The Côte d’Azur has always been synonymous with luxury and style. The small peninsula of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is no exception to the rule as it has been the hideaway for numerous celebrities: monarchs, Hollywood stars, icons of the technological revolution, and more. Find out more about these opulent residences that have helped to forge the prestige and total luxury image of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat!
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Also known as “Villa Île-de-France”, this is one of the most sumptuous residences in the region. It is a mansion built in the renaissance style between 1905 and 1912, in accordance with the instructions of Baroness Béatrice Éphrussi de Rothschild. At this time, the region was already a favourite destination of the “beautiful people”.
The Baroness was inspired by the project of the architect Jacques Marcel who then handed over the construction to Aaron Messiah. They combined their talents to create a garden, the form of which imitates a ship’s bridge. The magnificent colonnades of the loggia were worked in pink marble and beautiful balconies overhang.
The magnificence of the various rooms dedicated to tapestry, porcelain, the “Singerie” monkey art and wonders of the eastern world is only rivalled by that of the nine dream gardens of this sumptuous villa. Its décor has inspired film directors and scenes from “Deadly Circuit”, “The Love Boat” and “Four Stars” were filmed there.
The Hôtel La Voile d’Or
Although Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat houses nearly 2000 inhabitants, this locality is little more than a modest village. It has always been a luxury tourist destination of preference and the super-wealthy owners who have built residences of breathtaking elegance have not skimped either on the choice of materials or on the decoration.
The Hôtel du Parc, constructed by Captain Powell in 1925, reflects the extremely refined lavishness that so authentically characterises the peninsula. The 25 bedrooms of the establishment have witnessed a prestigious clientele come and go. But the Second World War forced the owners to close their doors for a few years.
Jean Lorenzi, who was attached to the Hôtel du Parc from a very tender age, gave it a facelift and a new name: L’hôtel La Voile d’Or. This name has been kept since the reopening of the elegant 4-star hotel in 1964 until today. Rod Stewart, Richard Chamberlain and David Niven were some of the first guests at the Voile d’Or.
Villa Maryland
It was Arthur Wilson, a close friend of King Edward VII, who had this ultra-luxurious residence built in 1904. Constructed over 2500m², the Maryland estate hosted some of the most prestigious performances of the time. The gardens of this Florentine villa were designed by the illustrious English architect, Harold Peto.
Today’s happy owner is Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft. Although he only spends a few weeks in the year there, Paul Allen takes great pleasure in his estate, ploughing the waters in his 127m yacht. An image that reflects perfectly the outstanding luxury of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
In the immediate neighbourhood you will only find celebrities, such as the Ferrero family (known for their Nutella brand), Hubert de Givenchy (French couturier who needs no introduction), Leonid Fedun (Lukokil shareholder) and God Nisanov, one of the the popes of Russian real estate.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have not been able to resist the estate’s attractions either, as they stayed there in 2008.
Villa Santo Sospir
Always on the list of distinguished villas at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is this idyllic residence constructed in 1931 that used to belong to Marital Houzez. It boasts a Mediterranean style and proudly overhangs the western slope of the peninsula. The décor essentially bears the signature of the multi-talented artist Jean Cocteau, and is home to several works by Picasso. An artistic impetus sparked by the friendship between Cocteau and the arts patron Francine Weisweiller, who bought the property in 1950.
Villa Santo Sospir is a complete work of art in itself, where tapestries and mosaics are present everywhere. This house, nicknamed “the tattooed villa”, bears the imprint and expression of Cocteau’s talents.
It’s worth noting that the estate is open every day for visits on appointment and can also welcome you for your private parties.
Nesting in the heights of the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat (Four Seasons) away from prying eyes, the Villa Rose Pierre is one of the hidden luxury places on the peninsula. A true paradise, this 550 m2 private villa with nearly two and a half acres of garden has won the hearts of distinguished guests such as Elizabeth Taylor and Nicole Kidman.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat continues to make us dream…
