Pallazzetto, in Birgu/Vittoriosa, rooftop pool with views of sea and Valletta

A quiet street in the Collachio of Birgu, former headquarters of the Knights of St. John, is the setting for 11 TRIQ IL LBIC, a historic townhouse that rises from its medieval cellars to a 21st century roof terrace that features a pool, views of the sea and Valletta skyline. You enter the imposing hall under a ceiling mosaic of the night sky by Count Jonathan Bauman. At ground floor are two twin bedrooms with en suites, one accessed from the hall and the other from a courtyard/atrium at the rear, that rises the full height of the house, flooding all levels with natural light.To the left is a laundry room with washing machine and twin bowled ceramic sink. A grand staircase leads to the first floor which has two double rooms, separated by a small library. Both have en-suites and wrought iron balconies overlooking the street. All bedrooms have wardrobes and generous storage space for suitcases etc. The walls of all bedrooms display paintings and drawings by John and Hilary Hoyland , Rosemary Wentges and other family members. Art Deco Murano chandeliers add a colourful touch of luxury to the high, airy ceilings.
The 2nd floor features a generous living room, decorated in shades of grey with comfortable contemporary furniture and colour notes added by paintings and prints, many again by John and Hilary Hoyland.
Adjoining the living room is a well equipped modern kitchen, with a large 5-ring gas stove, microwave, upright fridge and freezer, and twin bowl sink. A glass dining table with wood-framed, clear polycarbonate chairs complete the picture. Glazed doors open on to a glass floored loggia terrace over the courtyard below, ideal for al fresco breakfast or an evening aperitif. A living room balcony overlooks the the street below and the surrounding area.
The baroque dome of St. Lawrence's church is framed by the bullseye in the door to the roof, which opens onto expansive terraces , enclosed by a colonnaded pergola and featuring a Travertine edged pool. All around are views of the Three Cities, the Kalkara waterfront and Valetta skyline, with the Grand Harbour in between and the open sea beyond. Much of this Baroque panorama is floodlit at night, and firework displays, so much a part of the myriad parochial 'Festas', frequently illuminate the night skies over the islands. A canopy shades a dining area that seats up eight people for al fresco meals. The kitchen is easily accessible on the floor below.
The house has been refurbished using and local craftspeople and traditional materials. The house is environmentally friendly with a low carbon footprint. Water is heated by solar panels. The living room, kitchen and all bedrooms have locally controlled air-conditioning .
Due to its height and number of staircases No 11 Triq il Lbic is not suitable for the physically disabled or wheelchair users. For the able-bodied, the stairs provide good aerobic exercise, with the added reward of stunning views and the prospect of cool dip at the top!