Casa di Macine

• Bedroom 1: double bed (180x190cm), en-suite bathroom with shower attachment
• Bedroom 2: double bed (180x190cm), en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 3: double bed (180x190cm), en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 4: double bed (180x190cm), en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 5: double bed (180x190cm), in-room bathtub and en-suite shower room

NB: bedrooms 1 to 4 have a mezzanine level with a small double mattress (160x180cm) suitable for agile teenagers and available on request. Please note that if these are required the maximum number of guests remains 10.

Reduced Occupancy

During the shoulder seasons, Casa di Macine has a reduced price for groups of up to 6 that only need up to 3 bedrooms. The bedrooms not required will be closed, but the rest of the villa, its amenities and its grounds will remain at the complete disposal of guests. Should you book the reduced occupancy rate, the best bedrooms will be prepared for you.

Inside

accommodation at Casa di Macine is laid out over three floors.

A flight of external steps lead up to the first floor and the main entrance, which opens into an inspiring, luminous, and generously proportioned open-concept communal area. Walls of windows and sliding glass doors on two sides allow seamless access to the terraces, while at the same time drinking in the spectacular views of the forested mountains and the craggy, needle-like peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella. A sweep of travertine flooring unites the space in cool grey tranquillity, and light filters in via the slatted shading above the terraces, creating ever-changing geometric patterns as the sun makes its passage across the sky.

Straight on from the entrance, following the line of a feature wall clad in stone quarried on site, is a sunken living area with a large, contemporary U-shaped sofa. To the left is a large dining table, comfortably seating 14, and next to this, is the extremely well-equipped kitchen, which features a large work-top-bar, and sensational views out to sea. The kitchen cabinetry, the dining table and the A-frame beams above are all in locally sourced chestnut wood, a material that holds special significance in Corsica’s architectural, gastronomic and cultural traditions.

To the right of the main entrance, a hallway provides access to a laundry room, a guest WC and four bedrooms:

• a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with tub, mountain views, and access to the main terrace
• a double with en-suite shower room, mountain views, and access to the main terrace
• two doubles with en-suite shower rooms and sea views

All four of these bedrooms have lofty ceilings, luxuriously appointed bathrooms finished in travertine, and a mezzanine level with a small double mattress (only suitable for agile teenagers and available on request: please note that if these are required, the maximum number of guests remains 10).

Stairs in the hallway lead down to the ground floor and up to the top floor.

The ground floor is home to a fabulously proportioned independent suite comprising a large double bedroom with sitting area, a free-standing, sculptural in-room tub, a fireplace, an en-suite shower room, banks of sliding glass doors opening out onto a private shady terrace with spectacular mountain views, and a stylish, well-equipped, black, iron kitchen.

The ground floor is also home to a well-equipped gym with sauna and access to more shaded terraces.

On the top floor, meanwhile, is a TV snug with large, sink-in sofas and bean bags, and access to the fabulously panoramic roof terrace.

Outside

Casa di Macine is blessed with numerous terraces, which provide plenty of space in which to come together or enjoy a little quiet time on your own.

On the first floor, accessed via walls of sliding glass doors from the open-concept communal space and two of the bedrooms, is a wide, decked terrace that wraps around two sides of the house. On one side is the irresistible infinity pool, which appears to float in the air, and a scattering of shady and sun-kissed sitting areas gazing out over the forested mountains. On the other, conveniently just outside the kitchen, is a wonderfully convivial dining area served by a barbecue. You can also see the sea from here.

The voluminous suite on the ground floor has its own private terrace furnished with a sitting area, a hanging swing chair, and a breakfast table.

More shade on the ground floor is provided by the overhanging terraces and pool of the first floor, which are supported by pillars. Accessed from the gym or the grounds, this is a great spot for yoga with a view or for afternoon snoozes on one of the gently swaying hammocks suspended between the aforementioned pillars.

The roof terrace is the ace up Casa Macine’s sleeve. Offering unforgettable views of both the mountains and the sea, it is furnished with a few easy chairs, and equipped with both a firepit and an inviting hot tub. Whether you spend time here admiring the views, sipping on a sunset aperitif, or taking a rejuvenating soak under Corsica’s star-spangled night sky, this is spot will live long in your heart.

The grounds surrounding Casa Macine feature olive trees, indigenous maquis, a variety of flora, a floodlit boules pitch, and, excitingly, a helipad (should you wish to arrive in style).

An interview with the owner of Casa Macine

What’s the story behind your choice of the location where you built your villa? Is there any personal connection?

Corsica is my homeland, the place where I feel most at home and understood, for it is where I was born and raised. When the opportunity arose to create a space in this magical location, nestled between the Bavella mountains and the turquoise sea, which embodies both tranquillity and a sense of pure living, I couldn't resist embarking on the project: Domaine de Macine. Macine, which translates as 'millstone', seemed the perfect name, as there was once a wind-powered flour mill on the property. Domaine de Macine is a place of tradition and progressive advancement, where the past meets the future in harmony.


What do you love most about the location of Casa di Macine?

