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Many stories surround American beauty icon Marisa Berenson. But these stories have always been about Berenson as a model, actress, and cultural icon for seven decades. Now, however, she can also be known as a conservator and practitioner of architecture, as evidenced by her unique Moroccan-style villa.
"This place is my paradise. All the hustle and bustle will be forgotten behind this door" - that's a proud statement from Marisa Berenson about her home. Berenson personally designed this house as an experiment showcasing her multifaceted creative talent.
Berenson began studying at the London Inchbald School of Design when she was 16. She genuinely envisioned becoming an architect before her modeling career blossomed. It all started about eight years ago, when Berenson began spending more time in Marrakech – a major city in Morocco – while designing a spa for a hotel there. Falling in love with the peaceful atmosphere, she bought an abandoned house and began transforming it into her own personal "palace."
With the help of a local architect, she sketched out a groundbreaking design. The house begins with a central courtyard – featuring a classic fountain covered in blue and white azulejos from Seville, Spain.
Stepping into the living room next to the porch, viewers are immediately captivated by the distinctive and attractive interior, featuring vibrant patterns, a yellow-red Venetian sofa, and a magnificent, hand-carved plaster fireplace.
Next is the bedroom, decorated with classic bed linens from the renowned textile company Pierre Frey, and featuring Moroccan-style rugs on the floor. An antique brick fireplace, brought from an old palace in Seville, and hand-painted murals of angels inspired by a famous Spanish church... Everything is meticulously arranged and cared for in the room.
She also designed a room in the house that functions as a miniature library, where she neatly arranged a pair of Napoleon III chairs that she had purchased from Château de Ferrières, Paris. The outdoor spaces are equally enchanting, a lush, unspoiled garden, a spacious terrace with a vibrant swimming pool, and, notably, she even tends an organic vegetable garden on the property.
"I wanted this house to be a place where all my loved ones could stay for a long time and create many beautiful memories. It truly is my legacy," Marisa Berenson said with a radiant smile as she spoke to Elledecor magazine about her wonderful home, which she poured so much creativity and love into building.
