Questions to Marie-Jo Culioli-Vichera, Managing Partner of Immobilière Sperone.

30 years on… ! It seems like only yesterday that the development of the Domaine de Sperone was taking shape and the first rental requests were coming in directly from the owners. The time it took to carry out a market study, to imagine an agency offering property services that emphasise quality, authenticity and respect for the environment, and to register the articles of association laying the foundation stone for this creation, and Immobilière Sperone spread its wings. Our aim was to turn the dream of living in a corner of paradise into reality for a discerning clientele looking for inspiring homes.

The Bonifacio property market has changed considerably since the agency was set up. Initially, it was a niche market, but over the years the demand for luxury properties has risen sharply. The region has become increasingly attractive thanks to an ambitious policy of restoring and enhancing its built and environmental heritage, its unique natural site and its heavenly beaches. This appeal has gradually led to an increase in property prices and a diversification in the type of properties on offer.

The master builders at Sperone have created a veritable ‘genius of the place’ by defining an ecology, an ethic, an architectural language and an art of living that have set an example for the entire site and that fully correspond to the philosophy shared by our agency. A true architectural manifesto and example of integration, this philosophy has been widely adopted throughout Europe. The Red Cedar houses built at Sperone are models of creativity : exceptional locations, organised views over the sea, the Cavallu and Lavezzi islands and the coast of northern Sardinia, etc. And it’s a real privilege to work on these exceptional properties, passing on to our customers, who are sensitive to the beauty of the surroundings, the codes that dictated the development of the estate. In addition to their elegant architectural design and top-quality construction, they offer exclusive access to the 18-hole golf course at Sperone, one of the finest golf courses in the Mediterranean. This unique combination of elegance, comfort and golfing enjoyment makes them particularly sought-after residences.

The Sperone golf course is a major asset for the estate and a driving force for sports tourism in southern Corsica. The 500th design by Robert Trent Jones Sr, it offers an incomparable golfing experience with spectacular sea views. It’s a real selling point for buyers and tenants alike, as it combines leisure and pleasure to perfection. Golf enthusiasts from all over the world are attracted by this unique opportunity to play in such an exceptional setting, which adds to the appeal of our properties. As the only 18-hole golf course in Corsica, our island could become a true golfing destination and, thanks to this asset, take the lead in the development of genuine 4-season tourism. There’s still time…

We’ve never stopped keeping up with new digital technologies to stay at the cutting edge of the market. Our website is regularly updated to provide an optimal user experience. We also use social networks and certain online property platforms to reach a wider, international audience. These tools allow us to present our properties in a more dynamic way and to stay connected with our potential customers, wherever they may be.

I’m fairly optimistic about the future of the Bonifacio property market. Demand for exceptional properties is growing steadily, particularly with the increasing interest in second homes and property investments in such prestigious locations, but they will become rarer. We also advise our customers to aim for more sustainable construction that is ever more respectful of the environment. In short, a sensible approach to development, as in the past, without detracting from the beauty of the site…

And so Bonifacio will continue to develop while preserving its unique charm and rich heritage.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our customers for their trust and loyalty over the last 30 years. Their support has been essential to our success and we are honoured to have accompanied and advised them in their family property projects. We remain committed to providing them with the best possible service, by continuing to innovate and improve our offerings. And we encourage our future customers to share the exceptional Domaine de Sperone and the incomparable beauty and diversity of the sites in the far south of Corsica, to convince them that one day they will be part of this unique way of life.