It was a case of love at first sight. I was enchanted by the property from the moment I saw it as well as its tranquillity and the way it inspired me. That was all it took as it had so much promise already. As close to the sea as it is to the mountains and with the freshness of the countryside as a bonus, I was captivated by this location at the heart of an exceptional natural heritage in the stunning Gulf of Saint-Florent region dotted with orchards and vineyards. Not to mention the richness of the architectural heritage and the baroque churches which I am a huge fan of.
Beyond its structure, the Convent SanFrancescu d'Oletta mainly bares the marks of the Italian influences which established two important religious families in Corsica. First were the Romanesque churches at the beginning of the second millennium, SanFrancescu is an example of the stunning Baroque architecture that followed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the convent is still attached to its church and offers some thirty cells that have been transformed into living spaces over three floors.
SanFrancescu was founded in the 13th century with the aim of being one of the island’s most important Franciscan convents. The original building remained intact until it was replaced during the Genoese occupation by the Italian baroque style ones that are here today. Unfortunately, after a few turbulent political episodes and a return to orders, a long period of neglect and desertion ensued. The property was almost in ruin when I purchased it and committed to safeguarding its heritage by carrying out major restoration work in 2001. I first installed my own workshop before inviting the artist Simone Dat (who is also my mother) to live here permanently. Then, in 2007, I created a line of perfumes named "Jardins de SanFrancescu " to symbolise the property’s rebirth.
I live and work here and deagerly I await the chance to greet guests and share creative moments in my workshops. I also take great pleasure in helping our guests to discover the magic of the area, particularly over a glass lemonade which I make using organic lemons from our vegetable garden. A stroll through the gardens or the Theatre de Verdure are just the beginning of its richness. It takes a little time to find pleasure in the silence here which is perfect for meditation and reflection in the shade of the fig tree or the wisteria. A candlelit dinner in the old refectory or a film night in the chapel with a view of the stars are the perfect end to a day filled with joy.
On the way out of Oletta, the Teghine pass to Nonza leads to a breath-taking view of the gulf of St.Florent and the famous vineyards of Patrimonio that are nestled between the sea and the mountains in Conca d’Oro. Also within this stunning landscape is the village which can be accessed via a small path from the convent. The café on the Piazetta has an unrivalled view of the area. A family menu and some delicious homemade tarts are available at “A Forge”, whilst the bar with a view of the Sant’Adria Church and its ex-votos at “Chex Mathieu” is a must-see in Oletta. The Marché aux Puces de Bastia that takes place every Sunday is a good starting point for exploring the capital of Bagnaja just twenty-five minutes away.
With one thousand square metres, a three-story convent, a baroque church with ten chapels and another outside which can be converted into a cinema – the convent is ideal for filming. Also available are the reception rooms and the hectare of landscaped parklands. The Renaissance Garden and fountain, the Jardin de Ruines with a stone terrace, the Jardin des Moines with ancient roses, the smaller Jardin de Buis, Palms or Oliviers, the Theatre de Verdure and the twenty by five metre swimming pool all serve as enchanting settings.
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Temporary exhibitions are scheduled and take place from April until the end of December.
Every summer, artists in residencies are invited to stay and work at the convent.
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