Mer et Maquis

Inspired Design Between The Sea & The Maquis

Architects Jennie and Jerker Edfast are members of one of Sweden's largest firms but have developed this vacation home rental in Corsica as a more personal project and island getaway. 

Specializing in both urban and residential architecture, interiors and landscape design, this home's Scandinavian inspired design strikes the ultimate balance between land and sea, keeping the natural characteristics of the island in mind. 

Designed primarily around the outdoor living areas, the interiors face west towards the sunset over the Sanguinaires islands and feature simple, rustic wood and stone finishes with clean modern lines and a monochromatic palette of simple refinement that harmonizes nicely with the rustic island environment.

Set along the rugged Mediterranean coast of the Gulf of Ajaccio, this vacation home rental in Corsica is nestled within a peaceful spot among the maquis, olive and pine trees, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean and the Sanguinaire Islands stretched out before you.

A small home at 53sqm, it has a central dining and living room with large glass windows facing both east and west that can be opened to allow the breezes to filter through. The two compact bedrooms are integrated within the walls, with sliding doors separating them from the living area, while the open kitchen is a minimalist addition in Bulthaup stainless steel. 

The shaded outdoor areas include a barbeque area and bar, a dining table for up to eight, and an exterior lounge area with comfy sofas and fireplace for settling in to admire the views. 

There is a small east facing courtyard and the pool area is surrounded by a teak deck and sun loungers overlooking the wild island terrain. 

The home has wifi, but due to the relatively remote location it is not high-speed.

CORSICA'S COTI-CHIAVARI PENINSULA

Located in the Coti-Chiavari peninsula, the small hamlet of Portigliolo, with the stunning Mare e Sole beach, quiet and charming little coves and marina, features several good restaurants and shops.

Less than an hour's drive around the bay is the harbor town Ajaccio. Most famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it remains Corsica’s main urban city, with several museums and excellent restaurants. Situated along the southwest coast, it’s at the northernmost shore along a large bay between Gravona and la Pointe de la Parata and the trendy route des Sanguinaires area to the west. 

The Iles Sanguinaire sit just offshore, and La Plage de Porticcio is just over 20 minutes' drive and is one of the nicest beaches along the rugged Coti-Chiavari. 

The charming village of Olmeto is an hour south above the hills and canyons of Propriano with beautiful views of the Gulf of Valinco. Situated between the headlands of Capo di Muro and Campomoro, the bay stretches along the rugged west coast from the sleepy, laid-back village of Porto Pollo to the lovely seaside village of Campomoro, and is dotted with beautiful white sand beaches and coves. Plage du Lido, Cupabia and Plage du Corsaire are two of the best and further south is one of the wildest coastlines on the island. 

Sartène also lies to the south and is said to be the most Corsican of Corsican towns with cobbled stone streets and historic atmosphere. Just a short drive north is the magnificent archaeological site of Filitosa with the stunning Neolithic megaliths. North of Porto Pollo is Cupabia – one of the most scenic of the Valinco’s region. 

LOCATION

Corsica, France. Nearest Airport: Ajaccio Napolean Bonaparte Airport (28km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall