Sneak peek at Yves Saint Laurent's Moroccan mansion

The death of Yves Saint Laurent last June was a bitter blow for fashion. Often described as the last true couturier, Saint Laurent's designs were groundbreaking. Now, his Tangier estate is on the market through Christie's and has the fashion legend's eccentric stamp all over it.

'Dressing is a way of life', quipped the fashion legend once. With such a universal attitude to fashion, it’s no surprise that Saint Laurent’s innovative style permeated every area of his life. Not least his impressive string of properties.

'Yves Saint Laurent's Moroccan retreat – with its esteemed provenance, masterful execution, flawless condition, and originality – is distinguished as being among the rarest of real estate offerings worldwide,' said Kay Coughlin, President & CEO, Christie's Great Estates who is selling the property.

The catwalk King and his business partner Pierre Bergé owned houses all over the world, the most famous being their Normandy retreat Château Gabriel. Its lavish interior was decorated by renowned designer Jacques Grange and took inspiration from King Louis II’s Bavarian castles and the decor of Yves Saint-Laurent’s favourite film, Innocente.

From Napoleon III sofas to Biedermeier enamelled glass vases, the château was a veritable treasure trove of design delights. Back in February, over 1,200 works of art from the chateau were auctioned, including a painting by Sir Edward Burne-Jones which sold for €1,095,400. 'I adore Château Gabriel' gushed Grange, 'I would love to completely dismantle it and spread its spirit around the world.'

And so he did – first stop, Villa Mabrouka, Morocco.The 9,700 square foot mansion has all the hallmarks of Grange's eclectic style. But let's not get ahead of ourselves – the exterior is definitely worth a mention.

Nestled by the Kasbah and five minutes from the centre of Tangier, Villa Mabrouka boasts spectacular surroundings. Perched on the top of a cliff overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and the coastline of Spain, the view alone is enough to send the property to the top of our wish list. But it doesn't end there. There are two acres of gorgeous gardens to explore, created by Madison Cox, designer of the New York Botanical Garden.

Then there's the interior.

Wander through the Moorish style entry and through the lobby’s white arcades and you’ll find an inspired mish mash of classic Moroccan meets English country. Traditional accents come in the form of white washed walls, black and white checkerboard tiled floors, vaulting ceilings and an expensive terrace. But Grange has chosen faded English chintz for the two living rooms. One of these, we hasten to add, offers 180-degree views of the sea. Get this cleverly contrasting look with Moroccan lanterns from Crocus and rose cushions from the queen of country-chic, Cath Kidston.

Head through the rest of the pad and you’ll find yet more touches of eccentric Grange/Saint-Laurent styling. There's a dining room with edgy bamboo walls and a library in the style of an English members' club with a Colonial era fireplace. Create your own fashion forward interior, with dramatic, hand-woven Sugarcane Bamboo from Urbaneliving.

Other lavish features of Villa Mabrouka include two master bedrooms with verandas, a 650 square foot pool house and a separate 1,200 square foot staff quarters for four. Oh, and a heated swimming pool carved out of the rock. But then, would you expect any less from the former leader of the jet set fashion pack?

Is the house your style? Post a comment below – we love to hear your thoughts.

Want a nosey around more fashionistas' pads?

Check out Tom Ford’s monochrome masterpiece and Alexander McQueen’s spacious East London house.