Queen’s former home in Malta is on the market

A property in Malta once home to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh is on the market for £5.3m.

Villa Guardamangia is a six-bedroom palazzo-style mansion on the outskirts of the Maltese capital Valletta.

Between 1949 and 1951 it was a royal residence while Philip served on HMS Chequers with the Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet.

Those early years of marriage were perhaps the closest the couple got to “normal life” before her coronation in 1953.

Image: The exterior may have seen better days but the estate agent says it has potential

As well as the bedrooms, the villa has three bathrooms, a grand living room, sea views, a roof terrace, guest and servant quarters and “great historical value”, according to estate agents Homes of Quality.

But, despite its regal history, it looks a little dilapidated these days, with gardens overgrown and the exterior somewhat faded.

Image: Villa Guardamangia is in Pieta, just outside Valletta

The estate agent describes it as “just crying out for a great conversion” but promises it could become a “superb residence or possibly a commercial venue”.

The property, which covers 1,560sqm has an asking price of €5.95m (£5.3m).

The Queen has spoken of her “deep affection” for Malta, saying during a 2015 trip that visiting the country was “always very special for me”.

“I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”

Source : Sky News : http://news.sky.com/story/queens-former-home-in-malta-is-on-the-market-11740194