Dar Chennnoufi is a delightful old house set in the countryside surrounded by olive, almond and orange trees and fields of wheat and onions. It is about 10 minute drive from the centre of El Kef.
It is a low building around a central courtyard. A large central doorway with smaller doorway in it leads into a long corridor with the small reception area and kitchen behind. There is a long table where breakfast is served. There is a large sitting area on one side of the courtyard. At the far end is a log fire and low tables and benches which are used for dinner. Stairs lead to the owners quarters on the first floor above the main entrance. There are three bedrooms along the opposite side of the courtyard.
We had a huge bedroom with a large double bed set in an alcove at the far end and separated from the rest of the room by curtains. There was decorative tile work above the bed and it really did feel as if we were sleeping in the Bey’s (ruler’s) bed. There was a single bed and cot in the rest of the room with an old chest of drawers with TV above and painted chest. Along the outside wall were green painted cupboards.
The old fashioned bathroom with claw footed bath was off the bedroom. There was a good supply of towels and bath robes. There was a hand held shower above the bath which was inconvenient to use. Soap was provided by no other toiletries.
The room was comfortable and had considerable style. There was air conditioning but it wasn’t working very well so a portable gas heater was provided to heat the room in the evenings.
We were served a cup of mint tea with sweet nibbles when we arrived. Dinners were home cooked Tunisian food and excellent. Madame Chennoufi checked the menu with us each evening to make sure we were happy with the main course and we had lamb, quail and wild boar. Breakfasts were ample and filling with freshly squeezed orange juice, and a choice of breads croissants and sweet items as well as eggs. We particularly liked the El Kef bread.
