It’s not often I write about an extraordinary property on the market in the French Riviera but of
late, a very special place has come to my attention that I can’t seem to stop thinking about on
behalf of our clients.
Having worked in the luxury real estate and villa rental industry for over the past 11 years, one
gets to know the details of local properties very well, and to be honest, one can even
become a little blasé after a while, no matter how obsessed you are with the market.
That is until a property comes to the forefront once again and makes you realize why you not
only love the Cote d’Azur so much but it refreshes you on the many reasons you are here in the
first place.
Right now, the inspiration and drive have come flooding back after my private tour of a most
remarkable property in the heights of Col de Villefranche. So much so that I was even dreaming
about the place later that night and couldn’t help but think about it as I woke up and throughout
the next day, to the point I just had to write about it for others to also enjoy.
Originally constructed in the middle of the 19th century, over the past few years this property
was extensively and whole-heartedly revamped and renamed Villa Gabrielle.
Unlike some other properties where an estate can be completely stripped away removing its
soul so that an owner’s ego can exude a reflection of their dream. Villa Gabrielle was lovingly
restored keeping all the key characteristics one expects of such a historical property, yet
enhanced intelligently and thoroughly with care while integrating all of today’s modernizations
expected.
The time, efforts, and details taken to give this majestic estate a new lease on life are absolutely clear and not just for the short term but for many years to come.
As we all know, first impressions are everything, and with Villa Gabrielle that instantaneous
“Wow” factor is definitely there, yet behind the visual surface are integral touches one may not
immediately expect but are in place as you explore and discover the property, ready for your
new lifestyle on this breathtaking estate.
Whatever you have always imagined in a property, it is available at Villa Gabrielle.
Here, serenely perched on what feels like the top of the world in Col de Villefranche, this
substantial south-facing estate on a flat plot of 4200 sqm offers you 360° panoramic views
towards Nice and the Bay of Angels, Fort du Mont Alban, down towards the Mediterranean Sea
over the Bay of Villefranche and the peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
And while this property dominates the hillside, it still benefits from total privacy and a place
where one can watch the sunrise and set each day.
Outbuildings included, there is a total developed space of almost 1000 sqm with the main house
of 540 sqm composed of an entrance with a double living room and separate expansive dining
room, a modern kitchen opening onto a terrace, a fully equipped professional kitchen, a master
bedroom of 110 sqm with two bathrooms and dressing rooms. Four other bedrooms with
bathrooms and dressing rooms, and an office.
An independent guest house measuring 150 sqm including a 3 bedroom apartment with
bathroom, lounge, open kitchen, and dining area. Plus a full one-bedroom apartment for staff, a
PC security room, and a large individual laundry room.
The splendid garden is meticulously planted with both Mediterranean and tropical essences
embellished by an outdoor swimming pool of 17x8m along with 2 separate Koi fish ponds, plenty of lush green grass with a shaded summer lounge, and an outdoor dining area with barbecue and bar overlooking the sea making it ideal for entertaining family and friends.
Get fit and relax in the separate 136 sqm spa house set up with a fitness room, massage room,
dry sauna, steam room, and indoor pool.
For all you car enthusiasts, there is an underground garage of 155 sqm which can
accommodate 10 cars along with plenty more parking.
Overall, this safe and secure property investment currently has 9 bedrooms with the possibility of adding a further two for a total of 11 bedrooms.
During the tour, my first reflections were that this estate has the best of both worlds. It’s a
superb villa with a genuine sense of history that has been reborn and reflects everything one
imagines about France and Europe in general. Best of all, it has that Cote d’Azur flair, yet gently
combined with familiar aspects and designs that would make someone from any other country
around the world feel right at home.
Villa Gabrielle, being a turnkey property, means you have now found your ideal place in the sun
bringing consistent ease and inspiration to your life.
Price: 17,000,000 EUR
Connect with Experience The French Riviera for more details.
Update: As of September 2022, this beautiful property has been sold.
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