Villa with a view: A grand belle époque property in Cap d’Antibes

This grand period property offers a veil of privacy in one of the Côte d’Azur’s premier yachting destinations says Sophia Wilson...

Overlooking the 525 berths of Port Gallice, Villa Madonna offers a potential owner the opportunity to be at the heart of the summer superyacht scene in Cap d’Antibes. The port can accommodate yachts up to 45 metres and there are plenty of alternative locations nearby for larger yachts. “The current owner enjoys dropping anchor in the bay opposite the house,” says Mark Harvey, Knight Frank’s head of European sales.

The beautifully restored six bedroom family home is accessed from the road through grand electronic iron gates, which open on to a circular driveway with an ornamental fountain and palm trees. As you step through the double doors your eyes are drawn to the pool, gardens and the panoramic sea views beyond. The neutrally decorated reception rooms are open plan and create an easy flow to the outdoor terrace. “My favourite feature of the property is the broad living room,” says Harvey. “It has high ceilings and French windows, which encourage a cool sea breeze through the house.”

The master bedroom is on the first floor, which can be accessed via an internal lift, and has vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a separate dressing room and bathroom. The master bedroom and two further suites have direct access to the balustrade-bordered balcony. The shaded area underneath the balcony on the ground floor is an expansive social space, with a large table for al fresco dining and a comfortable seating area.

Villa Madonna’s practical design includes a cosy kitchen, with a range cooker, and a utility room. There is also staff accommodation to the side of the driveway at the front of the house.

Bucking the trend in other parts of Europe, property on this most glamorous stretch of the French coastline continues to be in high demand. “The market on the Côte d’Azur has witnessed a tremendous recovery and 2018 is set to be a second consecutive record year for prime residential in France,” adds Harvey.

The Lowdown

• Music lovers shimmy to the annual Jazz à Juan festival, held every July in the beachside park next to Port Gallice. Along the Boulevard Edouard Baudoin there are ceramic tiles featuring hand prints from previous performers including Ray Charles.
• Following extensive renovation works, the Picasso Museum, less than 3km from the property, has reopened and shows works created by the artist during his stay in Antibes.
• For quiet anchorages and scenic picnics the four Lérins Islands, first inhabited by the Romans, are only 4nm away.

Villa Madonna, Cap d’Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, is for sale with Knight Frank for €16.5 million, knightfrank.com.