It’s fair to say that most houses or apartment blocks in Malta and Gozo come with their own name. And just like choosing one for a child or a pet, it can take a bit of thought. In this new series, we look at the weird and wonderful choices people have made when it comes to identifying their home. First up: the story behind Indulgence Divine in Birgu.

This beautiful 16th century house is located close to the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu. It’s owned by art director Gattaldo and his husband Michael Livingstone, who bought it together ten years ago.

“The house and shop on either side of our building were part of the same house. The area in Birgu which it is located is called 'The Collacchio' and was reserved for members of the Order of St John and the well to do," says Gattaldo. "The bedroom was once the chapel of the house and there is fascinating maritime graffiti dating back centuries, indicating that the owners back then were maybe seafarers or possibly merchants.”

As well as using it as a family home, the couple rent out the house to guests when they are staying in London. And it was for this very reason that they came up with their unusual house name.

So, why Indulgence Divine?

“The house is situated right behind the Inquisitor’s Palace and it faces the Dominicans, near where the official Inquisition Police were based. We wanted the name to reflect this history, so Indulgence Divine alludes to the intersessions granted to the faithful by the Catholic Church. But we also want our guests to feel rested and divine in every sense of the word.”

Living space at Indulgence Divine

Gattaldo even came up with a unique way to advertise his guesthouse. He printed messages on leaves and scattered them throughout several parks in London.

“It was very much a DIY project but a great way of getting people’s attention on a low budget. Using a simple medium, which in itself is both unusual and ecological, we managed to attract lots of attention both directly and through social media towards our house in Malta.”

But we're sure the name Indulgence Divine helped too!

Gattaldo