“Babouche” is a traditional Bedouin slipper evoking slow paced days and contemplative candlelight evenings. As an artist, the homes I have created around the world have always been havens of colour, imagination and whimsy. I design homes to be practical, yet very theatrical, and this is the foundation of the design behind my latest home, Babouche, which will take you into a world of 1001 nights of
fantasy and creativity. Gharb is the oldest, most traditional and scenic village on Gozo. At the house I will provided you with a guide to explain in detail all the local amenities, attractions, restaurants and activities. When I acquired the house in early 2016 I saw how I could turn it into something special. I decided to create a spectacular holiday home where every room would play with our guests’ imagination. Whimsical surroundings are what makes a home feel young, playful and so much more alive. When you meander from room to room, the changing colours and light will make you smile. Babouche is a home where art and tradition are combined to offer an atmosphere of Mediterranean romance and inspiration. This is a home of colour and joy, where holiday memories are made … and never fade. On the practical side I also believe in privacy and luxury, especially when travelling :)
The entrance brings you into a colourful south facing centre courtyard with a cascading swimming pool, comfortable deck chairs, a bench, a BBQ and exotic plants. The courtyard, which is overlooked only by the balconies of the three upstairs bedrooms, leads you to the living room and a further entrance into the kitchen. The swimming pool is equipped with a salt filtration system which is ecological and far healthier than the standard chlorine systems. The kitchen has been fitted in what was traditionally the stable. Five large arches and carved stonework have been carefully restored. Meters thick stone walls keep this room cool during summer afternoons and you will see hand stencilled Mediterranean tile work throughout. It has a large Panasonic fridge freezer, a Smeg cooker, a Panasonic 7kg washing machine, a dishwasher, microwave, toaster and electric water kettle. The crockery and cutlery are all Italian and no less colourful. A rustic oval table sits 6 comfortably. The kitchen leads via two archways into the huge living room which was the mill room, with several impressive arches and details dating from the 17th century. The living room faces the swimming pool via an arched windowed doorway. It is furnished with comfortable sofas, clubchairs, an upright piano, a fireplace and a desk. Here, too, the floor has been hand stencilled and repeats the colours of the courtyard
Upstairs the stonework is more delicate, windows are large, the colours are more subdued and the ceilings are very high. On the landing I have created a library, which has a large range of books and dvd’s, a flat screen TV and DVD player. A skylight floods this space with light. The landing gives access to three large airconditioned, ensuite bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own individual balcony overlooking the pool and courtyard. The width of the three double beds varies: King 160cm, Super King 180cm and Emperor 200cm. The beds are all two meters long and have been custom made by local craftsmen. Thick spring mattresses provide the ultimate comfort. Luxurious fine Egyptian cotton bedding, and designer bath towels complement the experience of luxury. The master suite has a shower and a free-standing claw-feet slipper bath. This suite also has the largest balcony and is provided with two comfortable sun deck chairs.
