U Mulinu

A Dramatic, Mediterranean Island Holiday Fortress

With coved beaches below it, this stunning historical holiday residence rises from a clifftop in Bonifacio, on a wild, maquis-covered section of coastline. The contemporary seaview villa was created from what was originally a grain mill and silo, built by the Genoese in the 13th century. Stone walls enclose it, and a tower reaches skyward from its heart.

A haven for serene, private indoor and outdoor living, the property may be enclosed by a wall, but its privileged placement keeps it panoramic. The villa’s windows are both large bay-styled ones and more discreet, narrow slits for enhanced intimacy. Views are classic Mediterranean, taking in the azure sea winding in and out of coves below, and capturing technicolor sunsets, starry skies and soaring gulls.

Architectural details include precious woods, an abundance of stone, tadelakt and bejmats designed by a master Marrakchis, ancestral vernacular and period terracotta. Pale limestones blend with refined antique and minimalist modern furnishings.

Layout

Each of the three double-occupancy suites comes with an en-suite bathroom, and common areas include a large seaview reception space. There’s a pair of kitchens, one inside and out, and an indoor, atrium-enclosed pool and lounge with a dining area at its end.

Services

Services included: butler and governess, concierge service from 8:00AM to 8:00PM, welcome drink, buffet breakfast with a Corsican touch (set up by the butler each morning), homemade snacks and unlimited drinks (self service), aperitif and cocktail service (alcohol at an added cost), grocery delivery, daily and final cleaning, turndown services, linen change every seven days, maintenance of the heated pool and garden. Baby equipment and board games are available, as well as luggage storage in the case of early arrival or late departure.

Preferential rates are provided for the Sperone Golf Course (except July and August), and access is also provided to the U Capu Biancu hotel's facilities, located 15 minutes drive away.

Additional by-reservation offerings include: a select lunch menu, chef-prepared dinners, cocktail and sommelier services/menus, in-house wellness treatments, boat excursions (Boston Whaler 370 Outrage 3x350cv), boat rental, skipper service, airport transfer, driver, and guided recreation activities on land or sea.

Around

The property’s location on the Gulf of Sant’Amanza in Bonifacio, on Corsica’s rugged Mediterranean coast, makes it a beach and boating destination par excellence, ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers and SUPs. The property offers three distinct beaches, one with a private pontoon, sunbeds and parasols, plus a beach attendant who can set guests up with SUPs, diving or snorkeling equipment and beach refreshments. A second beach is quieter, with canopy beds set along the Mediterranean and drink service. The third is an exclusive, unfurnished wilder beach named for Queen Elizabeth, who reportedly stopped over when sailing the Mediterranean.

The villa's city of Bonifacio is an ancient, seafaring capital, once brought to life by traders, sailors, pirates and adventurers. The property's activity menu includes a guided tour of the ancient city, to bring to life its past struggles inside ancient city walls. Today, Bonifacio is alive with dozens of restaurants, tavernas and seaside cafes, plus shops, artisanal boutiques and historic landmarks.

Named the Isle of Beauty, Corsica is known, too, for its inland offerings—rugged mountains, photogenic villages clinging to chalky cliffs, wild shrubs and rushing streams and cascades. Hikers can head into higher elevations, the striking peaks crossed by the well-marked GR20 trail, a famous through-hike that cuts across the island. Driving the isle’s narrow mountain and coastal roads offers an exhilarating tour through unspoiled landscapes of staggering contrasts. Corsica has high mountains and low lying, small harbors, plus dozens of lost-in-time villages. The island’s striking and varied coast offers beautifully secluded inlets for arrival by sailboat, bays for private swimming and picnicking, long sandy stretches with no-one in sight. There are dozens of areas marked by rocky outcroppings and cliffs, punctuated by small harbors and wee fishing villages.

Location

Bonifacio, Corsica, France. Nearest airports: Figari (10 miles), Ajaccio (45 miles)

Best time to visit

April to October