Perched above the sea amid Corsica’s wild maquis and sun-drenched vineyards lies a hidden gem shaped by passion, resilience, and a deep love for place. U Mulinu Casanelli is more than a home — it’s a soulful retreat, lovingly restored by a local family whose story is as captivating as the landscape that surrounds them. Here, nature takes the lead, silence speaks volumes, and every detail tells a tale. In this interview, we step behind the stone walls to meet the people who brought this vision to life. Their journey is one of connection — to heritage, to craftsmanship, and to the beauty of slow living.
We are a family of four from the Valinco region in Corsica, where we still live. I’m Angélique, 44 years old, my husband Frédérick is 48, and we have two daughters: Julia, 20, and Elea, 17.
My husband is a pharmacist and our daughters are currently in college. As a family, we’re very sporty — we love hiking, which is perfect because Corsica is full of magnificent trails. We’re also quite handy; we’ve taken on many DIY projects around the house together, with the girls often lending a hand.
I used to go running in the area, and I would often pass by this ruin that always caught my attention. I felt a strong connection to it. So when the opportunity finally arose to buy it, we didn’t hesitate — even though it was a huge undertaking. There was no road, no water, no electricity… but we jumped in headfirst.
We designed everything ourselves, step by step. The priority was always to preserve the spirit of the original ruin. It was as if the house itself guided us through the process of bringing it back to life.
Absolutely — one of the most memorable moments was when we installed the first fence posts with our daughters. That was the moment we truly felt like owners. We were finally marking out our one-hectare plot, by hand — not a small task!
The guiding theme in the decor was to create a connection between past and present. Most importantly, we wanted it to feel like a true getaway — a place where you can fully relax and switch off.
Definitely the terrace at breakfast time — with its view over the valley and the sea, and the peaceful silence of the morning, interrupted only by birdsong.
The property is perched on a hill, which gives it a majestic feel. It faces the sea and is surrounded by vineyards and the Corsican maquis. It’s simply peaceful — a little corner of paradise.
Yes, we’re proud to maintain a vegetable garden, we use filtered water from a borehole, we follow an anti-waste policy especially regarding towels, and we encourage selective sorting of waste.
We wanted to share this place of peace and disconnection. It gives people the sense of being completely alone in the world — while actually just five minutes by car from the town of Propriano.
It’s about reconnecting with nature, while still enjoying all the modern comforts — a gym, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, even a delivery service.
That constant sense of space, the 360-degree view, and a real sense of well-being. Your neighbors? Cows, sheep, almond trees, maquis, vineyards, and the sea.
"The adventure begins the moment the gate opens. A few seconds’ pause facing the neighboring vineyards before driving up to this old stone house, which suddenly reveals itself… Bam — a creative and architectural leap, where nothing is out of place. Everything is in harmony, designed to immerse you in absolute comfort, escape, emotion, and experience. All around, stunning landscapes with a Tuscan feel and a sweeping view of the sea. The hosts are attentive and passionate. It’s simple and exceptional at the same time. A place that does good — so much good. Thank you for everything."
That they truly enjoyed their vacation.
Don’t hesitate to call me for any information or tips!