Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1286726
10.09.2020 10 TOWNSCAPES AN 18th-century villa owned by the Testaferrata Bonici family, in an area known as Ta' Tavlin, in the locality of Żejtun has been given Grade 2 protec- tion status by the Planning Authority. e scheduling of this building, which was carried out in close collaboration with the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, covers not only the residence but also the formal garden, a number of rural structures, a forecourt and an ex- tensive buffer zone. e 'estate', which is being scheduled for its historical, architectural and so- cial significance, was used as a place where the Testaferrata Bonici family re- treated to for some rest. With this property now scheduled as a Grade 2 building, the extension of Triq John Borg through the villa's gar- den area, in accordance with the offi- cial alignment shall not be permitted. Within the designated buffer zone, any proposed development cannot exceed the maximum building height of 12.3 metres. Although the main doorway is devoid of any decorations apart from a rela- tively large family coat-of-arms, the estate has some unique characteristics, especially in the formal garden, which is unattached to the residence. e gar- den has an ornate neoclassical entrance gate which is in-line with the formal walkway leading to the nymphaeum, located at the other end of the garden. is formed part of the main axis that continues towards the main doorway of the villa. A forecourt separates the vil- la from the garden. e residence has a central courtyard with a traditional balustraded parapet wall and a baroque well. Both the Testaferrata and Bonici fam- ilies had strong ties with the history of Żejtun. So much so that the Bonici family had donated the land on which today stands the Parish Church of Ze- jtun dedicated to Saint Catherine. PA issues Grade 2 protection for 18th century villa in Zejtun