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Kirkop Townhouse

A layered dialogue between multiple pasts and the present.

Past Shapes Present Beauty

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Kirkop, this once-forgotten townhouse bore the marks of many lives—each decade having left its own fingerprint, from early an early farmhouse structure (razzett) extended into a beautiful townhouse with post-war interventions in the 1950s to more pragmatic additions in the 70s.  When a young family stepped in, they brought with them a clear vision: to honour the past while creating a refined, modern space that could support daily life with ease and quiet elegance.   

The design approach embraced contradiction: classic, but unafraid of contrast; grounded in heritage, yet fully in tune with modern family life.  The entrance hall sets the tone—pared back yet grand, where clean architectural lines meet rich detailing.  Crisp white walls are punctuated by deep blue doors framed by original limestone arches, while brass fittings and marble inlays introduce a quiet sense of luxury.

The staircase—elegant in its sweep and framed by crisp panelling—becomes a sculptural focal point, its black iron balustrade playing against a palette of soft whites and natural stone.  Light pours in from newly introduced windows, casting ever-changing shadows on the floors below.

A newly constructed first floor crowns the original structure. Respecting the proportions of the townhouse vernacular, it introduces a sense of openness and flow absent from its more compartmentalised lower levels.  Here, high  ceiling heights, newly introduced beams, and large apertures create a dialogue between heritage and clarity.  A soft blue kitchen anchors the space, balancing rustic tactility with a modern serenity, while a natural stone-clad fireplace echoes the outdoor textures.

Through a series of arches, the indoors spill seamlessly into a Mediterranean courtyard, complete with aged olive trees, lavender borders, and a curvaceous pool that mirrors the home’s softened geometry.  A circular window frames the view like a painting, connecting the living space with the sky beyond.

This is a home that doesn’t erase its past—it reinterprets it.  With careful curation and a sense of restraint, every corner speaks to comfort, continuity, and quiet beauty.

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