Inside a French Riviera Address Once Loved by Picasso & Marilyn Monroe

Welcome to Antibes, in the south of France. Known for its blue Mediterranean waters, beautiful beaches, and that unmistakable Riviera lifestyle. And today, we're taking you inside one of the most exclusive residences on the Cap d'Antibes. Welcome to La Provençale, a true Riviera icon, whose guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Pablo Picasso, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. It's been reimagined into 35 exclusive residences in the most storied address in Cap d'Antibes. So we're here to see the largest of the garden villas, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom Villa Jardin. Originally built in 1926, it became the first landmark luxury hotel in the French Riviera. It housed and catered for the socialites and elite, like we said earlier, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe. But this has been reimagined by John Caldwell into a blend of sophistication, luxury, styling of the 1920s, the Art Deco period, but keeping that modern contemporary accessibility to lifestyle that we want in modern living. But what I want to do is take you on a tour of what's not just a villa, but an entire lifestyle package on offer. So come with me. Well, welcome into the lobby. Now, I did mention that this is a complete lifestyle, and it really is. There is a bespoke quasi air service here, which can cater to your every whim, whether that's sorting out tenders from your yacht or pre-booking Michelin restaurants, they are here for your needs. Now, what I want to do is really take you in to start exploring that villa. Well, here we are. Welcome inside the Villa Jardin. This is the grand entrance hallway, and it really is a grand entrance hallway. You can already see how they have seamlessly tied together contemporary modern living with this Art Deco styling. You'll see little touches of that throughout the entire 6,000 square foot of internal space that you have. And you've also got 10,000 square feet of terraces and gardens, all private to you in this villa. Now, I do want to have a bit more of a look in and around this area, but what I really want to show you is the reception room of the grand entrance. To stepping into this sun-soaked reception room, there's a real focus, a blend on the indoor outdoor living, which is typical and the kind of epitome of the French Riviera. It's what you come here for. You come here to relax and to unwind. You come here to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life. You still want sophistication and elegance. You want something that you can really showcase, something that is steeped in history and culture. And there are examples of that throughout this entire villa. For example, you can see these pillars that you've got here, which are from the original building, which are very stereotypical of that Art Deco design period. Now, in this reception room, you actually have two symmetrical sides of the space, which one allows you to have a beautiful reception if you were gonna be entertaining, if you were having a large party thrown here. And it really lends itself because you have multiple sets of French doors leading out onto the terrace towards those beautiful gardens. But as you can see behind me, you also have this wonderful view, which elongates all the way down through the dining room in towards the show kitchen. And it even extends further on past that. But what you can see just over my shoulder is something rather special and something that has a little bit of a nod to the history and the heritage of this particular building. So this isn't just any wallpaper. This is actually de Gournay hand-painted silk wallpaper that depicts the pines here of Joan Lepan. Now, actually, back when this was a hotel in 1936, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor actually stayed here. And although the wallpaper would have been different, they were actually so taken by it. They used it as an inspiration for some decor in their own home. So a nice little nod to the history. So this is your formal dining room, laid out for 12 people. And you've got a limited edition dining table by Philippe Bonneville, fashioned from shells and lava stone. Again, that nice connection to the natural materials. Something that the designers have also done beautifully throughout the entire villa is tie in the color palette of the Mediterranean and link together the different rooms with those areas. So in here, you can see they're using those pine greens, which really accent the outside area, the foliage, that lush grass. Now that leads you into what we call your show kitchen or your family kitchen, which I can absolutely imagine sitting down here first thing in the morning, the coffee, the croissants, the doors open. And it is perfect for that kind of relaxed breakfast morning vibe. So this is part of a jewel kitchen. Behind this one, you have the chef's kitchen. So if you are having a slightly more formal dinner party for more guests, you've got the capabilities to be able to deal with that. But if you're having something a little bit more relaxed, just friends and families, you need a few functionality. So a nice, easy to access wine fridge, plenty of storage that you could put snacks in there and things for the kids if they wanted to get hold of them. You've also got access to the rest of the back of house area, utilities and facilities. Now, as we are moving through exploring the Villa Jardin, you're actually able to see how this can be a really lived in space. But if you didn't want to be entertaining and cooking for people here, don't forget you can use that concierge service, which allows you preferential booking at the Michelin star restaurant at the Hotel Belle Reeves. Now we've kind of explored a fair portion of the inside space. So why don't we take a step into that French Riviera sunshine. Stepping outside, you are instantly bathed in that wonderful Riviera sunshine. Now, just to mention that the La Provencal is actually set within six acres of land and you have almost 10,000 square feet of private terraces, garden space, your own private 36 foot pool, all directly accessible from your Villa. And look at the expanse that you have. This is an enormous outdoor terrace and you've got multiple