It’s not usual for me to write about the luxury real estate market for the LGBTQ community on this blog, but this being part of my work and life here in the region, I thought readers would like a taste of what is available in terms of high-end property investments in the region.
Of late, an extraordinary property on the market in the French Riviera has come to my attention, a very special place that I can’t seem to stop thinking about on behalf of my 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 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 with an infused children’s pool 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 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.
