Britain’s Successful Creative Duo Revitalise Historic Malta Villa Into Hotel

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Christopher and Suzanne Sharp have transformed the early 18th-century Casa Bonavita villa in Malta into a boutique hotel after a seven-year restoration project that preserved its historic features while adding modern comforts. This renovation not only revitalizes a nearly 300-year-old family home but also creates a unique hospitality destination that reflects Malta’s rich cultural heritage and the couple’s deep personal connection to the island.

Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, a British creative couple known for their success with the Rug Company, have transformed an early 18th-century Maltese villa into a boutique hotel after seven years of restoration. The couple, who originally met in London more than four decades ago, purchased Casa Bonavita, a 1715 property located in the village of Attard, Malta, in 2010. Nestled between Valletta and Mdina, the villa had been home to the Bonavita family for nearly 300 years before falling into disrepair.

The Sharps’ connection to Malta is deeply rooted; three of their four children were born on the island, and the family originally lived in Zebbug before relocating to London for schooling. Their decision to buy Casa Bonavita was motivated by a desire to return to Malta, drawn by the villa’s expansive garden, historic architecture, and its vibrant setting amidst orange trees and blossoming scents typical of the Mediterranean.

The couple initially used Casa Bonavita as a holiday home, enjoying time there with their children and grandchildren, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the entire family was able to gather. As the children grew older and spent less time at home, Christopher and Suzanne began to explore options to make better use of the property. After acquiring two neighboring houses to expand their holdings, the Sharps embarked on a comprehensive renovation project that included installing modern amenities such as new plumbing, electrics, and underfloor heating, while preserving the villa’s original limestone walls, flagstone floors, arches, and frescoes.

The renovation emphasized both the interior and exterior of the villa. Suzanne Sharp personally designed each of the 17 guest rooms to reflect a unique character, incorporating antiques sourced across Europe, fabric from her personal collection, and artwork that connects Malta’s diverse cultural heritage. Notably, the bar features bespoke wallpaper with historic scenes of Valletta, and the dining room is adorned with hand-painted murals of local flora. Moroccan tiles, Sicilian marble, and a curated art collection that spans North African abstracts to Italian portraits further enrich the interiors.

Christopher Sharp, who grew up in Uganda, took charge of the extensive gardens surrounding the villa. The grounds now boast a variety of trees and flowering plants, including palms, agapanthus, plumbago, oleander, and bougainvillea. The landscaping was designed to create intimate, romantic spaces for relaxation and social activities such as backgammon and reading.

Casa Bonavita now operates as a hotel while maintaining its character as the family’s home, complete with a large kitchen for gatherings. The Sharps aim to balance hospitality with private family use, drawing on Malta’s close-knit community and their personal ties to the island. Christopher Sharp highlighted the convenience and cultural richness of Malta, noting improvements in the local cuisine and the country’s multicultural atmosphere since gaining independence from Britain six decades ago.

The couple’s efforts have revitalized a historic property into a vibrant destination, blending Mediterranean heritage with contemporary luxury and familial warmth.

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