entrances and exits onto the terrace from the Villa itself. These raised manicured gardens that you've got, and I like as well, they've kept the wild flowers in and out the paving into the gardens. I can absolutely see a nice outdoor party, a nice soiree, evening drinks, this would be perfect. But they've also kept and created these lovely little nooks and there's even access to your own private pool up the staircase. But we're gonna show you that a little bit later on. So let's carry on with the tour. So we've come back into that reception room, but this time onto the other side. And behind me, you can see this wonderful transitional area, a glass gallery. And this is gonna take us from the main Villa into the guest house. And it really starts to switch up the feel and the vibe of what's on offer here because this starts to take you into that more relaxed and playful side of the French Riviera. You can clearly see and feel a complete difference of energy in this particular room. You see the bright, vibrant colors that you come in. It's definitely got that more playful feel to this side of the French Riviera. Now, I could imagine coming into a space like this if you've welcomed everyone in through that wonderful grand reception and then you've had a couple of drinks, you've then had a wonderful sit down tasting course menu, let's say. But it's now a little bit later in the evening, everyone's starting to feel a bit more relaxed and you want to encourage that. So what a space this could be, maybe with a nice bit of music playing, the doors open, everyone starts to feel that little bit more casual, that little bit more relaxed. Maybe everyone's changed from their more formal wear into a little bit more of a chilled out evening vibe and this really lends itself to that feel. But you could also, if you had particular guests staying over that wanted that little bit of seclusion, that little bit of extra space to themselves, give them this room because this is one of those five bedrooms that comes with the entire villa and you've also got a en suite bathroom here as well. So in this bedroom, something that I quite like is they've kept the vibrancy of the colour palette but they've toned it down just that little bit so they've gone with those much more kind of subtle ocean blue colours. A nice set of French doors on the other side so if you wanted to open them, a nice gentle breeze coming through the evening, this would be perfect and it is wonderfully cool in here. You've also got an en suite here too and a sizeable en suite you do have as well. So you've got a separate shower, separate bath and a nice big kind of double basin that you've got plenty of storage so if it is guests that are gonna be staying here for a while, then they've got plenty of space to kind of feel like they can really settle in and make this their own little environment. So we're gonna come out of the guest house and in towards the grand reception. Now we've actually come out of a different door from the en suite because you don't have to walk through the whole guest house to be able to access that. So now we're actually gonna make our way back over to the grand entrance so we can see the rest of the rooms downstairs before we move up to see the bedrooms. So now we've come back into that grand entrance and we've got the study, the media room and then another bedroom on the ground floor but before we take a little look and explore into any of those, can we just take a moment to have a look at these beautiful art deco stained glass windows that frame that walkway and entranceway into the reception room. It's a really wonderful use of that styling and also this vintage mirror, I love. So this bedroom is actually the closest bedroom to the entrance of the villa and you can see they've still gone for those nice Riviera colors except this time a little bit more tranquil, the deep sea blues, sky blues, perfect as a little additional guest bedroom with its own en suite shower room. But let's nip next door and take a look at that media room. Now what a space is this? Now, just imagine that you've got a night where you haven't got to entertain. You've got nothing to do except just spend a bit of time with a family. You could sit down in here and watch a nice movie together. It could be maybe that you're just here with a couple of really close friends and you wanna just have a nice relaxed atmosphere. You do have a walk-in cocktail bar with a built-in champagne fridge here. So if you wanted to make this a little bit more of a celebration, maybe you're watching the final of the football, the F1, something like that. This really lends itself to that experience. I also really like how they continue to blend those colors in from outside, this paprika linen sofa, which makes me think back to maybe those terracotta roofs that you traditionally see. And then you've got the indigo blue linen wallpaper, which really represents that deep ocean blue. Now this is a beautiful space and absolutely perfect, but don't forget that another benefit to living here is that you also get access to the residence cinema. So coming through the rotunda that we saw at the beginning when we came in, this is your entrance to that residence cinema. And they could not have got this any better if they tried. Number one, just look at these beautiful doors, incredible art deco handles. And then you come through into the foyer of your own cinema. Now, first of all, take a look at that stained glass at the top, beautiful and breathtaking. The emblem into the floor, stunning. Now come with me as we go down the stairs towards the theater, because this for me is where they have truly kept everything in character for that 1920s period, even the flap addresses that you can see on the design of the artwork before you go through the door into the theater. This for me has got to be one of my favorite rooms. I can really imagine sitting here and watching maybe some of the movies of the people that used to actually stay in this, like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, who stayed in the hotel. And how beautiful is the decor and the fact that you've got wonderful seats. You can sit here in absolute comfort, watching your favorite movie, chilling out with the friends and the family, have some popcorn, a cocktail. But even