Danny Moynihan & Katrine Boorman's House in Marrakech

The old Medina in Marrakech(Morocco) seduces a diverse range of people into buying crumbling old 'riyads' either as permanent or holiday homes. Among them are painter and writer Danny Moynihan, author of Boogie Woogie; a book described as the first novel that the New York art world has deserved for some time, with cover design by his best friend Damien Hirst, and his wife, actress, film-maker and former showgirl Katrine Boorman - daughter of John and sister of Charlie. The 18C house had recently been owned by Chelita Salvatore, (muse to Ossie Clark and creator of the Marc Bolan look) painted in vivid colours and filled with pictures by Derek Jarman and others.  Moynihan and Boorman decided to buy it while holidaying with a friend next door.

After some minor structural work and re-painting throughout Katrine trawled the markets and souks of Marrakech for fabrics, a well known dealer for 20th century furniture and the Bab el Khemis flea market for 'almost everything else'.  The pictures in the house are mostly by Danny's parents, both artists, his own work or that of friends. The couple have 2 young children. The house was created as a relaxed family home with 6 bedrooms where guests come and go between the luxuriant courtyard garden and spacious rooms on the ground floor.

 

* quotation and photos via Johanna Thornycroft, 
  casadaimagem  Andreas von Einsiedel