Within this centuries-old restored dwelling located in the heart of Siggiewi’s main square, history, nostalgia and tradition are felt at every turn. Limestone walls, architectural features, original patterned tiles and wrought iron details are among the ample characteristics that give this home its distinct, Maltese personality – revealing a committed, curated design approach that prioritised preservation balanced by the family’s daily needs.
Interior designer Louisa De Cesare, founder of Louisa De Cesare Interior Design Studio who led its transformation, shares how for years, the townhouse had fallen into disrepair, its worn stone walls and shuttered windows giving little away.
“From the outset, the approach was rooted in conservation. We didn’t want to impose a new identity on the house,” Louisa explains. “The goal was to understand the house’s history – what it could become – by breathing new life into its existing character. It was essential to restore what could be saved while creating a living space fit for modern life.”
Over the last 250 years, the house had undergone numerous transformations. Originally built around 1781, it had evolved through several additions and alterations. In its most recent state, the home had been divided into three separate dwellings, each with its own entrance. The restoration began with a process of stripping away recent additions including wood partitions and wall and ceiling coverings.
“This revealed a surprising collection of hidden features – boarded-up niches, closed-off Maltese windows, and even an imposing two-metre window on the staircase with a front row view of the church. These discoveries not only informed the design direction but anchored it in the architectural language of the building itself,” says Louisa.
A design and architectural intervention that became central to the building’s restoration was the repositioning of the front door, moving it from a narrow hallway to an enclosed, double-height courtyard.
“Reworking the volume helped re-establish the spatial flow the house was originally built around,” Louisa says. “It adds a quiet grandeur from the moment you step inside.” A curved white staircase and exposed limestone walls define the space, while natural light shifts across the surfaces throughout the day.
The interior designer notes that original Maltese tiles were uncovered during the restoration, which in turn inspired the colour palette, pairing them with soft neutrals, limewashed finishes and bespoke panelling and cabinetry.
“Furniture too was sourced to align with the home’s story. We focused on pieces with history, texture, and visual interest,” Louisa explains, referencing the combination of restored vintage furniture, locally sourced objects and custom elements.
Artworks by local artists and sculptural pieces were introduced to bring contrast and freshness, adding a contemporary layer while complementing the home’s architectural heritage.
For each of the two bedrooms, Louisa opted for a distinct style. The master bedroom features duck egg tones and layered neutrals, creating a restful atmosphere. Above the headboard, a set of architectural drawings was used and framed by two full length mirrors over the bedside tables on either side. The second bedroom embraces contrast with a bold aubergine-panelled wall that echoes the hues of the original tiles.
Natural cross cut travertine finishes were used in the bathrooms throughout the house, chosen for their ability to blend seamlessly with the original stone walls and old Maltese tiles. ‘‘I wanted to use a timeless material that would complement the house’s character without competing with it.” Louisa explains.
One of the standout features is the roof terrace, offering an elevated perspective over Siggiewi’s historic square and beyond into the countryside. “From here, the ornate statues atop the parish church rise just beyond reach, making the terrace a peaceful retreat by day and a privileged perch during the village’s traditional celebrations.”
Louisa notes that, like all projects, this one came with its share of challenges – the foremost one being the re-routing of water and electricity throughout the house while preserving the original tiled floors and working without service shafts.
“It was a challenge of design meeting constraint,” she explains. “The kitchen and bathrooms, in particular, required carefully considered solutions to maintain the home’s structural integrity and authenticity.”
However, the end result demonstrates how thoughtful design can bridge the past and present, she adds. “Good design doesn’t need to compete with what came before. In this project, it was about listening to the architecture, responding with sensitivity, and enhancing the spatial experience,” says Louisa.
“My direction was to balance historical features with refined detailing, layered textures, and contemporary functionality – allowing the house’s story to remain intact while bringing it into the present, without losing sight of its past.”
Photography: Nick Sant Manduca
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