if you wanted, because you could book this out, you could even decide to have a little show in here because they've kept the actual theater stage that you would have had. So if you wanted to have a private soiree, it's right here for you. Now we do have one more room to explore on this floor, but before we move up to the bedrooms, which you can do by the staircase or your very own private lift if you wanted to, let's go and take a look at the study. And what a study this is. First of all, I love that you have got floor and ceilings completely in one uniformed color, this terracotta, which has actually got a little bit more of a peachy tone. Now, if you are gonna be that type of person that wants to dial into a little bit of work, you need a beautiful space. So you've got French oak desk and a matching organic French oak bookcase too. You have access to a terrace. So if you wanted to get outside a quick bit of fresh air to kind of revitalize those creative minds, you've got the ability. Now, if you were gonna be having a large sort of dinner party or gathering, you've also got effectively a bit of a cloak room space here as well. So your guests could be storing bags and coats here without having to clutter up your beautiful villa. But I tell you what, why don't we take a look at what we've got in store upstairs. So we're gonna make our way up the stairs towards those bedrooms. But before we do, I want you to take a look at this chandelier, which is a Picasso inspired birdcage. However, what many people don't know is Picasso actually stayed here at La Provence in 1937. After his stay, he actually did come here for around six months in 1946, where he created around 250 pieces of artwork, which became the foundation for the Picasso Museum here in Antibes. So now we're up on the top floor and we're gonna take a look at the three bedrooms that we've got up here, starting with this first one at the top of the stairs. So as you can see, we've come to the upstairs bedrooms and they're a little bit more like suites. They've kind of been designed and laid out as if maybe you're gonna be here for a little bit longer. So this is, for me, really, if you've got friends, family, someone that's gonna be staying for a more extended period of time because you've got ample wardrobe space, you've even got a walk-in wardrobe here. And this bedroom also has an en suite, which we're gonna take a look at in a minute once we've had a quick peek on the balcony. So back between 1940 to 1960, when La Provence was still a hotel, it was in its jazz heyday. And it was said that Ella Fitzgerald, when she was staying here, apparently flung open the windows to her room to serenade the onlookers below. I mean, how amazing would it be to own part of that history? Let's take a look at the rest of the bedrooms on this floor. On our way out, let's just take a look at the en suite. Again, that wonderful use of marble throughout, keeping it nice, light, and airy. You've got the en suite shower, the toilet, twin sinks as well. So like we were saying, really is designed for that kind of elevated suite feel. But let's take a look at the next bedroom. So coming back out onto the hallway, we pass, obviously, that wonderful Art Deco lift. Now, let's take a look at the last bedroom before we get to take a look at the principal suite. Now, this bedroom, for me, epitomizes the Riviera chic, because you can see it perfectly matches through to my outfit. Natural tones throughout, wonderful textured wallpaper. Even the fact that you've got natural texturized leather accented handles in here. It makes it a very nice, calming, neutral space. And obviously, you do have the en suite, and what an en suite it is. Marble absolutely everywhere, but you have separate cubicle for the shower, which, have you seen just how glorious that flush shower is to the top of the ceiling? And then, have you seen this bathtub? A beautifully large marble bathtub. I could absolutely imagine lying here with my glass of champagne. But let's take a look at the real crème de la crème, the principal suite. And welcome to your principal suite, a wonderful double door entrance into a enormous room that you have. A wonderfully beautiful four-poster bed, lovely linens, and an abundance of natural light. So it does feel very light, open, and airy in this space. A desk and vanity. You've got French doors leading out onto your own terrace, which is beautiful, overlooking the sea. And you do feel that wonderful kind of romantic connection that you come to the French Riviera for. And I think that's what this room is being designed to encapsulate. And what would pair well with a wonderful romantic bedroom like that? A wonderful romantic bathroom, which is actually one of two bathrooms you have in this principal suite. Separate shower, separate bath, separate toilet, twin vanity sinks, all for just one of you. And that leads into one of two dressing rooms in this suite. Directly across, you can see the other dressing room that we have. But I want to draw your attention to a couple of those design details that feature throughout the entire villa. For example, these. Take a look at those beautiful handles you have on these sliding pocket doors, that art deco shining through. And I also really love the flow that you can have in this suite, because it allows that freedom, that space to really feel connected with your partner you're sharing this with, but also that you have your own space to get ready. So that leads onto the second en suite, which is this one, which has a walk-in shower, separate toilet, and twin sinks in the vanity, and plenty of storage. And if I'm honest, I think we all know who's going to be having this one and who's going to be having the one with the bath in it. Now, we're not finished there because there is something else that I want to show you as well. This principal suite really is your secluded sanctuary, a wonderful private space. And that extends itself to the outside area here as well. Moving through to your own private pool, moving across what is the top of that glass gallery downstairs, you're welcomed onto the pool house terrace. And this, if I'm honest, is where I think you are going to spend the majority of your time while you're here. I mean, if you want to be entertaining and having alfresco dining and