Description
TA BENNA GARDENS By Jules
"I’ve just done it again. Wrong assumption and mindset. Approaching a long building I thought we’d arrived at the wrong address. Was this a catering venue on first impression? I could be forgiven for thinking this when later learning about Ta Benna's intriguing history. Opening the front door, the palatial reception is an understatement. The hall is a regal space with a sweeping banister, original tiles and a feature carved limestone coliseum-style arch.
There is an aura of grandeur with a homely feeling. Original features created by Noels' grandparent's aura of grandeur have been enhanced with love and respect The boutique finish compliments these effortlessly. A combination we haven’t experienced before in a Gozitan holiday home. Instead of creating multiple commercial dwellings in its place, the owner has had vision beyond this. As homage to his grandparents, Noel and Nadia have reincarnated the original footprint. The grandparents were entrepreneurs who built the first wedding venue on Gozo, together with a wine cafe frequented by locals.
Truly endearing is the large private feature garden adjacent to the pool (with a jacuzzi) at the rear of Ta Benna .
Extending the original footprint, the garden is a delight for guests. Depending on time of year, you can pick from an assortment of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. From capers, peaches, oranges, olives, courgettes, and the most extensive of herbs. As a food enthusiast, this is music to my ears. To cook local food with the benefit of fresh produce on your doorstep is a real treat. The owner actually insisted I bring a couple of Roman Artichokes home to the UK as I’d never cooked with these before. I have now!
This is a great opportunity for generations of a family or a group to enjoy a fabulous get-together. Even a wedding or conference. With imagination, the possibilities are endless.
Please call us to discuss a tailored family, group or corporate opportunity to make the most of this unique find. Jules”
Property Description
Ground floor:
The spacious reception leads to the first 4 bedrooms of Ta Benna Gardens. Garden rooms 1 to 4 are found here. All are spacious with ensuite facilities and a chic finish.
All 4 bedrooms can be double or single depending on guest preference. Bedroom 4 is particularly spacious with a cot and room for another bed. All bedrooms benefit from a plasma wall-mounted TV.
Living Area
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errace doors lead to the living space which is a bright airy open space. Contemporary spotlights add a boutique feel with a feature ceiling inset in the lounge. Chesterfield settees are placed in view of a large plasma TV. The open plan kitchen is a modern matching Mediterranean cream painted finish, with excellent facilities and complimentary dining table and chairs. You can sit here enjoying the tranquil picture of the flower garden.
First Floor:
Bedroom 5 is on the first floor. It has a small reception area to relax and a spacious room with ensuite shower. The original antique tiles add to the classic rustic feel.
Bedroom 6 – Separate adjacent to pool
Outdoors:
This is a peaceful spot to enjoy the private pool with jacuzzi, a gazebo and lovely, mature gardens. An oasis of their own. Pretty flowers, fruit trees, vegetable and herb plants feature along a circular pathway around the pool. At night, this path creates a romantic ambiance with its mature garden lighting.
You are invited to pick the seasonable produce to cook and enjoy which is a real bonus for a farmhouse property.
The pool terrace offers a large space with outdoor seating and dining furniture. A BBQ is also here, handy for access to the kitchen.
In a separate annex, you will find a mini gym and an original snooker table. Here, you can also enjoy an additional indoor jacuzzi to relax and unwind.
The farmhouse provides many benefits for hours of entertainment.
Additional information:
All rooms have A.C. which is provided on a “pay as use” basis. There is an initial provision free of charge.
The owners require a returnable €500 damage deposit on arrival.
Village: Ghajnsielem
As soon as you enter Mġarr Harbour, on the ferry, you will notice some of the welcoming landmarks of the harbour village of Għajnsielem just up the hill. Lourdes Chapel with its sharp steeple and shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes is a prominent feature in the skyline. Fort Chambrai is visible dominating the cliff-top and, more distant, the towering belfry of Għajnsielem’s Parish Church.
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he name Għajnsielem means “a peaceful spring” and originated from the water spring around which, in 1700, Grandmaster Perellos built an arcade containing public washbasins and freshwater spouts.
A visit to Għajnsielem should begin with Mġarr Harbour and fishing village, followed by the little church of Our Lady of Lourdes from where, especially at sunset, there is a beautiful view of the Harbour.
The 18th Century Fort Chambrai was planned to be Gozo’s Valletta but never got far. From outside its walls, there are stunning views of Gozo’s southern cliffs, Xatt I-Ahmar and the Northern Comino Channel. A winding road leads down to Xatt l-Aħmar Bay and Mġarr and there are good walks along the cliff tops.
In the centre of the village stands the majestic parish church, a Lombard-Gothic-style sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto. Also nearby is the old parish church and the mysterious “Pjazza tad-Dehra” (square of the apparition) where it is believed that Our Lady spoke to one Anglu Grech, a local shepherd.
A visit to the old Franciscan convent and church of St. Anthony of Padua are also worthwhile and the area around the convent is wonderfully tranquil and blessed with fabulous views over the Gozo channel – particularly beautiful in the early morning and at Sunset.
Ta Benna Gardens is ideally situated just a 1km walk into the village square with its selection of eateries.
Venture a little further down the Mgarr Road (approx.. 20-minute walk) and you will find the lovely Marina surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants. Some of the islands best cuisine can be found here. If you don’t fancy the walk, the bus is a very easy option. Catch the main 301 to Mgarr. Likewise, you can catch the bus in reverse on a direct route into Victoria, the Capital.
The closest supermarket is on the main road just around the corner, in 500m. Gorgun beach is a secluded cove 1.7km away. Alternatively, venture a little further along the south coast to the beach of Hondoq ir-Rummien in 4.2 Km where you will also find water sports.