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This property is a traditional Corsican watermill used for the production
of olive oil until approximately 50 years ago, now carefully restored to create a comfortable family home. It has
its own private swimming pool and is positioned just below an unspoilt hilltop village in the Balagne, north-western
Corsica, just 15 minutes' drive from beautiful beaches. The building is set in nearly half a hectare (over an acre)
of terraced land (with views to the sea) in a green river valley and, rarely, still has all its original milling
equipment and rustic attraction. The millstream and birdsong can be heard from every room. Being nearly 1000 feet
above sea level, with thick stone walls, it's pleasantly cooler in summer than coastal villas, has flexible accommodation
and provides an excellent seasonal letting income, if required.
Although the building has been re-roofed (and insulated, re-using the original terracotta tiles) and modern services
provided, great care has been taken to ensure it looks virtually unaltered from its 'working' days. Windows are
replicas of the originals in chestnut hardwood, and flooring is in natural materials. Hand-thrown 'crepi' wall
finishes have either been repaired, or the stonework revealed and pointed, and the original chestnut doors have
been retained. There is scope for a little further restoration, and installation of new kitchen, and an enthusiast
may enjoy restoring the original water channel, milling equipment and 5 metre mill wheel.
UPPER FLOOR
This is where the olives arrived by mule and were sent by chute to
vats on the floor below. Sloping beamed ceiling, rustic timber floors and doors throughout. Wall mounted down-lighters
with dimmer switches in main rooms, ample powerpoints, woodburning stove, two electric water heaters and thermostatically
controlled electric wall heaters in bedrooms.
Bedroom 1, Dressing Area & En-suite Bathroom (4.6 x 3.4 m;
2.3 x 2.5 m; 2.3 x 2.4 m)
A king-sized bedroom which is L-shaped, including dressing area
with fitted double wardrobe and window overlooking stream. Large window adjacent to bed position with lovely valley
views over the pool, to the sea. En-suite bathroom with antique roll-top bath, white toilet and contemporary white
basin set on rustic shelving. Natural stone wall and window overlooking stream. Doors to Bedroom 4/Living Room.
Door to 'Studio' Bedroom 3 & Bathroom.
Bedroom 2 & En-suite Bathroom (3.1 x 3.7 m; 2.2 x 1.9 m)
A double bedroom with double fitted wardrobes and large window
overlooking eucalyptus trees, stream and front garden, with glimpses of village above. Small, original fireplace.
Door to Bedroom 4/Living Room. Door to separate workstation and to en-suite shower room with window overlooking
stream, natural stone wall, solid white-tiled shower area, white toilet and contemporary white basin set into rustic
shelving.
'Studio' Bedroom 3 & En-suite Bathroom (2.8 x 5.88 m; 2.8
x 2.4 m)
Named 'studio' since it can be divided (with conservatory, terrace
and present kitchen) to provide separate accommodation, if required. A double or twin bedroom with 3 windows overlooking
pool area, window to upper terrace and original chestnut door to conservatory. Door to en-suite bathroom, with
window overlooking pool area. Solid white-tiled shower area, modern basin & toilet, water heater and space
for washing machine.
Bedroom 4/Living Room (4.4 x 6.18 m)
This is a flexible area with a woodburning stove, providing extra
bedroom accommodation, or used as a winter 'retreat'. Stairs to main Millroom below (removeable ironwork and flooring
for winter closure). 2 windows overlooking stream, separate workstation with extra powerpoints and phone socket.
Original chestnut door to Conservatory, Upper Terrace and Kitchen/Bedroom 5.
Conservatory, Kitchen/Bedroom 5 & Upper Terrace (3.1 x 3.8
m; 3.2 x 3.3 m)
The conservatory (with original stone floor) is a contemporary link between the living accommodation and upper
terrace . The kitchen has an original terracotta tiled floor and a large window overlooking the eucalyptus trees
and front garden. It has hand-made light timber units and a ceramic double sink with mixer tap. The sunny terrace
(where the mules were tied up and olives unloaded) adjoins the gravel driveway, which descends to the Mill's middle
and lower floors.
MIDDLE FLOOR
The middle floor was the main working area of the mill, and great
care has been taken to retain all the original chestnut and stone milling equipment, metal presses and structures.
Floors are all natural materials, and the layout open plan. There are wall-mounted down-lighters and ample power
points throughout.
