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II - Dar El Bahr From atop the fortress walls Hammamet
Bay and its fine golden sand beach can be followed as far as the
eye will take you. There, behind 100 meters of sea frontage wall rising
some 5 meters above sea level, and secluded in a lush oasis of palms, citrus
and bougainvillea's, lies a magnificent property: Dar El Bhar "House of
the Sea" in Tunisian, recognized as one of the most pleasant and sumptuous
of the region.
The house was built in the purest Tunisian style, complemented with European amenities and conveniences, between 1948 and 1950 by a Frenchman who entrusted its construction to some of the greatest architects of the time: M. Herbé (Arch. Dipl. Professeur à l'Ecole Des Beaux Arts de Paris), M. Zerfus (Arch. Dipl. 1er Prix de Rome) and MM. Marmey and Patou whose renown is so well justified here, between sea and sky, by the perfect marriage achieved between local charm and the unassuming elegance and refined taste imparted by the owner. The pertaining buildings - guest house, bungalow and gate keeper's lodge- were achieved by the no less famous Georges Sebastian, whose own Hammamet Residence has now been incorporated into the Tunisian National Patrimony. III - The entrance Located on a quiet spot of the Route de la Corniche, the studded main gate opens out onto a flowery court and alleys leading one through the tiled cloister into the main entrance hall topped by a traditional koubah. On entering the house, one is instantly struck by the fluidity and grace of the Tunisian architecture and the "douceur de vivre" it exudes. The outside and inside floor tiles,
made to order by local artists, now present the warm patina with which
they blend into the vibrant colors of the gardens and with the rays of
light which crisscross the great rooms marking these with delicate shadows
chiseled by the fine wood work of the windows.
IV - The main house The Great Room (top) and the Dining Room. In the Dining Room, the remarkable Woodroff screen has long since made its home amongst the classic furnishings. In the southeast wing of the house lie the Master Quarters consisting of a Master Bedroom, a large en-suite Bathroom, a boudoir and a second bedroom. The opposite wing regroups the kitchen, laundry room and a small courtyard with staff quarters. Sophia Loren, Baron d'Erlanger, Hubert
de Givenchy, Guy Laroche, Jean-Claude Pascal and many other personalities
have enjoyed the charms of the house during receptions held between the
arches and gardens of Dar El Bhar. The owner's family spent delightful
vacations here over the years and currently occupies the house.
V - The gardens The grounds, covering almost 4,200 square meters, are a paradise for nature lovers who will discover in the gardens surprising harmonies and contrasts amongst the numerous plants growing there. The huge Bougainvillea's create blazing archways in the cool shadows of which the daturas and the emblematic jasmine perfume the air. These ethereal scents waft on past the majestic palm trees, cypresses, tamarisks and fig trees, past the pink and white laurel trees... In this flowery setting lie three elegant pertaining buildings for the use of children and guests. One consists of a very large and extremely well appointed bedroom, the second of four small double bedrooms, office and bathrooms and the third of a generous double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. In addition to a direct staircase from the kitchen, a small stairway winds itself along the property's east wall to the large roof terrace. The latter, built in the traditional Tunisian style, includes a delightful Moucharabieh and provides the ideal setting for moonlit dinners amongst the palm tops. VI - On the roof side From atop the great roof, take in the sun's last beams as they color the shore and the heights of the Zagouan Mountains every hue of red and project dark blue shadows onto the whitewashed buildings. It is time for pleasant conversations which will perhaps be taken up tomorrow under the vaulted ceilings of the ground floor colonnade which so discreetly blends the house and its gardens. Under these arches, the culminating point of a perfect evening, one can never tire of the soothing sound and impregnable views of the ocean. VII - Towards the Beach In addition to a conventional garage, a boathouse and its rooftop terrace overlooking the beach are also accessible from the garden. From there, following the long frontage wall, a quiet palm-lined alley lends itself to quiet meandering, fanned by the refreshing sea breeze. Along the way, a few tranquil spots offer a refuge to the lonesome wanderer or a foundation to dreams of adventure. The beach runs along the entire length of the frontage wall and on to the old port of Hammamet where the local fishermen keep their brightly colored boats. VIII - Memories No one leaving Dar El Bhar can do so without the memory of the divine Bay of Hammamet, the setting of a few privileged days. No less memorable will be the warmth of the Tunisian experience, the kindness and culture of its people, their humour and their tolerance. Dar El Bhar is the experience of
a lifetime for the temporary visitor, but for those fortunate enough to
call it home...
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