Little Gem No. 099 | Ancient & Secret Sardinia

A poetic retreat where art, memory, and nature meet.

Hidden deep in the quiet heart of Sardinia lies Mario Cesare, a small stone cottage once belonging to the local artist whose name it still carries. Here, surrounded by wild hills and untamed beauty, painter Mario Cesare lived and worked — his canvases filled with the colours of the land, his walls bearing the marks of time and imagination.

Today, thanks to Giulia, the cottage has found new life. She has lovingly restored it, keeping the soul of the artist alive in every brushstroke on the wall, every handmade object, and every story she shares with her guests.

Giulia is the kind of host who makes you feel instantly at home — warm, curious, and deeply rooted in her island. Over breakfast, she’ll tell you stories of ancient Sardinia: shepherds’ songs, hidden caves, and the scent of myrtle carried by the wind. Her love for this land is contagious, and through her, you begin to see Sardinia not as a place on a map, but as something alive and quietly magical.

The Space

The cottage is small, simple, and deeply personal — the kind of place that feels more like staying in an artist’s home than in a guesthouse. The stone walls keep it cool in summer, while the handcrafted furniture, much of it belonging to Mario himself, speaks of another time.

Inside, you’ll find a living room, a small kitchenette perfect for morning coffee, and spaces that invite you to slow down — a hammock under the fig tree, a shaded terrace with views over the hills, and a little hidden courtyard that opens only from your room, where you can lie back at night and watch the stars in silence.

Every corner feels considered, yet unpretentious — simple comfort with a sense of poetry.

The Bedrooms

There’s one main double bedroom with its own bathroom — peaceful, airy, and softly lit — and a second double bedroom that can be opened for friends or family travelling together.
Each space reflects Giulia’s care: handwoven textiles, a touch of the artist’s work, and colours that mirror the Sardinian landscape — warm clay, olive green, and sea-stone grey.

You sleep surrounded by history, yet nothing feels heavy. It’s a space that breathes.

The Location — Wild Heart of Sardinia

Set in central Sardinia, the Mario Cesare cottage lies far from the tourist paths, in a landscape that remains wonderfully raw and authentic. Here, nature dominates — rolling hills, scattered churches, and the timeless rhythm of rural life.

This is Sardinia at its most genuine: quiet, grounded, and deeply connected to its traditions. Giulia will happily arrange visits to local cheesemakers, bakers, and winemakers, or take you to meet artisans still working the way their ancestors did.

You don’t come here for convenience — you come for connection.

Why We Love It

Because this is what travel in Italy should feel like — personal, soulful, and full of stories.
Because Giulia’s breakfasts, served under the old fig tree, are unforgettable — local honey, handmade pastries, and the sound of birds in the distance.
Because it’s rare to find a place that feels both intimate and timeless, where the spirit of an artist still lingers in the air.

Mario Cesare is not about luxury; it’s about authenticity — a quiet refuge for travellers who value simplicity, beauty, and human warmth.

Price Indication

Prices start from €