The Island of Malta: A Mediterranean Paradise
Malta’s story began even before recorded history when pre-historic settlers inhabited the islands and created some of the most beautiful temples in honor of the gods of the time. Along the centuries, several foreign rulers set their eyes on Malta and set foot on its shores with the intent of governing the island, due to its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean. Throughout the ages, Malta was Phoenician, Arab, Roman, Byzantine, belonged to the Knights of St. John, the French and the British before becoming the independent island state it is today.
A view of Malta’s capital city of Valletta from Tigne Point Luxury Development, Sliema
All these civilizations and rulers left behind their own traditions, culture and beliefs that made Malta the melting pot of cultures and history that it is today.
A part of Malta’s remarkable and eventful history still resides in those homes of great character on offer around the Maltese Islands. It is extremely fascinating to retrace historical traditions and past lifestyles in these remarkable residences that are widely sought after and demanded today. These houses of character range from sumptuous stately homes to rustic farmhouses – each telling a little bit about the lifestyle of their time and their original homeowners.
Malta and its Houses
Quirky. Majestic. Imposing. Elusive. Charming. Unique. All of these adjectives aptly describe the composition of traditional Maltese homes, more popularly and commonly referred to as houses of character. Rightly so, as in all their forms, shapes and sizes such properties are brimming with timeless charm and a particular undertone of preciousness brought about by their centuries-long history – in a way it can be said that not unlike wine, if properly preserved these houses can maintain and increase their quality.
Elegant House of Character, Attard | Malta Sotheby’s International Realty
The traditional architectural features of these houses never fail to captivate the eye and heart of those with a keen sense of appreciation for skilful craftsmanship. Elements such as the traditional Maltese balcony, wooden beams, arched and vaulted ceilings, cellars, central courtyards and stone floors or intricately patterned tiles characterize the composition of these homes.
18th Century Palazzo, Zejtun | Malta Sotheby’s International Realty
The offering includes village and country homes tucked quietly away in the heart or on the outskirts of Malta’s characteristic villages, stately townhouses with imposing facades, countryside farmhouses – for which Gozo is especially renowned – and majestic palazzinos and palazzos exuding old world grandeur. Their value is often further enhanced by their setting, being it the quiet countryside evoking rustic charm or a quaint, winding alleyway adding a nostalgic touch of past insularity.
Sumptuous Town House, Birkirkara | Malta Sotheby’s International Realty
Converted Farmhouse, Kercem, Gozo | Malta Sotheby’s International Realty
The high demand for homes of character due to their attractive features ensured for these properties an appreciating value on the market year after year, particularly as demand started outweighing supply and availability keeps grows shorter and shorter.
Malta Sotheby’s International Realty is the local luxury real estate brand representative on the Maltese Islands.
Content provided by Malta Sotheby’s International Realty.