Address: Figari, Corsica, France
A truly spectacular discovery for us, Ogliastrello has stood since the 18th century in the wild Corsican countryside and has surely only grown in charm during that time. The stone dwelling was home to the owners ancestors for many generations, and it is easy to suppose that the breathtaking, rugged countryside, towering trees and hulking boulders which surround the property look much as they would have done a hundred years ago. There is charm to be found everywhere in this property - a charming, sunny window seat is a lovely place to stop and enjoy the peace; the old-fashioned childrens bed in the upper room is made of dark wood with the unmistakable glow of history; the thick walls and uneven ceilings bear testament to the care and effort which went into Ogliastrellos construction. The owner has been careful not to undermine the work of his forefathers, and has evidently lavished attention on the furnishing and decor of the bergerie, sacrificing neither tradition nor style in creating a comfortable and welcoming interior, somehow imbued with the sense that it has always belonged in this house. The upper and lower floors each house a twin bedroom (one with an additional childs bed), with the living areas occupying the middle floor. The top bedroom is a magnificent, airy space, with attractively-beamed, sloping ceilings, while the open plan living-dining room has a handsome stone-flagged floor and original corner fireplace, perfectly complemented by a deep, comfortable sofa and plenty of scope for a romantic evening with a bottle of wine. Both the ground and first floors access the sloping grounds directly. To the side of the house is the pool, surrounded by decking. The bergerie could not be more secluded, with the only other signs of life being the local wildlife which is resident nearby. The owner of Ogliastrello is a cheese-maker, and his own sheep graze nearby; you are also likely to spot cows and goats, minding their own business in this wonderfully authentic setting. To continue the quintessentially Corsican experience, there is a lovely ferme auberge nearby for dining and mixing with the locals. |