Royal-tea: tour Queen Elizabeth’s 1949 Maltese home from the comfort of your couch

Preserving, promoting and sharing Maltese culture.

Cluttons’ Maltese associate partner, Dhalia, has collaborated with Heritage Malta to grant exclusive access to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring locations.

From 1949, just after the war, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh lived in Malta for three years whilst the Duke was stationed on the HMS Chequers as a naval officer. Using 3D technology, Dhalia was invited by Heritage Malta to visit the Queen’s residence Villa Guardamangia and take a scan of the property.

A piece of royal history
Located at 49 Guardamangia Hill in Pieta, Villa Guardamangia is a unique palazzo infused with the history of Malta’s ties to Great Britain. Originally constructed as a farmhouse by Sir Augusto Bartolo in 1900, the building was divided into apartments before being purchased by royal family member Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1929. In fact, the first thing you notice upon visiting the Grade II listed monument is the elevated grand entrance indicating that you’re about to enter a place of high regard. 

The property features stables, large gardens, a belvedere walkway, grand sala nobile and so much more. Downstairs comprises 12 large rooms, along with the stables and a beautiful garden. The grandiose staircase leads you up to another eight rooms and roof terrace with inimitable views of the marina and Pieta. 

Awaiting restoration
A group of mismatched stone statuettes huddle together in the light of a nearby window, waiting to be returned to their rightful positions. The dusty floors hide the brilliant colours of Maltese patterned tiles.

Although the Queen has on occasion expressed an interest in revisiting her previous home, at the time it simply wasn’t possible due to structural issues that made the building unsafe. However, the Queen has been presented with two paintings of the villa.

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Sadly, for many years the property remained vacant. Languishing alone, slowly falling apart, the palazzo needs specialist attention to bring it back to its former glory.

Recently, the entire property was purchased by the Maltese government for €5million. Restoration work is due to start soon, as part of a national effort to preserve historic buildings overseen by Heritage Malta.

The lucky few who’ve had the chance to visit this majestic place over the past few years will agree that there is still a lingering sense of royal presence within the palazzo. Maybe it’s the high ceilings, or the well-placed windows and doors that flood all rooms with light. Villa Guardamangia is a special place, and Dhalia look forward to visiting again.

Once the restoration is complete, it’s hoped that the palazzo will become a museum, allowing visitors from all over the world the chance to see the historical building in person.

A virtual walk in the Queen’s footsteps
Dhalia’s 3D tours are making Malta’s steep history and culture ultra-convenient and accessible. Click on the link below to view the virtual tour of Villa Guardamangia, and make sure to view Inquisitor’s Palace and Mnajdra Temples, too. 

To view properties currently for sale in Malta, follow this link.