Villa Guardamangia, a beautiful grade 2 listed villa in Malta once lived in by the Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, is up for sale for £5.3 million.
The historic palazzo-style villa housed the Queen and Prince Philip for various periods between 1949 and 1951.
The stunning property features extensive gardens, with a sea view from the roof terrace looking out over the picturesque Marsamxett Harbour – perfect for an sunset gin and tonic!
The property has some unique and stylish touches, as the architectural features include an 'elaborate porch, arched entrance hall, and original wide staircase'.
In keeping with the historical feel of the house, which was built in 1900, the rooms, including six bedrooms and three bathrooms, are described as being 'spacious with high ceilings' – although the stone floors might be a little chilly in winter!
It boasts a grand ‘sala nobile’, which in English means ‘noble room’ – a large stately room ideal for big dinners and parties.
The house is situated a stone's throw from Valetta, which is the ancient walled capital of Malta. The elegant city is known for its museums, palaces and grand churches.
However, if anyone wants to dig deep and splash out on the beautiful house, you wouldn’t be able to move in straight away from the sounds of the listing.
The property seems to be in a bit of disrepair and would need a lot of work, as the listing claims the house is 'crying out for a great conversion'.
It could also be renovated into a tourist attraction, as according to a poll which ran in 2015, 84% of people would visit the property if it was restored to see how the Queen lived before her coronation in 1953.
During the time the royal couple lived in Malta, two years after their marriage in 1947, Prince Philip was serving with the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean fleet.
It was a chance for the then Princess to live like an "ordinary couple’ with Prince Philip.
The Queen has had plenty of nice things to say about her former home, fondly reminiscing, “Visiting Malta is always very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”
The Queen was given a painting of the house by the Maltese High Commissioner in London, Norman Hamilton, in 2013.
She celebrated her 60th anniversary with the Duke of Edinburgh in Villa Guardamangia in 2007.
Written by Caitlin Butler
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