The Côte d’Azur is home to a stunning collection of unique properties, each with its own fascinating history.
One
of the most sought-after locations for such properties is the
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, where a remarkable villa has just hit
the market.
Built over 50 years ago at the southeastern tip of the
peninsula, this was the first Hollywood-style villa in
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It was commissioned by American film director
Otto Preminger, best known for Exodus, and is now available for €60
million—offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history.
In
1972, fresh off his latest film, Preminger spent time at a friend's
villa in the area and fell in love with a nearly 7,000 m² plot of land.
He envisioned building his dream home there. However, the project
quickly stirred controversy. His neighbor, whose property, Villa
L’Osstau, bordered the site, filed a complaint for "environmental
damage" after Preminger cleared the land of its vegetation to begin
construction.
The dispute escalated, drawing the attention of
Francis Palmero, president of the General Council, and eventually the
Alpes-Maritimes prefect. Since the peninsula was a protected site,
strict building regulations required the preservation of green spaces.
However, the official investigation concluded that the area in question consisted mainly of maquis shrubland, with little ecological significance, except for a single tall tree that was preserved.
However, the official investigation concluded that the area in question consisted mainly of maquis shrubland, with little ecological significance, except for a single tall tree that was preserved.
With
the dispute settled, construction resumed, and Preminger moved in two
years later, joining the ranks of Hollywood legends such as Gregory
Peck, David Niven, and Rex Harrison, who frequented the peninsula.
The villa’s avant-garde architecture—featuring expansive glass facades—was strikingly modern for its time, drawing both admiration and criticism as traditionalists felt it clashed with the region's established neo-Provençal aesthetic, a style dominant since the 1920s.
The villa’s avant-garde architecture—featuring expansive glass facades—was strikingly modern for its time, drawing both admiration and criticism as traditionalists felt it clashed with the region's established neo-Provençal aesthetic, a style dominant since the 1920s.
Today, five decades later, contemporary design has become a defining
feature of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s luxury real estate landscape. The
villa, recently redecorated by renowned designer Philippe Starck, spans
nearly 900 m², boasting six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a spectacular
sea-facing swimming pool.
For more information on this exclusive property, contact Experience The French Riviera.
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