Casa Fortificata

• Bedroom 1: double (160x200cm), en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 2: double bed (160x200cm), en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 3: quadruple (4 single beds - 90x200cm), en-suite shower room

Inside

accommodation at Casa Fortificata is all on one level.

The main entrance leads into an impressive hallway with a barrel-vaulted ceiling in red brick.

To the right and left are the first two bedrooms, a pair of romantic double bedrooms with lofty, sloping, wood-beamed ceilings and beautifully finished en-suite shower rooms with separate WCs. One has gorgeous views across the hills and down to the Gulf of Valinco.

At the end of the entrance hall is the heart of the home, a wonderfully voluminous, open-concept communal area, which oozes charm and character. To one side, under more of those high wood-beamed ceilings, is the living area, which features a large sink-in sofa and a pair of classic leather armchairs gathered around a fireplace topped with a large gilt-framed mirror, wooden flooring, an early 19th-century chandelier, and, against one wall, a wide reclaimed piece of furniture with pigeon holes that functions as a console. On one side of the fireplace is a window looking out over the countryside and the sea, to the other is a door leading out to a flight of steps connecting the villa to the gardens.

To the other side of this communal space, through a wide, partially glazed opening, is the gorgeous kitchen-diner. At the centre, resting on traditional Corsican patterned floor tiles, sits a wooden dining table with retro chairs. Running along the full length of the main wall, meanwhile, is a line of bespoke wooden cabinetry, a large butler sink, SMEG appliances, and a few sections of locally produced, grey square tiles. A pair of windows bring in bright Corsican light, and a door at one end leads into the guest WC and laundry room.

Finally, accessed from the far end of the living area, is the third bedroom, an extremely spacious double-aspect quadruple, with four single beds, views out towards the Gulf of Valinco, and an en-suite shower room with double sinks and a separate WC.

Outside

the grounds of Casa Fortificata blend seamlessly into a landscape of hills, maquis, olives, holm oaks and mastic trees. This full immersion in nature, not to mention the sweeping views that take in forested mountains, mile upon mile of Corsica’s south coast, and the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Valinco, allows guests to unwind in an atmosphere of utter tranquillity and beauty.

A door in the living room opens out onto some stone steps, which lead down to a terrace and another flight of steps that descend under a clutch of shady trees. At the bottom is the dreamy pool terrace, a multi-dimensional al fresco space where you will no doubt spend much of your time.

Surrounded on three sides by decking, ornamental grass, and well-cushioned teak furniture, is the lovely heatable pool.

Set back from the pool, and recessed under the shade of a terracotta-tiled roof, is the al fresco dining area and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen with plancha grill, stone sink, dishwasher and fridge. This is a fabulous place to cook, dine, and share convivial moments day and night.

A few more steps down to one side of the pool terrace, meanwhile, is a square sitting area offering more of those sensational views. A better spot for a sunset aperitif or a post-dinner drink under the stars it is hard to imagine.

Dotted around the grounds under the trees are various little hideouts, one of which has a shady hammock, perfect for an afternoon snooze.

Our villas, Casonu and Casalonga are located near to each other. The villas belong to the same owners and share part of the access road but each enjoys total privacy. If you're travelling in a large group or with another family, the villas can be booked together.

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

Please note that the efficacy of the pool heating can be impacted by the external temperature and weather conditions in the area of your villa; as such as we cannot guarantee a minimum pool water temperature.