“Perfume is a form of writing, an ink, a choice made in the first person, the dot on the i, a weapon, a courteous gesture, part of the instant, a consequence,” according to famed French perfumer Serge Lutens. The reclusive polymath -- he’s also a photographer, filmmaker and creative director -- has indelibly left his mark on the beauty industry, but credits the Red City for having helped illuminate his fifth sense. Below, six things we uncovered about the lavish palace he has been building for 47 years.

He acquired the first building, located in Marrakech’s storied medina in 1974, and continued acquiring, gradually growing an opulent network of interconnected buildings.

Right down to the drainage grates, the famed creative director left no detail unchecked. Bringing Lutens’ majestic vision to life is a team of 1,000 local craftsmen.

Yes, you read that right. “Beauty is impossible to define,” Lutens told Town and Country. “It’s constant ­discovery—it takes you through hidden doors.” Finished is an illusory concept in the grand master’s world. Once a room is complete, Lutens will often arrange to have the room redone.