A traditional Gozitan farmhouse with centuries of history, a family story and a connection to one of the world’s oldest monumental stone sites.
Some homes have a documented beginning. Others carry a story that stretches further back than anyone can confidently establish.
Ta’ Zaren is one of those homes.
Nestled in the historic village of Xagħra, Gozo, this traditional farmhouse offers more than a place to stay. Its story connects the island’s rural heritage, the enduring character of Maltese limestone architecture and a landscape shaped by human history for thousands of years.
The farmhouse is believed to date back at least 300 years, although its exact origins remain uncertain. Its first and second floors were added in 2004, incorporating a distinctly Maltese architectural style that allowed the property to evolve while retaining its traditional character.
And just a short distance away lies one of Gozo’s most extraordinary landmarks: the Ġgantija Temples.
Here, the story of an old farmhouse meets the much older story of the island itself.
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🏡 The Story Behind Ta’ Zaren
Every traditional farmhouse has its own character, shaped by the people who built it, the generations who lived in it and the changes it experienced over time.
Ta’ Zaren’s story begins in rural Gozo, when village life was closely connected to the land and local limestone was central to the island’s architecture.
The farmhouse is believed to have been standing for at least three centuries. However, its precise construction date has not been established, leaving open the possibility that parts of its original structure may be older still.
Rather than assigning the property an exact age that cannot be verified, its history is best understood as an evolving story.
In 2004, the first and second floors were added in a distinctly Maltese style. These additions introduced a new chapter to the farmhouse, expanding the home while maintaining a connection to the island’s architectural traditions.
Today, Ta’ Zaren brings together different periods of its history in one welcoming home.
It is not a building frozen in time. It is a farmhouse that has evolved with the generations.
🗿 Ġgantija: A Landscape Shaped by Thousands of Years
To understand what makes Ta’ Zaren’s location so special, look beyond the farmhouse itself.
Xagħra is home to the remarkable Ġgantija Temples, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta. These prehistoric structures date to the fourth millennium BC and rank among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
The temples were constructed thousands of years before the farmhouse believed to stand at Ta’ Zaren today.
Their enormous limestone blocks reflect the skill, organisation and craftsmanship of the prehistoric communities who built them. They also demonstrate the long-standing importance of stone as a building material throughout Malta and Gozo.
The name Ġgantija derives from the Maltese word ġgant, meaning “giant”. Local tradition associated the immense stones with giants, adding another layer of fascination to this extraordinary archaeological site.
Standing among these ancient structures, it is difficult not to wonder about the generations who lived, worked and built in this landscape long before modern Gozo took shape.
And that is what makes staying in Xagħra so special.
You are not simply visiting an island with a rich past. You are experiencing a place where history is part of the surrounding landscape.
🪨 From Prehistoric Monuments to Traditional Farmhouses
The Ġgantija Temples and Ta’ Zaren belong to very different periods of history, yet both reflect a lasting relationship between people and the land.
At Ġgantija, prehistoric builders worked with enormous blocks of local stone to create monumental structures.
Centuries later, Gozitan communities continued to use the island’s limestone to build homes, farmhouses and village buildings suited to everyday life.
Traditional farmhouses developed around the practical needs of rural living, with their architecture shaped by local materials, the Mediterranean climate and the lives of the people who inhabited them.
Ta’ Zaren represents a later chapter in this long architectural story.
Its original farmhouse structure, together with the additions made in 2004, reflects how traditional homes can change while retaining a connection to their surroundings.
The exact beginning of Ta’ Zaren may remain uncertain, but its place within Gozo’s wider story is what makes it so compelling.
From prehistoric stone monuments to centuries-old homes, Xagħra offers a remarkable window into the island’s past.
❤️ Why Is It Called Ta’ Zaren?
Behind the farmhouse’s name lies a simple but meaningful family connection.
Ta’ Zaren was named in honour of two grandfathers who shared the same name: Zaren.
The name carries a personal connection between generations, giving the property an identity that reaches beyond its walls.
In Maltese, ta’ commonly conveys a sense of belonging or association. In the names of homes and places, it can connect a property with a person, family or defining characteristic.
For Ta’ Zaren, the name is a tribute to family heritage.
It adds another layer to the farmhouse’s story: alongside its architectural history and its setting near Ġgantija, there is a more intimate reminder of the people and memories that continue to shape Gozo.
It is a name rooted in the past, carried into the present.
🌿 Experience Traditional Gozo Living
While its story stretches back centuries, Ta’ Zaren is designed for modern island living.
The farmhouse accommodates up to 10 guests across five bedrooms and four bathrooms, making it an inviting choice for families and groups of friends looking to discover Gozo together.
Its private swimming pool and outdoor areas offer space to unwind between island adventures, while the indoor living spaces provide room to gather, dine and relax.
