Beautifully Renovated Manor House with Pool

Casa Altiani details

Home description

Corsica is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its 600 miles of unspoilt and uncrowded coastline, with wild scenery soaring dramatically to nearly 9,000 feet at Monte Cinto, it seduces every visitor. And yet, despite its unique beauty, its Mediterranean climate, its cool green mountains, Corsica has avoided the ugly mass tourism which has blighted so many Mediterranean islands.

This is a beautifully renovated Corsican manor house - a manor house would be called a " A Casa di Sgió " in Corsican or "Maison de Maitre" in French. The original owner would have been an important landowner similar to our squire.

The main structure of the house dates from early 18th century but the foundations and cellars are much older. Set on a hillside overlooking the whole of the village of Olmi Cappella with views to the often snow-capped mountain ranges of central Corsica, Altiani is 3000 feet above sea level but less than an easy hour's drive from a choice of Corsica's north-west coast beaches (Lozari 35mins, Ostriconi - above - 45mins) and within easy reach of major towns like Ponte Leccia, Corte, L'Ile Rousse, Calvi, Bastia and St Florent and Cap Corse.

Set in about an acre of hillside terraces - one of which holds the 12 metre by 6 metre swimming pool - there's plenty of room for children to play. Around the pool there are sunbathing areas and above it a partly shaded terrace for outdoor dining.

 

External features on site

• Swimming pool (exclusive use)
• Scenic views

Accommodation detail

• Dining hall
• Large farmhouse kitchen and scullery with washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and microwave.
• Double bedroom
• Twin bedroom
• Shower room
• Cloakroom
• Separate wc.

A vaulted stairway takes you up to the first floor:

• Ancient Corsican kitchen - preserved but usable for breakfast
• 2 large sitting rooms
• 2 double bedrooms
• Twin bedroom
• Bathroom with wc
• Shower room with wc.

One of the sitting rooms can be set apart with one double room and one twin room together with the bathroom to form a family suite.

Satellite TV with news in English, HiFi and CD are provided.

Views from the bedrooms are stunning.

Linen and cleaning service are included.

 

About the location

La Balagna: an area of hills and valleys, bounded by the sea to the north and the high mountains to the south, this fertile area was once called the garden of Corsica. The valleys were covered with Olive trees; carefully cultivated terraces adorn the hillsides. Flocks of milking sheep graze the valleys and are milked twice a day for their precious rich milk used in the production of Roquefort and local cheeses.

There are two main towns - Calvi and Ile Rousse. Calvi, a small port dominated by its ancient citadel, is one of several towns in the Mediterranean claiming to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; it was during the siege of Calvi that Nelson lost an eye. L'Ile Rousse, named after the russet coloured rocks which jut out into the sea, was founded by Pascal Paoli, the Corsican leader, who gave his country a liberal constitution and freed it from Genoese rule.

The Giussani: one of Corsica's best-kept secrets - a lush valley covered in chestnut trees and cork oaks, ringed by mountains, dotted with old villages and criss-crossed by ancient footpaths and bridleways, yet only 35 minutes' easy drive from the nearest beach. Here you will find a relaxed, peaceful lifestyle. Olmi Cappella is the main village in the area. Access to the centre of the island - Ponte Leccia, Corte, Vizzavona - is easy, making it an ideal base to explore Corsica.

Restaurants come and go, so for up-to-date information consult our visitors' information at the house. Olmi Cappella has two good restaurants. Prices are generally quite reasonable - from around 15 euros up to 30 or 50 euros plus wine for menus in the smarter restaurants in Bastia, Calvi and l'Ile Rousse. There is a private dining room in the village with complete meal delivery service. All details at the house.

In Olmi Cappella there is a village shop - open morning and early evening every day except Monday. Travelling shops - bakers, butchers, grocers, cheese and dairy products, greengrocery, fish - visit the village during the week and will call at the house by arrangement.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Swimming, Walking

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

BA run a scheduled service from Gatwick - there are many other routes - and there are charter flights.

 

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.