Absolutely. Restoring traditional Maltese farmhouses and townhouses is one of the most rewarding areas of work we undertake at Xmun Projects Ltd. Gozo and Malta are home to some of the most distinctive vernacular architecture in the Mediterranean — from centuries-old farmhouses with their thick limestone walls and internal courtyards, to elegant townhouses with ornate balconies and carved stone facades. These buildings are an irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage, and restoring them requires a combination of traditional craftsmanship, appropriate materials, and a genuine respect for the original character of the structure. Our team has extensive experience working on heritage properties across Gozo and Malta, and we understand what it takes to bring these buildings back to life while preserving what makes them special.
The facade is the first thing people see, and on many older Maltese properties it tells the story of decades or even centuries of weathering. Globigerina limestone, the honey-coloured stone that defines Maltese architecture, is relatively soft and porous. Over time, it can become blackened by pollution, stained by water runoff, colonised by biological growth, or physically eroded by wind and salt. Our restoration process typically begins with a careful cleaning of the facade using methods appropriate to the stone — gentle low-pressure washing, poulticing for stubborn stains, or controlled micro-abrasion where needed. We never use aggressive high-pressure washing on historic limestone, as this can cause irreversible surface damage. Once the stone is clean, we assess and repair damaged blocks. This may involve cutting out and replacing individual stones with matching limestone, filling eroded areas with lime-based repair mortars, or consolidating friable surfaces with appropriate stone consolidants.
Traditional Maltese buildings were constructed using lime-based mortars, not modern cement. This is an important distinction, because lime mortar is softer and more breathable than cement, allowing moisture to move through the wall and evaporate naturally. When older buildings are repaired with cement-based products — a common mistake — moisture becomes trapped within the wall, leading to damp problems, salt crystallisation damage, and accelerated decay of the surrounding stone. At Xmun Projects, we use traditional lime plasters and lime mortars for repointing and rendering on heritage properties. Our team is skilled in mixing and applying these materials to match the original construction as closely as possible. Repointing — the process of renewing the mortar joints between stones — is carried out by carefully raking out deteriorated mortar and replacing it with a compatible lime mix, ensuring both structural integrity and visual consistency with the original work.
Many traditional Maltese buildings feature decorative carved stonework — arched doorways, moulded window surrounds, cornices, pilasters, and balcony supports. These elements are often the most visually striking parts of a facade, and they are also among the most vulnerable to weathering. Restoring decorative stonework requires patience and skill. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may repair existing carvings with lime-based fills, replace severely damaged sections with newly carved stone to match the original profile, or consolidate fragile areas to prevent further loss. Our goal is always to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible while ensuring the building remains structurally sound and visually coherent.
Restoration does not mean freezing a building in time. Many of our clients want to restore the traditional character of their farmhouse or townhouse while also upgrading it for modern living — adding insulation, improving waterproofing, updating electrical and plumbing systems, or reconfiguring internal layouts. We are experienced in blending traditional materials and techniques with modern building methods so that the finished result is comfortable, functional, and energy-efficient, while still looking and feeling authentic. For example, we might apply a breathable lime render on external walls while installing a modern waterproofing membrane behind it, or restore original stone arches and timber beams while discreetly routing modern services through the structure.
We take our responsibility to Malta’s built heritage seriously. Every traditional building that is thoughtfully restored rather than demolished or inappropriately altered is a contribution to the cultural landscape of the islands. Gozo in particular retains a remarkably intact collection of traditional farmhouses, many of which date back several hundred years. These buildings, with their massive stone walls, vaulted ceilings, cisterns, and agricultural outbuildings, are a direct link to the island’s rural past. Restoring them properly ensures they can continue to be used and enjoyed for generations to come.
Over the years, we have encountered and resolved a wide range of problems typical of older Maltese construction. Rising damp is extremely common, particularly in ground-floor rooms and semi-basement levels, and is often made worse by inappropriate cement renders that trap moisture. Salt damage — caused by soluble salts being drawn through the stone by moisture movement — leads to surface spalling and powdering of the limestone. Crumbling stone, especially on exposed facades, is frequently the result of decades of weathering combined with the natural softness of Globigerina limestone. Structural cracking can occur due to settlement, seismic activity, or alterations made to the building over the years. Timber elements such as roof beams, door and window frames, and traditional cane-and-stone ceilings (xorok) may suffer from rot or insect damage. We assess each building individually, identify the root causes of any problems, and develop a restoration plan that addresses them systematically rather than just treating the visible symptoms.
Some traditional properties in Malta and Gozo fall within Urban Conservation Areas or are individually scheduled by the Planning Authority. This means that any restoration work may need to comply with specific heritage guidelines regarding materials, methods, and the preservation of original features. Our team is familiar with these requirements and can help guide you through the process, from initial consultations with the Planning Authority to ensuring that the finished work meets all applicable standards. We work closely with architects and periti who specialise in heritage projects when needed, and we are committed to carrying out restoration work that would satisfy even the most exacting heritage review.
If you own a traditional Maltese farmhouse or townhouse and are considering restoration, we would welcome the opportunity to visit the property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed assessment. Contact Xmun Projects Ltd. on +356 7906 4535, email info@xmunprojects.com, or message us on WhatsApp. We serve Gozo and Malta and have the skills, experience, and passion to do justice to your property’s heritage.
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