Main Living Room (Millroom) (10.0 x 5.8 m)
Accessed through chestnut double doors from the front terrace
and gardens, this large and atmospheric space displays all the original olive milling vats, millstones, drive wheels
and other equipment aganst a backdrop of a multiple vaulted ceiling and natural stone or original (repaired and
limewashed) 'crepi' walls. Stairs to upper floor. 3 large windows overlooking stream. Doorway to kitchen area.
Archway to hall.
Hall (5.8 x 3.0 m)
Original terracotta tiled floor, multi vaulted ceiling, original
Corsican fireplace (now with woodburning stove). Semi blocked doorway (a window at present) to front garden and
terrace. View of multiple oil decantation cisterns, steps and archways through the building to arched contemporary
glass doorway. Beyond this, more cisterns and access to the 5 metre water wheel and housing.
Kitchen & Garden/Dining Room (5.8 x 3 m; 4.3 x 4.0 m)
2 open plan 'caves', wired and plumbed ready for installation
of a large kitchen (window with view over front garden) and a garden room/dining room (with arched contemporary
glass doors) leading onto natural stone and gravel terrace (for summer dining), gardens and swimming pool.
LOWER FLOOR (9.8 x 3.5 m)
This floor is accessed from the gravelled driveway and front garden,
with gate to stream. A large 'cave' with original stone floor and door, containing two large intermediate drive-wheels
in chestnut, the remainder at present used for storage.
EXTERIOR
The Mill is approached by a long track which winds over its own land, leading to a gravelled turning area and driveway.
Approximately two thirds of the land is managed as natural landscape, with the areas adjacent to the building lawned
and cultivated to form beautiful Mediterranean gardens with fruit trees, herb terrace, flowers, shrubs, stream
and pool area.
The swimming pool is 'freeform' shape (equivalent to a 9 x 5 metre rectangle, with steps, deep end and a natural
terracotta tiled terrace) and has been set up for a heat pump if required. It is private and peaceful, with views
to the sea, and overlooks agricultural land (cherries, almonds, peaches, apricots, grapes) and olive tree slopes.
Beyond the pool is an area of natural terraced land which may be available for sale separately.
SERVICES
The Mill is connected to mains Electricity, Water and Telephone. Broadband is available in the area. Drainage is
to the mill's modern septic tank until new village mains system is completed.
EXTRA INFORMATION
The island of Corsica is in the Mediterranean, approximately 100 miles south of Nice. Though it has its own distinct
identity and culture, its language and legal system are French. The scenery is stunning. Corsica's tallest peak
is nearly 9,000 feet and the Mill enjoys the advantages of both coast and mountains. On the coast the numerous
sandy beaches and turquoise bays are perhaps the best in the Mediterranean. In the mountains there are villages,
churches, forests, rivers (with rock pools deep enough to dive into), and waterfalls. Little has changed in centuries,
Corsican is still commonly spoken and there is often snow on the peaks until June. The people of Corsica are extremely
kind and generous, with strong family values. Tourism has not yet taken over, and Corsica is still a wonderful
escape.
The Mill's village (population 2-300) has a small shop, post office and bar, and a restaurant which opens for the
summer season. Similar facilities can be found in several other surrounding 'perched' villages. L'Ile Rousse is
the nearest town (25 minutes' drive) with an ancient pillared market, cobbled streets, shops, supermarkets, banks,
beach cafes, restaurants etc. At Calvi (about 45 minutes' drive) there is a historic citadel and stylish waterfront
and marina.
The Mill can be reached all year round by Air France flights to Bastia and Calvi or daily Easyjet flights from
both Paris and Lyon to Bastia. During the summer months direct flights arrive at Bastia and Calvi from several
European countries (including the UK). There are also ferries to Corsica from several French and Italian ports.
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Pool: Yes, private
Beach: 11km, Lozari
Shops: Small shop in village 500m, or Belgodere 7km
Restaurants: Nearby villages, 2.5-7km
Airport: North - Calvi or Bastia
Car hire: Essential |
PRICE: 995,000 Euros (approx.
£880,000 **)
If you would like to arrange a visit to see this property, or you've
got any questions, please email us using the link below.
 
* Sterling price is based on a rate of exchange of 1.13
euros / £ which is correct as at 20/08/09.
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