Fort Chambray - Fine Living in Gozo

Possibly one of the most talked about developments in Malta and Gozo, Fort Chambray truly stands out as an exceptional development. Its two most abundant features are History and Views.

This development is set in an eighteenth century fortification built by the Knights of St. John, something that already sets it apart from others. Located on high grounds overlooking Mgarr Harbour and the Channel Separating the main islands the views on offer are the best you will find on Gozo.

The development of this prestigious site is being carried out in three phases. Phase 1 is complete with over two thirds of the units sold and residents moving in a while ago. This phase has a mixture of ground floor apartments, first and second floor duplexes, and three story villas. Most units boast some kind of outside space whether it’s a roof terrace enjoying panoramic views or a patio with own pool.

Phase 2 is well underway with the target completion date being early summer 2010.  The outstanding feature of this phase is the huge, 1200 square meters, communal pool. This will serve residents of both phases and compliments the smaller pool already being used in Phase 1. Many units, consisting of a mixture of apartments and duplexes, overlook this vast outdoor space and the open sea views beyond.

All units in both phases are being sold finished to very high standards and include facilities such as connections for cable TV, internet and air-conditioning. Natural light plays a big part in these residences due to large windows and high ceilings. It is safe to say that during the day no artificial light is needed. 

Prices for remaining units in Phase 1 start from EUR174,700 for which you can get a two bedroom ground floor unit with large patio. Prices for Phase 2 start from EUR186,350 for which you get a first floor two bedroom apartment a stone’s throw away from the historic Knight’s Barracks. There are different units available for different budgets, whether you just want a holiday base or a permanent residence facing amazing scenery.

Different from any other development on the island in Fort Chambray you will not find any tower blocks just low lying units surrounded by history and prestige. Contact us now for a tour around Fort Chambray. You will love it!

[Click on images to enlarge]

Property Managment - For your Peace of Mind

OK, so you bought a property in Gozo, now what! Well, if it is in shell or unconverted form we have the expertise and necessary contacts to help you with finishing it. I wrote about our Project Management service in an earlier post. This post is about another service we offer, mostly targeted to foreign residents. Many of our overseas clients who purchase a property use it at most twice in a year. The rest of the time it is locked up. Our Property Management service gives owners the peace of mind that their property is being looked after. This service includes but is not limited to the following;

• Periodical inspection of the property and contents when not occupied, especially after storms.
• Cleaning of property on request by owners subject to an hourly cleaning fee.
• Gardening, landscaping and pool maintenance (if applicable).
• Paying of bills such as water, electricity, television, internet, telephone etc.  
• Providing Building, Contents and any other property related insurances (on request).  
• Redirecting any local mail to an overseas address if requested. 

Fees are very reasonable, starting from only EUR295 for a whole year. With this you get peace of mind that your property is being looked after. We also provide you with a monthly or bi-monthly statement of your management account so you are up-to-date with all the payments we made.
Please note that this package can be tailored to individual clients who have different needs. Feel free to contact us with your requirements as I’m sure we are able to help you.

Vista Point - Luxury Living by the Sea

Recently launched this development is situated in the heart of Marsalforn meters away from the popluar sea front. Well designed the first stage of the building is currently under construction. Named Ambiance this block will have a total of 35 units, nicely laid out with most apartments overlooking open views.

Units are being offered in shell form. All communal areas will be finished to the highest of standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a seaside, holiday home right in the heart of this popular summer destination. Prices start from EUR78,618 for a one/two bedroom unit.

Holiday Accommodation - Your Feedback Needed

A big part of our job is to keep the holiday accommodation offered on our website to good standard and up-to-date. We recently emailed all our owners about the importance of having internet, preferably wireless, installed at the property. For many of us life revolves around the internet and even on holiday we still want to be within touching distance to a computer. Personally, at least, I cannot do without it.

Another item that should be included in all holiday accommodation, which in my opinion is even more important, is air-conditioning. In an ideal world all villas and farmhouses should be presented fully air-conditioned but at the moment this is far from happening. Many owners complain about the high cost of installing the units and even worse the increase in electricity consumption. Although today’s units consume up to 40% less than their old counterparts there will still be a big increase in the electricity bill. This fact is also made worse by a recent increase in the electricity tariff.

Having said that, some owners welcome the idea of having air-conditioning installed in their property, at least to start with just in the bedrooms. It would be unreasonable to expect villa and farmhouse owners to cover the consumption cost themselves so in most cases a card meter is being installed together with the unit. Guests at the accommodation will purchase the relative cards from us and use the credit in the card to operate the A/C unit. Money collected from these cards will go towards the electricity bill. The card meter also ensures that the A/C unit is not left running needlessly. Financially and environmentally this makes sense.

I’m sure many of you will agree on the importance of internet and air-conditioning in a holiday accommodation. How important is air-conditioning to you? On your next holiday to Gozo will you consider renting a property that is not equipped with one? What about internet, is this essential for you? Please use the comment section below to tell us of your experiences when renting a property in Gozo. Apart from air-conditioning and internet what other items are essential to you. What do you really expect when renting a property in Gozo?

We look forward to receiving your feed back as this makes our services and products even better. You can also visit our Facebook page and leave comments there. I really hope you participate in the exercise as it is really important for us.

Live in Luxury

In this post you will view a small selection of some of the best properties we have on our books. From spacious penthouses with large terraces to amazing villas with top quality finishes below is a list for the discerning buyer. Follow the dream!

