A 17th century farmhouse in Buskett is to be converted into an educational centre once restoration works are concluded, Environment Minister Leo Brincat announced this afternoon.

The Razzett tal-Ghorof, which is a short distance off Buskett Road, Dingli, was built during the reign of Grandmaster Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, who ruled between 1636 and 1657. An annex to the original structure was built in the 1950s.

The farmhouse has suffered considerable damage over the centuries, including roofs caving in. These collapsed roofs are being rebuilt according to traditional methods, with the use of corbels (kileb) and stone slabs (xorok).

Three other extant farmhouses in Buskett – the Razzett tal-Baghal, the Razzett tal-Bosk and the Razzett tal-Ispirtu, which also date back to Lascaris’ rule – have already been restored in a project which cost around €500,000, which were mostly derived from the EU. The restoration of the Razzett tal-Ghorof is similarly EU-funded.

All three are set to be reutilised, although Mr Brincat said that this will take place once agreements are reached to hand them over to relevant NGOs.

The Razzett tal-Baghal is set to become a visitors’ interpretation centre which will provide information about the area’s flora and fauna, its history and other characteristics.

The Razzett tal-Ispirtu – the smallest of the four – should serve to showcase local produce, but should also provide facilities for ecological wardens.

The Razzett tal-Bosk is located in the oldest part of the Buskett woodland, and had been the site of the grim discovery of the butchered remains of accountant Lino Cauchi in 1985, over three years after his disappearance. Given its sensitive location, uses that involved heavy flows of visitors were not recommended; it should instead provide space for specific scientific and educational events.

Construction works in the Razzett tal-Ghorof – which is the largest of the lot – should be concluded by next month, although finishing works would then follow.

The farmhouse should become an educational centre, but Mr Brincat revealed that it could also be used as a conference hall for small or medium conferences.

The minister also said that Buskett should not simply serve as an attraction for the Maltese, but that its tourist potential should be developed.