In the heart of Marrakech, amidst the maze-like alleys of the medina, a new gem has emerged, embodying the spirit of contemporary African culture while paying homage to the city's rich heritage. This is no ordinary riad; it's a sanctuary where tradition and innovation work in harmony, welcoming creatives from around the world to immerse themselves in an oasis of art, design and cultural exchange. Welcome to Annex House.

Christian Schallert is the visionary behind this venture. Born into a family rooted in hospitality, he grew up in a coffee house in a small village in Austria. His passion for design and creativity led him to Barcelona, where he honed his craft as a photographer and entrepreneur. It was during his travels through Morocco as a photographer, capturing the essence of its landscapes and people, that the seed of inspiration for his own hospitality venture was planted.

The story of Brummell Projects, Schallert’s boutique hotels in Barcelona, Pyrenees and Marrakech, is one of perseverance and a vision of ‘a new concept of casual luxury offering less shine, less bling, more soul’. In Marrakech, the first property, Maison Brummell Majorelle, opened in 2023 as an eight-room treasure right next to Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Majorelle. Drawing upon his background in visual storytelling, Schallert collaborated with local and international creatives to curate a space where every corner tells a tale, from the intricate tile work to the handcrafted furniture. Seek and you’ll find pieces by likes of Soufiane Zarib, LRNCE and Marrakshi Life.

Riad Brummell soon followed, a 19th century palace turned into a small hotel located on a quiet street in the medina. Here, the attention to local emotion continues with original waha o gayza ceilings looking down on a water fountain pool and hammam. But the journey didn't stop there. Driven by a desire to create a truly immersive experience for guests, Schallert set his sights on a third property in Marrakech. Through a chance meeting with a local artisan sandal maker who mentioned a property for sale, he discovered an annex adjacent to the existing riad, ripe for transformation into a private retreat for group bookings.

Nicknamed the ‘fantasy house’, this just-opened haven is ripe for a weekend of fun in the red city with your best friends. “The Annex House perfectly complements our other properties by offering guests a different but equally luxurious experience,” Schallert explains. “What sets it apart is its versatility. We’ve created a space that caters to larger groups while still maintaining a sense of privacy thanks to interconnected rooms can be opened up or closed off as desired. And of course, there's the beautiful rooftop terrace where guests can gather to enjoy stunning views of the city.”

He collaborated with Rachid Bargamane, a multi-disciplinary artist renowned for his minimalist designs, to infuse this new space with innovative takes on age old Moroccan materials. “Rachid took my initial vision and elevated it to a whole new level, bringing in those organic shapes and innovative ‘octopus’ lighting designs. It creates this beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity that speaks to the essence of Marrakech itself,” Schallert says. From the terrazzo floors to the sweeping arches made from tadelakt, every detail reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity. Art also features heavily, including brass and fiberglass furniture and artwork made by Rachid and his brother, Abdessamia. These Marrakechi brothers are a true force redefining Morocco’s design landscape.

In addition to a focus on design and creativity, impeccable service is a cornerstone of the Brummell Projects properties. During the Nataal team’s stay, our host Hamza offered the right balance of hospitality and friendliness. Delicious homemade breakfasts – typical Moroccan breads and sweet treats such as baghrir or harcha with orange zest, seasonal fruits, and eggs – were prepared daily by an on-site chef and enjoyed each morning on Riad Brummell’s cactus-strewn rooftop. We lingered there, sipping mint tea, while Hamza shared his insider tips and local knowledge. And after days spent exploring the city’s art scene (Nataal is media partner for 1-54 Marrakech – read our story from the 2024 edition here), we retreated to Annex House, its intimate courtyard filled with lush greenery and a curved plunge pool, proving ideal for cosy night caps.

It's clear that Brummell Projects don’t do hotels —they design living canvasses where creativity and community converge to offer something truly magical. And as Marrakech continues to evolve as a global creative hub, places like Annex House invite travellers to not just visit, but to become part of the fabric of the city itself. “Annex House has been a labour of love, from the initial concept to the final touches, and I think it really embodies the spirit of Marrakech in a unique and unforgettable way.”