Sitting atop the ruins of a prehistoric village replete with megalithic structures, this is a richly layered site in Gozo – the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago – with evidence of human occupation dating back to more than 7,000 years ago.
The place-name 'Santa Verna' holds a connotation to the goddess Venus, with the buried temple jutting out of the fields only a literal stone's throw away.
The apartment building and interiors are hewn in natural Maltese globigerina limestone – itself a geological artefact from aeons past. These rocks were baked into shape by the compression of seashells and sediment on the ocean floors when Earth was in its infancy.
Facilities
Bathed in natural light all around, the striking features of the spacious apartment come to prominence. The art studio overlooks the skyline of Xagħra and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.
Inside, a mural painting crafted with great passion and reverence for a Scottish legend, merging the familiar landscapes and landmarks of Gozo and Glasgow in a heartfelt tribute to their beautiful, complementary qualities.
The iconic aqueduct in Gozo overflows with the rainbow spectrum of life-sustaining, sacred water, splitting off into flying colours to enliven the grey mass of the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow.
This artwork is dedicated to Scott Hutchison, the late vocalist, guitarist and frontman of the Scottish band Frightened Rabbit. It's a symbol of hope in the face of adversity – an Alice-in-Wonderland dreamscape imagined into being to personify the creation of alchemy from personal struggle.
space
“To me, the Glasgow Effect encapsulates the journey of the human individual and collective – from darkness to light.”
Equipped with an abundant selection of paints, canvases, easels, and other fundamental drawing and painting tools, the studio has a cosy ambience designed to make residents feel at ease and their creative juices flow.
Here you can give yourself the gift of personal expansion and plunge into an assortment of playful endeavours against a colourful, intriguing artistic backdrop.
Our tailor-made residencies and retreats focus on the individual's needs and desires to deliver an experience that remains etched in one's best memories.
The space includes a large, sumptuous kitchen, dining and living area. Wholesome, hearty meals are prepared with care to nourish you as you pursue your activities.
This is where we commune for refreshing breaks, enjoying some snacks, leafing through books, or watching something engaging on the big screen to recharge our mental and physical reserves.
The guest bedroom features a comfortable double bed, bedecked with quirky aesthetic touches and evocative art pieces, as well as ample storage space. It's the perfect cocoon for retiring into after a long day of creative adventures.
On most occasions, residents can make full use of all the facilities in the space throughout their stay. The compact set-up ensures immediate attention to any exigencies that may arise while the residency or retreat is underway.
Gozo's eclectic selection of bars, restaurants, shops, and cafés, along with its stunning beaches, cliffs, hills and caves, are never more than a 15-minute drive or leisurely walk away.
The island's scorching summers, mild winters, and splendid in-between seasons of spring and autumn make for a diverse offering all around the calendar year.