Guests can enjoy:
- 🏡 A traditional Gozitan farmhouse with Maltese architectural character
- 🛏️ Five bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests
- 🛁 Four bathrooms
- 🏊 A private swimming pool
- 🌿 Outdoor areas for relaxation and dining
- 🍽️ Kitchen and spacious communal living areas
- 📶 Wi-Fi
- 💻 A dedicated workspace
- 🚗 Free street parking
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a getaway with friends or a longer stay on the island, Ta’ Zaren offers a comfortable base from which to experience Gozo at your own pace.
☀️ Slow Down and Discover Gozo
Gozo has a distinctive rhythm of its own.
Village squares, countryside lanes, historic buildings and beautiful bays invite visitors to slow down and discover the island beyond its best-known landmarks.
A stay at Ta’ Zaren offers the opportunity to combine exploration with relaxation.
Spend the morning discovering the ancient temples of Ġgantija. Wander through Xagħra and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Head towards the coast, then return to the farmhouse for an afternoon beside the pool.
As the day draws to a close, gather with family or friends and enjoy the simple pleasure of being together.
This is the appeal of a traditional farmhouse holiday in Gozo: the freedom to explore, the comfort of having your own space and the chance to experience island life at a gentler pace.
📍 Explore Xagħra and the Island of Gozo
Ta’ Zaren is situated in Xagħra, a village known for its historical attractions, traditional character and access to some of Gozo’s most popular destinations.
During your stay, consider exploring:
🗿 Ġgantija Temples – Discover Gozo’s celebrated prehistoric temple complex and its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
🌊 Ramla Bay – Visit Gozo’s famous red-sand beach, known for its striking colour and surrounding countryside.
🌬️ Ta’ Kola Windmill – Explore a historic windmill in Xagħra that offers insight into traditional island life.
🏛️ Victoria and the Citadel – Wander through Gozo’s capital, with its historic streets, shops, cafés and impressive fortified centre.
🌊 Marsalforn – Enjoy a seaside atmosphere, waterfront restaurants and coastal walks.
🏖️ Xlendi Bay – Discover a picturesque coastal destination surrounded by dramatic cliffs and popular swimming spots.
⛵ Mġarr Harbour – Arrive in Gozo by ferry and begin exploring the island’s villages, countryside and coastline.
Distances and journey times vary by destination, so guests should check their preferred routes when planning excursions.
👨👩👧👦 A Farmhouse for Families and Friends
With five bedrooms, four bathrooms and space for up to 10 guests, Ta’ Zaren is well suited to travellers who want to experience Gozo together.
It offers a setting for family holidays, group escapes, cultural trips and relaxing breaks centred around the private pool and outdoor spaces.
For those interested in the island’s heritage, the location near Ġgantija adds another dimension to the stay. For guests seeking a slower holiday, the farmhouse provides a comfortable place to return to after exploring the coast and countryside.
The appeal lies in bringing these experiences together: a traditional home, modern comforts and a location rich in history.
✨ A House Whose Story Is Still Unfolding
We know that Ta’ Zaren’s story stretches back at least 300 years, and that its first and second floors were added in 2004.
Its precise origins, however, remain uncertain.
Perhaps parts of the original farmhouse have stood for longer than its known history suggests. Without reliable evidence, its exact age must remain an open question.
But the fascination of Ta’ Zaren does not depend on a precise construction date.
Its story is part of a wider landscape where prehistoric temples, traditional architecture and generations of island life come together.
From the ancient stones of Ġgantija to the limestone walls of the farmhouse, Xagħra offers a reminder that every generation leaves something behind.
The builders of Ġgantija left their monumental temples. Gozitan communities left their farmhouses and villages. The family behind Ta’ Zaren gave the home a name that honours two grandfathers.
And today, every guest has the opportunity to create new memories here.
You might come to discover Gozo’s history, explore its beautiful bays or simply enjoy a few peaceful days beside the pool.
Whatever brings you to the island, Ta’ Zaren offers a place to slow down and experience a small part of its continuing story.
Welcome to Ta’ Zaren.
A farmhouse with centuries of history. A landscape shaped by thousands of years. A place to experience the timeless character of Gozo.
📍 Ta’ Zaren | Xagħra, Gozo | Sleeps up to 10 | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Private Pool
What Casa Rooms Does With a Property Like This
At Casa Rooms, we believe every property has something that makes it distinctive. Our approach combines professional property management with thoughtful presentation, helping guests understand not only what a property offers, but also what makes it worth experiencing.
From the way a listing is written to the management of the guest experience, the details matter.
Casa Rooms manages holiday rentals across Malta, Gozo and Sicily, helping property owners present their homes professionally while delivering welcoming experiences for guests.
Interested in professional property management? Contact Casa Rooms to learn more about our services.
