Casa Paraso, an architectural home for rent in Corsica

A Contemporary Spin on Corsican Village Life

Perfect for one or two couples, Casa Paraso offers privacy in the small, serene village of Ville-di-Paraso. Conceived by local architect Philippe Charbonneau, this two-bedroom home was brought to life by its owners, a ceramic artist and her animator husband. The house is situated close to the historical church and its soaring clock tower. Approach it via a small road and park right in front of the gate. At first glance, the structure is a simple box but as you descend, it expands.

Walk down the steps to the first level and enter a light-filled, open-plan room that holds the living area and an elegant kitchen bar. The space opens onto a terrace that overlooks the tree-filled hills, with a partial ocean view and a spectacular mountain vista. There's one bedroom and a bathroom on this level.

Follow the stone path down and the lower level features one additional queen bedroom, bathroom, and a study opening onto a large stone terrace. Both units are minimally furnished, with tiled floors, white walls and French windows. This vacation home sleeps up to four guests. Due to the separated levels, it is only suitable for children over 12 years old.

The hosts have teamed up with a local concierge service that will greet guests on arrival, hand over the keys, show the house and provide fresh bed sheets and linen.

Around

Ville-di-Paraso is a small village in the beautiful Balagne region of northern Corsica or Haute-Corse, overlooked by the hill town of Speloncato. Within walking distance of the house, there's a small épicerie (grocery store), as well as a bar/restaurant with a great view, opened during the summer. The closest beach Lozari is 15-20 minutes away.

The house is located within easy reach of the buzzing small beach town of L'Île-Rousse and the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, which covers nearly 40 percent of the island. It's also about 20 minutes' drive from the coast, making the house a peaceful hideaway in peak season when the beaches can be crowded. Be sure to take the drive along the Route des Artisans, which crosses through several charming Corsican villages like Pigna, Corbara, Belgodère, San Antonino.