The Enduring Charm of Maltese Farmhouses

Growing up in Malta, I’ve always admired the warmth and character of traditional Maltese farmhouses. Their timeless beauty, especially when carefully restored to maintain their original features, is unmatched by modern architecture. These structures, shaped by practicality and resourcefulness, reflect a deep connection to nature and an era of self-sufficiency that has largely faded over time.

With the decline of farming in Malta, many farmhouses fell into neglect or were demolished to make way for new developments or greenhouses. Those that survived have often been repurposed or lovingly restored, blending historical authenticity with modern functionality.

Key Features of the Maltese Farmhouse

Maltese farmhouses were designed with security and practicality in mind. Thick limestone walls, small windows, and sturdy doors made these homes both functional and safe for isolated living.

Entrances and Layout

The entrance typically led into the cart-room (remissa), a spacious hall used for storing agricultural tools and parking carts. The door was wide enough for carts to pass and was secured with thick wood reinforced by metal rods at night. Adjacent to the entrance, a stone ring (ħolqa tal-ġebel) jutted from the wall, used to tie up horses or donkeys.

The remissa opened onto a central courtyard (bitha), the heart of the farmhouse, where daily activities took place. The courtyard featured a stone well (bir) with a carved well-head (terża) and a trough (ħawt tal-ġebel) for animals. Stairs leading to the upper rooms were built externally, saving precious interior space.

Living Spaces and Storage

The upper room (għorfa), accessed via the staircase, served as a multipurpose space. Families often slept here or used it to store prized possessions, making it a locked and rarely accessed area. In later years, these rooms also served as dry-storage areas for fodder. The roofs of the ground-floor rooms, bordered by low parapet walls (opramorti), doubled as terraces (setaħ), used for drying produce like tomatoes, cheeselets (gbejniet), and garlic.

Animal Pens and Stables

The farmhouse catered not just to people but also to livestock. Ground-floor pens (imwieqel) and stables (stalli) housed animals vital for farming and transportation. These spaces featured stone mangers (maxtura) for feeding and were well-ventilated with narrow slits in the walls. Courtyards often included open enclosures (mandra) where smaller animals like hens and rabbits roamed freely.

Architectural Ingenuity

Farmhouses were constructed using practical methods to maximize strength and utility. Rooms were roofed with limestone slabs (xorok), supported by arches (ħnejjiet) or corbels (kileb), showcasing architectural innovation despite material limitations. Exposed stone slabs (knaten) were often used as external steps to access upper roofs.

Windows were scarce, especially on north-facing walls, to protect against wind and rain. When present, apertures were small and high. The thick limestone walls—double-layered with soil and stone chips—provided insulation, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.

A Connection to Nature

Maltese farmhouses were deeply rooted in their natural surroundings. They were often encircled by prickly pear (bajtar tax-xewk) and carob (ħarruba) trees, which provided shelter, shade, and resources. Prickly pears served as natural fences and fodder for animals, while carob pods were used as food and firewood. The roof design included water spouts (imwiezeb) to direct rainwater into wells, reflecting the farmhouse’s self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.

Modern Adaptations

With the decline of farming, many farmhouses have been repurposed into family homes or boutique accommodations. Courtyards now sparkle with bougainvillea, and former animal pens are transformed into living spaces. Pools often replace old wells, yet the essence of these homes—rooted in simplicity and practicality—remains.

Preserving the Past

Maltese farmhouses represent more than just architecture; they are symbols of Malta’s heritage. Their seamless integration with the landscape, functional design, and connection to nature reflect a way of life that is both humble and ingenious. Careful restoration efforts ensure that these structures continue to tell the story of Malta’s past, blending timeless tradition with contemporary living.

By conserving these unique homes, we honor their legacy and preserve a tangible link to Malta’s cultural and agricultural roots. The beauty of Maltese farmhouses lies not only in their physical structure but in the enduring spirit of resilience and harmony with nature they embody.

If you are looking to buy or sell a farmhouse in Malta feel free to get in touch to ensure a seamless buying or selling experience with one of my professional agents at

REMAX Advantage Msida

To find out more or to book a appointment call me on 📱99497735 or WhatsApp directly on the link below. 

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RE/MAX Advantage Msida - University Roundabout Msida 

☎️ 21 222 123 📧 clived@remax.com.mt

Licensed Real Estate Agent EA0069/22 

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