Belle Epoque Villa Along The French Riviera Revels In Its Glamorous Past

When this elegant Roquebrune-Cap-Martin villa was built in the 1920s the French Riviera was already a coveted destination for the world’s wealthy and artistic.

The belle epoque had fueled tastes for opulence and lavishness. Clear blue Mediterranean waters, hillside landscapes and the mild climate drew inspiration-seeking writers, artists and intellectuals. Roquebrune-Cap Martin’s grand hotel was a summer holiday destination for the likes of Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria.

Today the historic town, with its medieval buildings and old-world squares, offers a serene, less crowded alternative to Monaco’s glitzy scene and upscale casinos ― some 8 kilometers (5 miles) away.

“The Cap of Roquebrune can be best described as a luxurious residential area,” says Meta Looij of Groupe Mercure. “Very close to Monaco on one side and to Menton and the Italian border on the other side.”

The quiet and green area has enticed some Monaco residents to establish second homes there, she says.

The villa Looij currently has listed consists of the multistory main house and a quaint staff residence set on 3,789 square meters (nearly an acre) of landscaped and manicured grounds. Ornate detailed windows, a balcony-topped portico and decks give the private residence the aura of a sophisticated boutique hotel.

The 567 square meters (more than 6,100 square feet) of living space is all original to the 1920s. A shaded roof extension off the refined sunroom expands the living space outdoors. High ceilings, arched windows and elaborate mosaic tile floor accents continue the classical vibe.

Off the sunroom is a large living room with a fireplace and French doors that open to the garden. A cozier den and library features wainscoting, another fireplace and a central chandelier. The large kitchen contains a dining peninsula. There are 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.

Looij sees the villa as appealing to a number of buyers. “It is definitely a family home with many rooms and bathrooms,” she says. “It could be a vacation home … as well as a full-time residence.

The asking price for the property, which is close to restaurants and stores, is EUR 9.45 million or about USD 10.37 million. It is within walking distance of the sea.