dinner parties and barbecues, this is going to be that perfect spot for you. If you want to be able to look out at that beautiful view every single morning while you have your coffee, while you're sipping on cocktails in the evening before dinner, this is the place where you're going to want to be. But come with me because it's not just a terrace that you have here. You also have your own private 36-foot infinity pool. How good is that? Wake up first thing in the morning, a couple of laps in the pool, maybe a midnight swim. I like this. But there's more because how about, I don't know, first thing in the morning, an alfresco breakfast that you could have. Or maybe this is last thing at night, a few games of cards outside, maybe a cigar. This is the perfect setting to be able to watch that sunset and soak in the true atmosphere and ambiance that the French Riviera has to offer. This is quite possibly my favorite, favorite spot in this entire villa. The fact that you have your own pool to be able to spend time in. The fact that yes, you can use the communal pool as well if you wanted to, but you don't have to. This really does give you flexibility in how you want to use this as your home away from home. So let's take a little bit of a look inside that pool house because this isn't just any old pool house. As you can see, huge, great big sliding doors which allow that inside outside dining experience. But this could be set up maybe as your own private bar for the evening. You might get a couple of cocktail waiters that come in and mix up whatever you want to be able to have a real party. But come on, come inside and let's have a look. I love the fact that they've kept these more vibrant color tones in here as well. A bit more playful, a bit more energetic. And you can see you've got ample space to have a fully stocked loaded bar, wine fridges. You've got all of the Gaggenau appliances. So if you were gonna get a private chef to come in, even do a tasting menu for you al fresco, this is the perfect situated space for that. Now, I did mention wine fridge, but come and look. So you're wondering, do you have enough space for wine and champagnes? Well, you've got your wine and champagne fridge right here. This has been fully kitted out to make sure that if you wanted to have this as a real fun, entertaining space, it's perfect. But also if you wanted it to be that secluded space just for you and your family, it's perfect for that as well. But let's take a look at that pool again, come on. But if relaxing by the outdoor pool isn't enough, there's an entire wellness space waiting inside. So it's now coming into the evening and you might want to unwind that little bit more. And what better way to do that than using another one of the benefits in this, the residence spa. I mean, you have everything in here that you could possibly want to help you relax, to help you unwind, to help you on your wellness journey. And also just take a moment to have a look at how beautiful that decorative moulding is all around the top. Art Deco to a T. You've got a beautiful pool which has hydro treatment in the back of the pool. You've got a jacuzzi just over here to the side, a couple of beds if you wanted to have a real lay down and a relax. And then you've got a warm and cold plunge pool as well. So if you wanted to have your couple of minutes in the ice bath, you can do that. But it doesn't just stop there. You've got everything. So if you wanted to start your day with a sauna, you could do that because you have an enormous great big sauna here. If you wanted a hot cold shower, you have that. Extra ice if you want it to cool down after being in the sauna. But then on the other side, you've also got a steam room and a couple of extra hydro therapies here just tucked up around the corner. So if the ones in the main spa pool were being used, you've got additional ones here for you. And look at the size of this steam room. And don't forget, all of this is right here in the building. So there's no traveling to and from. This is here for you to access whenever you want. Now, it might be that the spa isn't just what you're looking for. You might wanna have a bit of a workout. You might really wanna make sure you can stay on top of your health and fitness while you're away, while you're taking a bit of time off here. Well, don't worry because they've got that covered because directly over the corridor, you've also got the gym. When you come into this gym, what I absolutely love is the attention to detail, the color palette, the logo embedded into the punch bag, the fact that you've got state-of-the-art equipment from Techno Gym, Wattbikes in here. Even, come and look at this, even the dumbbell racks have the logo and that wonderful wood finish to them. Everything in here is absolutely exquisite, exactly what you would expect to have. The fact that this is all in your building is just another one of those benefits. You don't have to have all of this cluttering up your villa or as an extra space that maybe isn't gonna get used. You've even got your own private studio space. So if you wanted to bring your own instructors in here, if you wanted to bring your PTs, you've got that space to be able to do whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it. And after using the spa, gym and wellness facilities, the concierge team can also arrange private treatments here in the dedicated treatment room from couples massages to sports therapy and more. So whether you're here to train, recover, relax or completely switch off, every part of the experience can be tailored around you. Well, we've just been taking a moment to appreciate that beautiful sunset here over the Villa Jardin and it really does epitomize what it would be like to live here in the French Riviera. And if you are interested, don't forget that this villa is available to purchase and all of the information will be in the description box below. We really hope you've enjoyed taking a look around as much as we have and we can't wait to see you in the next one. Hey guys, it's Hannah and welcome to the Luxury Home Show. I am in Southern France where down here, there are no shortage of beautiful homes, but every now and then one comes along that completely rewrites the rule book. Behind me, this isn't any old chateau, okay.