Beida is a unique 4-bedroom holiday house in Essaouira’s historic Medina, Morocco, sleeping 2–8 guests. Known as “The White House”, this beautifully restored traditional Moroccan dar combines original architecture with eclectic 1960s furniture, artisan pieces and contemporary comforts.

Located near Bab Doukkala at the quieter edge of the fortified Medina, Dar Beida is just moments from Essaouira’s food quarter and around a 10-minute walk from the long sandy Atlantic beach. With private roof terraces, open fires, spacious living areas and a peaceful courtyard, it is an ideal private retreat for families, friends and couples travelling together.

Inside Dar Beida

Four Bedrooms Across Four Floors

The Character of Dar Beida

Dar Beida has an unmistakable character. Described by The New York Times as a “glowing Pop Art cavern”, the house combines its traditional Moroccan architecture with eclectic 1960s furniture, artisan Moroccan pieces and carefully chosen contemporary details.

Its distinctive curved white interiors, ancient sandstone columns and thuya wood ceilings create a relaxed, highly individual atmosphere. Across four storeys, guests can discover a library, a fireplace-equipped chill-out room and a peaceful central courtyard designed for slow afternoons and evenings at home.

The first floor is centred around an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. It provides a sociable space for cooking and dining together, with comfortable seating, books, games and a stereo. Two open fireplaces add warmth and character to the room.

The second floor has two double bedrooms, each with its own distinctive pod fireplace, together with a spacious curved wet room illuminated by a skylight.

On the top floor, a double bedroom opens through glass-fronted doors onto a private terrace. A small seating area provides a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the atmosphere of the Medina.

Featured by The New York Times

Dar Beida has been described by The New York Times as a “glowing Pop Art cavern”, reflecting its distinctive combination of Moroccan architecture and eclectic mid-century design.

Stay in Essaouira’s Historic Medina

Dar Beida sits within Essaouira’s fortified Old Medina, near Bab Doukkala and the city’s lively food quarter. From the house, guests can explore the Medina’s atmospheric lanes, souks, artisan shops, cafés and restaurants, with Place Moulay Hassan, the harbour and the Skala all within easy reach.

The long sandy beach and Atlantic coastline are around a 10-minute walk away, making Dar Beida a convenient base for combining the character of Medina life with time by the ocean.