Casa Santa Teresa

Modernism on Corsica's Route des Sanguinaires

Corsican architect Amelia Tavella reimagined this 1950s waterfront house in 2019, creating an elemental retreat on Ajaccio’s Sanguinaires coast. The design marries raw concrete with handcrafted wood, framing constant views of the sea. Set directly on a quiet cove, the house's life revolves around the water, from its heated, sea-facing pool to the private beach access. With twice-weekly maid service included, it offers a seamless blend of modernist architecture and relaxed coastal living.

Inside, cool concrete floors and whitewashed walls create an aesthetic of refined simplicity, with natural materials and handcrafted features taking precedence over ornamentation. Furnishings are modern and minimal, selected for comfort and form, while large openings and wood shutters play with the Corsican light, allowing the interiors to breathe with the rhythm of the day.

Life naturally gravitates outdoors to the stone terraces surrounding the pool. Sun loungers face the bay, while a handcrafted wooden pergola shades an outdoor kitchen with a plancha and a dining area for long summer lunches. From the terrace, stone steps lead directly down to a quiet, sandy cove, offering immediate access to the clear Mediterranean waters.

What we love

A favorite of ours for many years, this home has a unique location, direct beach access, outdoor dining on the beach, and a sea view. We're big fans of the terrace with the sun loungers overlooking the water as well as the clever and tasteful renovation of a 1950s house into a warm design gem.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Ajaccio, Corsica sleeps a maximum of 10 adults, with space for two additional kids. Its four floors host five bedrooms. The garden level has two double rooms. The main floor features the kitchen and living room. The first floor holds the master bedroom and one additional bedroom. The attic floor has one queen bed and two singles. There are five bathrooms.

Experiences

The house comes equipped with a paddleboard for exploring the cove at your own pace. For anything else, a dedicated concierge service can arrange a variety of bespoke experiences, from a private chef and in-villa yoga sessions to boat rentals with a skipper for discovering Corsica’s dramatic coastline.

Good to know

The villa is arranged over multiple levels, with internal and external stairs connecting the spaces, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. While it offers direct beach access, the cove is not private and can be accessed by the public, though it remains very quiet. A car is recommended for exploring the island.

Amenities and services

Air conditioning, heating, wifi, cable TV, Bose bluetooth speaker, washing machine, tumble dryer, fully equipped kitchen, two dishwashers, two fridges, wine refrigerator, Nespresso machine, heated pool, outdoor kitchen with plancha, sun loungers, paddleboard, maid service twice a week, bed linen and towels

Around

Set on the celebrated Route des Sanguinaires, the villa feels secluded yet is only a five-minute walk from local shops. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, is a short drive away, its historic streets home to a daily farmer's market. The Sanguinaires islands sit offshore, perfect for a boat trip. For beach lovers, the renowned Capo di Feno is a 20-minute drive. While the immediate bay is beautiful, a car is essential for reaching the breathtaking Calanques de Piana (75km) or the white cliffs of Bonifacio (130km).