Part 1:
I first came to Gozo in 1994 and have returned almost every year since. Having stayed in every type of accommodation on this island from high-end to low-rent in every shape and size, I am thoroughly familiar with what’s on offer here. I needed something very special this time round for a large family get-together and having done my recce had no hesitation to opt for this property above others, as it covered my criteria of location, size, facilities and price.
Located on the very edge of a small village bang in the centre of the island, everything is equidistant to reach and easily so. No, you can’t see the sea from here, but you have an uninterrupted and stunning view across the fields to The Citadel, a superb crusader fortress towering above the island’s small capital Victoria. The size of the house works in all ways – number of rooms, layout, outside space & comfort - and its welcoming character tells you that this is a much-loved family home and not a soulless and spartan holiday let.
It’s a converted old farmhouse built out of cool limestone with tall vaulted ceilings and large spacious rooms, giving the whole house an open and uncrowded feel. The lounge is super lounge-y, the kitchen openly accessible and well-equipped (including dishwasher and a large fridge-freezer), all bedrooms bar one are en-suite with modern fittings and large walk-in showers and the beds are proper affairs with quality mattresses. Nothing is rickety or knackered, but solid and well put-together. Arranged over the ground and the first floor around a pretty internal open courtyard, the spacious and spread-out nature of the house ensures you never feel that you’re all on top of each other. Outdoor space in the garden (and on the large roof terrace) provides plenty of room for sun worship or seeking shady corners, in unison or in solitude. There is a large comfy outdoor sofa arrangement on the patio and the good-size pool is thoughtfully fenced off for the safety of the little ones. The back half of the garden is shaded by trees with a large hammock and a huge table for al fresco and stuff. A cool little bungalow at the end of the garden provides an additional en-suite bedroom for those who want to be far from the maddening crowd. All rooms have large ceiling fans and the two upstairs master bedrooms on the first floor are also air-conditioned (but which we never used, the fans did plenty enough). The house is clean, tidy and uncluttered and everything is in working order.
