Overview
My home is a high end 17th century farmhouse with 3 double bedrooms ensuite, located in the heart of the oldest historic village of Gozo, Gharb. You’ll love my home because of the unique artistic conversion and attention to detail.
Tags
- Hotel Lodging
- Hotel & Lodging
Description
“Babouche” is a traditional Bedouin slipper evoking slow paced days and contemplative candlelight evenings. As an artist, the homes I have created around the world have always been havens of colour, imagination and whimsy. I design homes to be practical, yet very theatrical, and this is the foundation of the design behind my latest home, Babouche, which will take you into a world of 1001 nights of fantasy and creativity.
Babouche is one of the oldest farmhouses located in the heart of Gharb. Gharb is the oldest, most traditional and scenic village on Gozo.
At the house I will provided you with a guide to explain in detail all the local amenities, attractions, restaurants and activities.
When I acquired the house in early 2016 I saw how I could turn it into something special. I decided to create a spectacular holiday home where every room would play with our guests’ imagination. Whimsical surroundings are what makes a home feel young, playful and so much more alive. When you meander from room to room, the changing colours and light will make you smile. Babouche is a home where art and tradition are combined to offer an atmosphere of Mediterranean romance and inspiration. This is a home of colour and joy, where holiday memories are made … and never fade.
On the practical side I also believe in privacy and luxury, especially when travelling :)
The entrance brings you into a colourful south facing centre courtyard with a cascading swimming pool, comfortable deck chairs, a bench, a BBQ and exotic plants. The courtyard, which is overlooked only by the balconies of the three upstairs bedrooms, leads you to the living room and a further entrance into the kitchen. The swimming pool is equipped with a salt filtration system which is ecological and far healthier than the standard chlorine systems.
The kitchen has been fitted in what was traditionally the stable. Five large arches and carved stonework have been carefully restored. Meters thick stone walls keep this room cool during summer afternoons and you will see hand stencilled Mediterranean tile work throughout. It has a large Panasonic fridge freezer, a Smeg cooker, a Panasonic 7kg washing machine, a dishwasher, microwave, toaster and electric water kettle. The crockery and cutlery are all Italian and no less colourful. A rustic oval table sits 6 comfortably.
The kitchen leads via two archways into the huge living room which was the mill room, with several impressive arches and details dating from the 17th century. The living room faces the swimming pool via an arched windowed doorway. It is furnished with comfortable sofas, clubchairs, an upright piano, a fireplace and a desk. Here, too, the floor has been hand stencilled and repeats the colours of the courtyard
Upstairs the stonework is more delicate, windows are large, the colours are more subdued and the ceilings are very high. On the landing I have created a library, which has a large range of books and dvd’s, a flat screen TV and DVD player. A skylight floods this space with light.
The landing gives access to three large airconditioned, ensuite bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own individual balcony overlooking the pool and courtyard.
The width of the three double beds varies: King 160cm, Super King 180cm and Emperor 200cm. The beds are all two meters long and have been custom made by local craftsmen. Thick spring mattresses provide the ultimate comfort. Luxurious fine Egyptian cotton bedding, and designer bath towels complement the experience of luxury.
The master suite has a shower and a free-standing claw-feet slipper bath. This suite also has the largest balcony and is provided with two comfortable sun deck chairs.
During the warm months of the year the local people (and I) walk barefoot around their homes and gardens. Babouche will entice you to do the same. During the cooler season, and thanks to a Southwest facing position of the farmhouse, Babouche is naturally warm and cosy. A working fireplace sits in the centre of the living room.
Upon arrival we offer you a welcome breakfast hamper and a local wine to start your holiday on a happy, homely note. The village shops and supermarkets on Gozo are open 6 days a week.
We don’t believe in installing coin systems or a card top up system for our guests to use the air-conditioning and electricity in general. We simply sign you in and take note, together upon your arrival, of the electric meter reading. At the end of your stay we will also take note together of the final electric meter reading and charge our guests 25 Euro Cents per kilowatt unit used.
There is Wifi throughout the house, which is free.
A stone's throw from Babouche I live with my husband and a cat. My art studio is also there, so if you need help or you want to visit an artist's studio you will know where to find me.
If you have more questions before deciding to holiday at Babouche just send me a message.
Lastly: No pets and no extra guests allowed, sorry. No smoking inside the house either please.
I highly recommend you opt for the airport transfer, which will take care of your luggage and finding your way onto the ferry and take you all the way to the house without a hassle. I can organize this for you. Just let me know upon your booking. Local transport is entirely personal. You can either rent a car or make use of public transport, which is convenient and has been highly rated by tourists.
I hope to welcome you to our beautiful home, in the village we love most, on the island we love best.
Upon request : private chef and daily cleaning can be provided.
Guest access
Entire farmhouse.
Interaction with guests
I can speak French, German, English, Dutch and Cantonese. A stones throw away from Babouche I live with my husband and a cat, so if you need help or you want to visit an artist studio you will know where to find me.
Other things to note
Hiking and biking trails start at the end of the street, to the most stunning scenery on the island of Gozo have . Wied-il-Mielah cliffs with "the second window", the lighthouse valley, San Dimitri chapel valley and the more famous Dweijra are all easy walking distance away.
