Pietra Nova, an artist’s villa near Lumio, Corsica

Blending with the Beauty of the Balagne

Pietra Nova sits between two massive rock formations above Lumio, in Corsica's Balagne region. The homeowner, artist-designer Nathalie Bourgogne, built and decorated the home herself, drawing inspiration from years spent living in Africa and her habit of bringing items home. The result is a concrete-and-timber house whose south-facing living room opens entirely on two opposing sides to reveal the Corsican countryside, bay, and village below. Four bedrooms open individually to their own terrace entrances.

"It feels like it's positioned on top of the entire world around it," says Boutique's Simone Schoene, "secluded and a little like a treehouse, with a lofty, inside-outside living feel." Read about her visit to Pietra Nova in our POV magazine here.

Lightly polished concrete floors run through all four bedrooms and the main living area. The large bathroom features raw concrete surfaces, a double-sink vanity, an Italian open shower, and a deep soaking tub. Art and handcrafted objects from Africa and beyond fill the rooms without crowding them, and vintage wooden doors conceal built-in storage. The layout is completed by two separate WCs for practicality.

The home's main wooden deck faces south across the Balagne and the bay. Several seating areas and a vintage daybed sit at the deck's far edge, with the landscape as the only boundary. On the mountain side, a shaded courtyard terrace holds a long dining table that remains cool and sheltered in summer heat. There are two outdoor showers: one set among tall bamboo, the other built into a natural rock formation. The outdoor space is completed by a barbecue and alfresco dining table that can seat up to 10 people.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Lumio, Corsica sleeps up to six guests.

Each of the four uniquely designed queen-sized bedrooms opens out to its own terrace entrance. There is one large bathroom with two sinks, an open Italian shower, and a bathtub. Two separate toilets (one with sink) and two outdoor showers add to the convenience. The fully equipped kitchen has an eat-in dining table or even better, you can whip up meals for up to 10 at the back patio dining area complete with barbecue for great alfresco dining. The wooden terrace in front features several seating areas affording unobstructed views and is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy with friends and family.

• Bedroom 1: queen, terrace access

• Bedroom 2: queen, terrace access

• Bedroom 3: queen, terrace access

• Bedroom 4: queen (twin on request), terrace access

• 1 guest WC (with sink)

• 1 guest WC

Experiences

Private chef dinner on the terrace, arranged by host on request.

Good to know

The home has air conditioning in all bedrooms. The property sits on a hillside above Lumio and involves some steps.

Amenities & services

Air conditioning (all bedrooms), barbecue, coffee maker, dishwasher, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, hairdryers, iron and ironing board, outdoor dining, two outdoor showers, parking, satellite TV, washing machine, wi-fi

Around

The beaches are only a 10-minute walk while the village of Lumio can be reached by car in just a few minutes. Nearby Calvi is a bustling town with great cafes and shops.

Located on the northwest coast of the island within the Corsica Regional Park, the UNESCO-designated Scandola Nature Reserve on the Cape Girolata Peninsula covers over 900 hectares of land and over 1,000 acres of marine habitat. In the village itself, A Casa di Ma holds a Michelin star for chef Vincent Champ's Corsican-rooted tasting menu, served on a terrace above the bay. A remarkable stretch of coastline, it can only be reached by boat or for the very adventurous, on foot through steep mountainous terrain. Populated with a vibrant array of marine life and sea birds, its jagged rock formations, caves and crystal clear waters are some of the most beautiful natural wonders on the island.

Venture further to the national parks and outlying beaches for stunning natural beauty.