Deliverance Sight Unseen

A true story, here in Marrakech. Deliverance – just when you’re not expecting it. A story of coincidence and happiness. Involving Yorkshire folk from start to finish. RT1004.

Deliverance. The patio courtyard

The owner wants to sell as he is well within his retirement age and is fully entitled to the fruit of his investment. He has owned this old Riad for 30 years.

The first floor will take three en suite bedrooms

The buyer, from Yorkshire, keen to own and develop Marrakech Medina real estate, is on the look out for a good deal in this most competitive of markets. Frustrated by a sale that falls through at the last moment, his attention turns to Dar Tom in the Riad Laarous district of the old Medina.

But time is short and business must be agreed. Sight unseen, he makes a low offer on the Riad and engages the owner, Mr Tom. A negotiation ensues and the deal is agreed. Unseen! Trusting me that all is in order, a heavy professional responsibility, the buyer sends money to the escrow account of his Marrakech notary. A Promise of Sale is agreed.

Fantastic life in this beautiful property

The owner’s representative meets with the buyer at the signing. Who is this Tom? He is none other than the famous film director, BAFTA winning Tom Priestley, son of JB Priestley the most famous of Yorkshire writers. And the circle is squared. This little Riad in Marrakech Medina passes from one famous Yorkshire family to another – and through intuition and feeling alone. An Inspector Calls. He must!

Deliverance. New life in Tom Priestley’s old Riad. An amazing backstory.

This story illustrates the current effervescence in the Marrakech Medina real estate market. And the astonishing flair and feeling of Yorkshire folk to find the goodness and the solidarity in all they deal with. Tom Priestley, director of films such as A Shocking Accident (1982) and Deliverance (1972) is delighted to know that his little Marrakech Riad will be taken on and developed by another Yorkshireman. Amazingly, and beautifully, unseen.

I will update this blog with news as Richard, the new owner, develops this Riad. In the meantime let’s just revel in life’s mysteries and coincidences. From Yorkshire to Marrakech Medina – Deliverance – a thread of energy links two very different yet very similar Yorkshire folk.

Tom Priestley has made this traditional Riad his Marrakech home for 30 years – Deliverance

Colin is your Marrakech Medina Real Estate specialist. Living and working in the old city. An Inspector Calls +212658025028 or mail colin@bosworthpropertymarrakech.com