There are many stories surrounding America’s beauty icon, Marisa Berenson. But they are always about Berenson as a model, an actress, and a cultural icon for seven decades. But now, people can also know her as a custodian and practitioner of architecture when they see her one-of-a-kind Moroccan-style villa.
"This place is my paradise. All the hustle and bustle will be forgotten behind this door" - that is a proud affirmation of Marisa Berenson about the house. Berenson designed this house herself as an experience of her multifaceted creative talent.
Berenson started studying at London's Inchbald School of Design when she was 16. She actually thought she would become an architect before her modeling career took off. It all started about eight years ago when Berenson started spending more time in Marrakech, a major city in Morocco, while designing a spa for a hotel there. Falling in love with the quiet life there, she bought an abandoned house and began transforming it into the "palace" she knows today.
With the help of a local architect, she sketched out a groundbreaking design that began with a central courtyard featuring a classical fountain covered in blue and white azulejos from Seville, Spain.
Stepping into the living room next to the porch, one is completely amazed by the personality-filled interior and captivated by the vibrant motifs, red and gold Venetian sofas along with a magnificent hand-carved plaster fireplace.
Next is the bedroom space, the room is decorated with classic bed sheets from the famous textile company Pierre Frey and on the floor are carpets with typical Moroccan style. The ancient brick fireplace was brought back from an old palace in Seville, the hand-painted mural of angels was inspired by a famous Spanish church,... All are arranged and cared for meticulously in the room.
She also designed a room in the house to function as a miniature library, where she neatly arranged a pair of Napoleon III chairs that she bought from Château de Ferrières, Paris. The outdoor spaces are equally enchanting, a wild, lush garden, a spacious terrace with a colorful swimming pool and, most notably, an organic vegetable garden right on the premises.
"I want this house to be a place where all my loved ones can stay for a long time and keep many beautiful memories. It is truly my legacy." - Marisa Berenson smiled brightly when answering Elledecor magazine about the wonderful house that she spent so much creativity and love to build.