Ref: 01584 – Four bedroom Terraced House with Pool and Views
This is an amazing property that has been finished to very good standards. It can make a very good holiday home but is most suited as a permanent residence. With a huge underlying garage, four air-conditioned bedrooms, 30 foot long pool, four bathrooms, spacious living areas and a very well planned layout this dream home ticks all the boxes. To top it all off the property is located over a beautiful valley which offers some amazing views. Being offered fully furnished and equipped. Asking Price: EUR470,000

Ref: 01585 – 3 Bedroom Penthouse with huge Terrace and Pool

One of the best properties currently on the market this penthouse has a total internal and external footprint of 350 square meters. It is situated on high grounds in a luxury block and boasts views from the huge terrace and most rooms. The private terrace has a pool from where one can enjoy open sea and sunset views. This penthouse is being offered in shell form but with all external finishes, such as terrace tiling, railings and aluminium, complete. Asking Price: EUR465,000 

Ref: 01221 – 3 Bedroom Penthouse with large terraces and spacious layout
Located in Ghajnsielem this penthouse is part of block of apartments consisting of only five units. Having a total footprint of 280 square meters this property has a really attractive layout with no long, narrow corridors and open plan living areas. A one-car garage is included. The large terrace has plenty of space for entertaining and some attractive landscaping. Asking price: EUR187,000 (extremely good value)

Ref: 01554 – Imposing Town House featuring plenty of Character and Space
Through its six bedrooms and large living spaces this Town House is a great home. Set in a sought-after area of the village the property has been finished to good standards and is equipped with under-floor heating powered by two large solar heaters. It also has a spacious pool area, garden and a car port that can be developed into an annex. An astounding property. Asking price: EUR699,950

Ref: 01514 – Luxury Villas with Pool and Views finished to High Standards
A lot of care and attention to design and detail has given this property development quite a unique feel. Tucked away in a private alley this development consists of 10 luxury homes all with garages and all facing open countryside views. Although newly built all units have plenty of charm and character, including the limestone walls, wooden beams and patterned tiles. Each property enjoys its own pool complete with Jacuzzi. Set in the quaint Ghasri village this development is definitely a must see. Asking price from EUR465,000

Ref: 01587 – Unique Development offering buyers pure Gozitan Lifestyle

Large landscaped gardens, dramatic views, a huge pool and luxuriously finished accommodation characterise this brand new development. Set over a beautiful valley each apartment faces stunning country and open sea views. With over 13 tumoli of land to be kept in its pristine state residents will benefit from whatever the land produces. Excellent development. Prices start from EUR293,500

New Year's Best Wishes - Get a 5% discount

This is it! Another year gone by! It has been a very interesting year for Gozo Homes Real Estate. Despite all the negativity, doom and gloom and the rest of it I can’t say 2009 was all that bad for our small company. I must say we learnt some valuable lessons and this fills us with great optimism for the New Year.

We have so many exciting projects and updates in the pipeline I can’t wait to get going. You will be getting news of these very soon. In the meantime we will start 2010 with a small gift to all our current and new clients who wish to rent accommodation in Gozo. Our holiday accommodation rates are some of the cheapest you will find around, however we have decided to start the year with a 5% discount on all our accommodation. This offer is valid on all bookings of 7 nights or more and runs out on January 24.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and clients all the best for the New Year. May the year 2010 be a Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful Year for all of us.

5% Discount on all Accommodation

It’s that time of the year again. With Christmas and the holiday season right round the corner we are feeling generous. A 5% discount is being offered on all accommodation for stays of seven nights or longer. Do hurry as the best farmhouses and villas are filling up quickly especially during the peak months of July and August.

Regular visitors of our Gozo Holiday Homes website will notice some changes. You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up-to-date with all happenings at Gozo Homes Real Estate and Gozo of course. I'm sure many of you have an account at either of these social media websites. If you don't you should sign up and make sure you follow us. It's a great way to keep in touch.

We are also in the process of uploading videos for all our holiday accommodation so guests can have an even better feel for their property of choice. We have already uploaded a few videos and hope to have many more in the next few weeks.

Apart from all these, we have some exciting projects in the pipeline for guests staying in our accommodation. At the moment I cannot say much but will give one hint; during your stay on our island we will try and make you feel Gozitan, if you wish. But who wouldn’t. More on this in the New Year.

I will let you get back to your shopping now, remember to visit our Gozo Holiday Homes website as the 5% discount offer runs out on December 16.

Hal Saghtrija Gozo Property Development

We are proud to present Hal Saghtrija. A truly astounding, one of a kind development located on a ridge and set in authentic Gozitan surroundings. All units share a huge communal pool and enjoy dramatic views of the hillside and open sea from large terraces and spacious living areas. The apartments will be finished to the highest of standards and choice varies between two and three bedroom apartments to duplexes with own pool. 

The property is set on 15 tumoli (4.17 acres) of land of which 13 tumoli are landscaped gardens and cultivated fields. Apartment owners will be able to enjoy fresh produce from the fields which form part of the property. Apart from owning a property in one of the most sought-after locations in Malta and Gozo below are some of the benefits of forming part of this community;

Seasonal fruit and vegetables

Stone oven for traditional Gozitan cooking

A World War II air-raid shelter converted into a wine cellar

Homegrown olives pressed into delicious oil

Orchards

Communal pool

Lawned picnic and BBQ areas

Children playing area

Traditional chapel

Horse paddock

Spa

Giren (pet keeping areas)

Ghajn tal-Hasselin (a water feature locals used to wash clothes in years gone by)

Bocci (game of marbles) lawn

An important aspect of this property development in Gozo is that whatever the land produces will be distributed to the home owners. From local vines to wine, from olives to olive oil, from goat’s milk to local Gozitan cheese. The on-site, traditional stone oven will produce daily fresh bread.

Construction on the development has just started, the fields and other outdoor areas are at an advanced stage and one can already see the various facilities on offer. We strongly advise interested parties to contact us for viewing. Apart from a tour of the property we also have access to a show flat where you can see for yourself the quality of this unique development. Prices start from €293,500 for a 132sqm apartment.