THE FACTS ABOUT CASA SANTA MARIA

France Corsica

This four-storey house in a sleepy, hilltop village has been stylishly redesigned with a spacious modern kitchen and a grand living room. A central spiral staircase and a lift both lead to three double en-suite bedrooms, all prettily decorated with elegant linens and rattan furnishings. Each has satellite TV, air conditioning and a private terrace with sea views. The small patio and plunge pool are disappointing, but guests do have access to their own frescoed chapel, La Chapelle Santa Maria, across the road. There are restaurants, as well as a bakery and a butcher's, in nearby Monticello; the lovely village of St Antonino is a 30-minute walk up the mountain, and it's a five-kilometre drive to the sandy beaches of Ile Rousse. SLEEPS Seven BEST FOR A group of close friends who like to stay in and cook WHY Peace and quiet away from the razzmatazz of the coast WHY NOT The unlit narrow mountain roads after sunset COST From £700 per person per week based on four people sharing, flights and car hire included CONTACT Simpson Travel (0845 811 6501; www.simpsontravel.com)