L’Huilerie

Embrace the natural splendour of Haute-Corse, not far from the stunning Plage de l’Ostriconi, whilst staying at this authentic yet elegantly renovated villa, close to the charming village of Lama. Set by a little stream with stone terraces and olive trees, L’Huilerie allows you to immerse yourself into Corsican country life with its beauty, wildlife, and mountainous landscapes. With a unique layout, a gorgeous lounge and dining area can be found on the main floor beneath the traditional stone vaulted ceiling and doors open out to stone terraces offering both sun and shade. Seven bedrooms are scattered across the upper and lower floor, most with air-conditioning and many with characterful features such as the old mill downstairs as well as exposed stone walls and sloping wood-beamed ceilings elsewhere. A former olive mill dating back to the 18th century, find a relaxing spot by the little stream, listen out for the mooing of cows or head over to the 12m long swimming pool to cool off on warm summer days. Enjoy barbecues on the terrace with views of the olive trees and mountains in this remarkable and traditionally Corsican setting. Yet despite this rural ambience, the villa is located just off the main road connecting L’Île-Rousse to Ponte Leccia, meaning that so many gems of northern Corsica can be reached by car. Start off by exploring gorgeous local villages including Lama, a five-minute drive away, with its Italian style architecture, sensational views and renowned Lama European Film Festival at the beginning of August. It’s a walker’s paradise here whether hiking from Lama to Monte Asto, following the mule track to the beautiful village of Urtaca or discovering some of the glorious trails near Novella. Then there’s the 50km long coastal trail from the wild shores of Plage de l’Ostriconi, one of Corsica’s finest beaches, around 17km from your holiday home. As you explore northern Corsica, soak up the charm of St Florent, buy award winning wines in the vineyards of Patrimonio or, slightly closer to home, enjoy the ambience of delightful L’Île-Rousse with its 18th and 19th century architecture, beachside restaurants and amazing sunsets. Not to mention the many idyllic sandy bays and picture-perfect hilltop villages waiting to be discovered en route to the much-loved town of Calvi, just under an hour by car.   Features: Villa Interiors (300m2) Main Level -    Living and dining room (90m2) with seating, TV, DVD player, dining table for 12 guests and air-conditioning. Door leads to terrace -    Kitchen, fully-equipped including oven, microwave, ceramic hob, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, ice-maker, Nespresso coffee machine, toaster, juicer, mixer and food processor -    Guest WC Lower Garden Level (via lounge stairs) -    Bedroom 1 (25m2) with double bed (180cm) and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and sink. Separate WC. Door window gives access near stream Lower Garden Level (via kitchen stairs, lockable access from outside) -    Bedroom 2 with double bed (160cm), air-conditioning, TV and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and sink. Separate WC Upper Floor (accessed via stairs from lounge) -    Bedroom 3 with double bed (140cm), air-conditioning, dressing area and direct access to a shared bathroom with walk-in shower, sink and separate WC -    Bedroom 4 with double bed (140cm) and air-conditioning Upper Floor (accessed via stairs from kitchen/dining area) -    Small bedroom 5 with old-fashioned large single bed, small sofa-bed and air-conditioning (best suited to one adult or two children) -    Bedroom 6 with double bed (160cm), TV, air-conditioning, dressing room and bathroom with walk-in shower (with sliding door) and sink. WC and sink (shared between three bedrooms) -    Bedroom 7 with double bed (160cm), air-conditioning, dressing room and bathroom with walk-in shower (with sliding door) and sink Please also note that some of the bathrooms are partially open-plan to the bedroom Outside Grounds (one hectare) -    Swimming pool (12x6m) with safety gate access on request  -    Outdoor terraces -    Barbecue and Plancha -    Outdoor lighting -    Olive trees -    Terraced grounds (stone steps, paths and low walls) next to stream Location: In northern Corsica, L’Huilerie enjoys a remote countryside setting close to the pretty village of Lama, around a 20-minute drive to the coast and 30km from charming L’Île-Rousse. The villa is set off the main road that connects Calvi and Bastia Airport, both of which are just under an hour away by car. The hilltop village of Lama (3.5km) is a great place to start your Corsican adventures as you admire the Italian-style architecture and gaze at views towards the Ostriconi coast and Désert des Agriates. In late July/early August, the Lama European Film Festival takes place with open-air projections in breath-taking surroundings. Walkers will be keen to discover the nearby trail up to Monte Asto, around a 6-hour hike starting in Lama, or you could follow the old mule track across to Urtaca (6km by car), another stunning village with so much local character. Other traditional villages dotted across this area include Pietralba with its local delicacies of oliose biscuits, cheese and charcuterie, and Novella, with its amazing views and more wonderful walking trails. Plage de l’Ostriconi (17km) is a further highlight of this region, one of Corsica’s most famous beaches, reached partially on foot, where you are surrounded by wild landscapes and fragrances of nearby maquis. This is also the start of the 50km long Sentier du Littoral des Agriates, a hiking route that follows the coast all the way to St Florent. By car, St Florent (42km) is just under an hour away, driving along the winding road through the Désert des Agriates. This small harbourside town with a rich heritage is located in a beautiful bay, partly sheltered by the towering mountains of Cap Corse, and it is home to inviting Corsican restaurants and bustling bars . Boat trips will take you to the incredible Plage de Saleccia or you may prefer to drive north towards Patrimonio (48km) to purchase some of the island’s famous wines. Back to the Balagne, L’Île-Rousse (30km) is a delightful seaside town with an enchanting old quarter, beachside restaurants and the most glorious sunsets when the rock by the lighthouse turns red. A little further along the coast towards Calvi (50km), come across idyllic sandy bays such as Plage de Bodri and Plage de Ghjunchitu, perfect for all ages. Not forgetting many more iconic Balagne villages in the picturesque hills behind L’Île-Rousse and Calvi such as Lumio, Pigna, Monticello and Sant’Antonino, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Terms & Conditions: ? €3000 charged to client’s credit card by the owner as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. No, €47 per bed. Payable locally. Not allowed. Air-conditioning is featured throughout except Bedroom 1 (which features the old mill). Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Not allowed. Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes. French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. No, €8 per beach towel. Payable locally.