Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1293199
14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 COMMERCIAL The former Gozitan residence of re- nowned British author Nicholas Mon- sarrat and a palazzino in Zejtun have both been given a Grade 2 protection status by the Planning Authority for their architectural, historical and so- cial significance. The process for these properties to be scheduled was carried out in close collaboration with the Su- perintendent of Cultural Heritage. The property in San Lawrenz, Gozo, which Nicholas Monsarrat purchased and moved into in the late 1960s, com- prises of two similar vernacular dwell- ings, each built around a front court- yard. Although the two-storey property has undergone rehabilitation works, the built fabric of both structures remains almost untouched. The property en- joys an extensive mature garden at the back and underground cisterns. Tradi- tional vernacular features are evident in these dwellings, such as a shaded arcade around the courtyard, a 'setaħ' terrace at ground floor and stone staircas- es. Monserrat who was a popular English novelist, best known for the novel, The Cruel Sea, purchased the property in 1968 on the last day of a week-long hol- iday in Gozo. In 1973, Monsarrat wrote the book "The Kappillan of Malta" in this property, a book he is well known for in Malta. He died in August 1979. In Zejtun, the Authority scheduled a palazzino in Triq Luqa Briffa. Located within the urban conservation area, the palazzino exhibits a neo-classical archi- tectural style with a symmetrical and el- evated façade. The decorative wrought iron 'loġġ' above the main doorway bears the initials 'D' and 'Z', alluding to its original owners, namely the Testa- ferrata and Zamitello families. The facade is characterised by a cen- tral projecting balustraded parapet wall supported by two columns. The main doorway lies between the two columns and is flanked by traditional louvered timber windows, above which is dec- orative masonry work. Internally, the property exhibits traditional features consisting of framings around the door- ways, architraves and decorative pilas- ters along a 'tal-anima' staircase, 'gavda' mouldings and a traditional roofing sys- tem containing timber beams and stone slabs. Most of the rooms are built around a courtyard that leads onto an extensive formal garden having an elaborate and decorated gate which leads onto Triq il- Ħall. This formal neo-classical garden has a central traditional walkway embel- lished by columns along the length and width of the garden. The property also has a small 'barumbara' on the roof, as well as access through the basement to private chambers of an air-raid shelter. To view the Authority's schedule reg- ister visit www.pa.org.mt. For more in- formation one can contact the Planning Authority Communications Office on +356 22902025. Renowned British author's former Gozo residence scheduled