What captivates me most about the location of our villa is its seamless blend of tradition and modernity, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Corsica. Facing the majestic Aiguilles de Bavella, Casa di Macine is a testament to the island's rugged beauty and timeless allure. Surrounded by nature yet within easy reach of Solenzara's vibrant marina and the azure waters of the Mediterranean, it offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and accessibility


Who designed the house, and what were your specifications? What’s the philosophy behind the choice of materials, style, and interior design?

The most important thing for me was to create a place worthy of the overwhelming, stunning nature that surrounds Casa di Macine. The architecture was designed by the renowned architect Isabelle Berthet-Bondet, who balances her teaching activities in Paris for first-year students of the Ecole Supérieure d’Architecture with her work in Corsica. Her experience in Japan taught her a sensitive approach to space and an architecture that expresses a certain relationship with the world, bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors. Her agency creates projects made of stone, wood, and concrete, which open the eyes to the transient beauty of nature. The numerous projects carried out by them blend discreetly into the landscape, merging with nature to form a harmonious unity. Their motto - "learning from nature while preserving it" - focuses their attention on developing timeless, sustainable architecture.

The story of how I encountered the interior designer is almost unbelievable: I stumbled upon a 7-second viral video with 108 million views on the Instagram account Atelier.Artan. It showcased the interior work of Anna Kilgenstein in a barn that was designed by her and renovated together with her family. The design and the finesse of timeless taste instantly captivated me. She never really studied design at university, but working as a flight attendant she got inspired by staying in luxury hotels in more than 50 countries. Renovating her own space she gained all the experience and expertise she needed to create stunning spaces. Thus, I gave Anna the opportunity to breathe life into the more than 700 square meters of inside-outside living space of our villa. The design of Casa di Macine was a collaborative endeavour involving our architect, Isabelle, our interior designer, Anna, my life partner, Melissa, my family, and me, all guided by reverence for Corsican heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Inspired by the island's natural beauty and architectural traditions, we sought a space that seamlessly blends with the environment while offering modern comforts and amenities. From the use of local materials like chestnut wood and Bavella stone to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living areas, every aspect of the villa reflects our philosophy of thoughtful and timeless design.


How did you got about choosing furniture, palettes, and other finishing touches for Casa di Macine?

In selecting the furniture and the palette for the villa, we drew inspiration from the rugged beauty of Corsica's landscape and the laid-back elegance of Mediterranean living. Natural tones and textures dominate, complemented by pops of colour inspired by the island's flora and fauna. Each piece was carefully chosen to balance comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, creating a space that feels inviting and refined. The colours were chosen based on the cardinal directions, inspired by a Feng Shui concept. Every nuance was carefully selected by our designer, Anna, to support balance and harmony in the space, and to foster an inviting and calming environment. Those who inhabit the house should arrive and simply feel at ease.


Is there any item of furniture, artwork or design detail that you particularly love?

I think this is the most challenging question because I love every detail of this house. We made sure that every individual element is perfectly coordinated with all the others, as well as with the surrounding nature. One thing I particularly love, for example, is when the windows are open and the sea breeze makes the handwoven lampshades above the 4-meter-long dining table dance, or when the interplay of light and shadow brings the open living area to life.


How do you “live” the villa? What do you do when you’re there?

When I arrive at the villa, the first thing I do is pause to take in the beauty that surrounds me. Whether it's the scent of wildflowers in the air or the sound of birdsong in the distance, there's an undeniable atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that envelops me.

From there, I typically settle in and take some time to reconnect with nature, whether it's going for a hike in the nearby mountains, taking a bath in the huge free standing bathtub, a soak in the Jacuzzi or a swim in the infinity pool. I'll work out in the private fitness room, have a sauna or simply lounging in the sunken living room overlooking the mountains with a good book. Casa di Macine is also a place of gathering and community. The large dining table accommodates 14 people, and the open kitchen invites shared cooking and lingering. It is designed to enjoy quality time with loved ones.


What’s your favourite place to be in the villa?

Although every corner of the villa has its own charm, my favourite spot is undoubtedly the rooftop terrace. With its panoramic views of both the mountains and sea, it's the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine. Whether relaxing in the hot tub or cosying up by the fire pit, there's something magical about watching the sunset over the Corsican landscape from this vantage point.


When you go to stay at your villa, what are the first dishes you cook?

I'm partial to simple, rustic fare that celebrates the flavours of Corsica. Whether it's a hearty barbecue made with locally sourced ingredients or a fresh seafood pasta infused with herbs from the garden, I find joy in preparing meals that reflect the bounty of the land and sea. But honestly: Casa di Macine makes you realize that its the small things that make life worth living, like a good coffee in the morning, a pain au chocolate, and a view on the sun rising from the sea.


What’s your favourite day out from the villa?

When it comes to venturing out from the villa, I'm spoiled for choice. Whether it's spending a lazy day at one of the nearby beaches, such as Palauma, exploring the charming villages that dot the countryside, canyoning in Vallée de la Solenzara, or hiking through the rugged beauty of the Bavella Massif, there's always something new to discover on this enchanting island. But if I had to choose just one favourite, it would have to be a leisurely boat trip along the coast, where the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs never fail to take my breath away.

Casa di Macine features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity side so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

Some parts of the pool terrace at this property are overlooked.