Model Jacquetta Wheeler Inherits Tangier Dream Home Mid-Renovation After Mother's Tragic Death – Inside the Stunning Transformation

The Tragic Backstory That Launched a Dream Project

In the world of celebrity real estate, few stories are as emotionally charged as the one unfolding in Tangier, Morocco. Supermodel Jacquetta Wheeler, known for her two-decade career gracing runways for Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, and Chanel, never expected to become a homeowner—let alone a co-owner of a historic villa—under such heartbreaking circumstances.

Wheeler and her younger sister Charlotte inherited Dar Sinclair, a stunning bungalow built in 1926, after their mother, acclaimed photographer Tessa Codrington, passed away suddenly in late 2016. But the tragedy was compounded by an unfinished dream: Codrington had begun a major renovation just days before her death, leaving builders stranded and a grieving family in disarray.

“Suddenly there were builders in Tangier who didn’t know what to do,” Wheeler recalls. “Charlotte and I didn’t know what to do, so we just had to take it on.” What could have been a logistical nightmare turned into a cathartic labor of love—one that Wheeler says brought her closer to her mother’s spirit.

A Model’s Journey From Catwalk to Construction Site

Wheeler’s career as a supermodel is legendary. She has walked for the biggest names in fashion, from Tom Ford to Karl Lagerfeld, and has been the face of campaigns for Gucci, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and more. Born in London but with deep ties to Morocco—her great-grandfather Jack Sinclair built Dar Sinclair in 1926—Wheeler grew up vacationing in Tangier and visited Zanzibar at age 15 with her family, where her mother pointed out buildings designed by her ancestor.

“My mom loved being there more than anywhere else,” Wheeler says of Dar Sinclair. The home has been passed down through generations, and Wheeler herself spent many childhood summers in its courtyards. After her mother died, Wheeler spent the first half of 2017 shuttling between London and Tangier, immersing herself in the renovation process despite having no prior design experience.

The challenge was enormous. Codrington had already gutted rooms, installed central heating and air conditioning, expanded the kitchen, and opened up the living room—but she had left no decorative plans. “None of us had any idea what she was planning decoratively,” Wheeler admits. “In a way that was probably quite a good thing, because if we’d known and I hadn’t wanted to do it we would have felt quite guilty changing it.”

The Architectural Legacy of Jack Sinclair

Dar Sinclair is more than just a home—it’s a testament to the unique career of Jack Sinclair, a prominent English builder in Tanzania and Zanzibar in the early 20th century. Sinclair was one of the first British expats to settle in Tangier, instantly falling in love with the city and purchasing a large plot of land. His signature keyhole doorways and arched silhouettes dominate the villa, with later additions in 1949 and 1995.

The design palette now features vibrant hues that echo Moroccan and African motifs—cutouts carved into balconies, curved windows, and intricate tilework. Wheeler embraced her great-grandfather’s legacy while adding her own touch. “We went on a family trip to Zanzibar and Tanzania when I was about 15, and I remember my mom pointing out various buildings he designed that had similar shapes,” she recalls.

The Renovation Gamble: How Wheeler Pulled It Off

Wheeler leaned heavily on local artisans and a network of family friends. She enlisted childhood friend and London-based interior designer Diana de la Rue to help plan palettes, along with designer Gavin Houghton for paint colors. Houghton suggested a vibrant pink for the first level—a daring choice that pays homage to Moroccan culture.

A local painter named Mohammad mixed paint samples in real time, painting swatches directly on the wall until the perfect shade was found, marked with a simple X. Wheeler also turned to her mother’s friends—including antique dealers and international designers like Christopher Leach and Christopher Gibbs—to source fabrics and furnishings.

The renovation took place during Ramadan, when Muslim workers could not eat or drink all day. Wheeler expresses deep gratitude: “I’m so grateful to all of the men who helped through Ramadan and worked so hard.” The process forced her to improve her French and immerse herself in Tangier’s culture in a profound way.

Key Design Elements of Dar Sinclair

• Keyhole Doorways & Arches: A signature of Jack Sinclair’s style, these architectural features dominate the villa.
• Vibrant Pink First Level: A bold hue recommended by designer Gavin Houghton and mixed on-site by a local painter.
• Olive-Green TV Room: Updated with an ancient carved fireplace and an elephant-motif handprinted silk wall hanging from Jaipur, bought by Codrington in India.
• Daybed with Portobello Road Fabrics: Wheeler sourced cushions from London’s famous market, with a green-and-red heart print discovered with friend Peter Hinwood.
• Local Moroccan Touches: Many textiles came from a shop called Majid, where Wheeler says “you just want everything.”
• Cutout Balcony: The upper-level balcony features Moroccan and African cutout designs that pay tribute to Sinclair’s work in Zanzibar.

How Dar Sinclair Became a Sanctuary

The renovation wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was emotional. Wheeler recalls dreaming of going through fabric samples with her mother, a sign that Codrington’s spirit guided the process. “It was hard in the beginning, but it became the most incredible and wonderful project for the most sad reasons,” she says. “Two or three times I dreamt at night that I was going through all the fabric samples with my mom and we were choosing them together, and then I’d wake up.”

Today, Dar Sinclair stands as a vibrant, joyful home that blends Moroccan tradition with Wheeler’s fashion-forward eye. The supermodel now feels deeply connected to Tangier. “My French had to improve, and I felt like I really got underneath that layer of the city,” she says. “I’ve only ever known it as a tourist on holiday. I had a really lovely time, but now I’m more part of it—it’s more part of me.”

For fans of luxury real estate and celebrity design, this story is a testament to the power of family, loss, and the transformative magic of turning tragedy into triumph.

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