A few steps from the palm grove, in the heart of the medina of Tozeur, Dar Nejma, « La Maison aux étoiles » is hidden behind its high walls of blond brick. From the outside, nothing distinguishes it from the other houses of the old town.
After walking through the narrow streets of the medina, one stops in front of the large front door equipped with two knockers before entering the skifa, this double vestibule at right angles which preserves from outside view and which precedes the real arrival in the house. A first glance, captures the ballet of lights and shadows that play on the ochre walls, sifted by fragrant jasmines, bougainvillea flowers and bluish jacarandas. We are in the inner courtyard, known as the Palm Tree Courtyard. It groups together the shared spaces – large living room, music room, small Arab living room, dining room, kitchen. The swimming pool, in spite of its dimensions, plays discreetly with its dark green water. The date palm tree (one of the largest in the medina) dominates the house from all its height.
The second courtyard is more mineral. The facades of the apartments are reflected in a calm pool. The windows are decorated with wrought iron in volute or moucharabiehs, to see while protecting the intimacy.
Each apartment bears witness to an architectural and decorative approach that reconciles traditional layouts and materials with the warm colours of sub-Saharan Africa or Berber craftsmanship. Classically it consists of a small living room, a bedroom and a bathroom.
