Historic properties in the Alpes-Maritimes
So-called “Belle Epoque” architecture reigned supreme from 1850 to 1925, a sumptuous period for the Côte d’Azur, which then acted as a magnet for nobility and the very wealthy of Europe. From the Italian frontier to the border with the Var, these historic buildings unfurl all their charm. By Laetitia Rossi
The “Belle Epoque” trend blends various styles and influences, British, Italian, even oriental. Echoing technical advances and improvements in social conditions, construction undertaken in the late 19th and early 20th centuries recall prosperity and the joy of living, sometimes in a very exuberant manner. “The arrival of British and Russian aristocrats stimulated the proliferation of the “Belle Epoque” style on the Côte d’Azur, especially along the Mediterranean shore, where famous winter residences were built,” says Christelle Mayen of the Waldorff agency. “While Menton and Mont-Boron in Nice gave priority to private mansions on three floors, master residences amidst generous estates sprang up in Cannes, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and on the capes”. Today, their prices start at 4 million euros. And record sales often concern these specific properties, for which East Europeans have a particular fondness.
“In Cannes, the neighbourhoods known as “Belle Epoque” are La Californie and La Croix-des-Gardes, two addresses characterized by extensive building rights. While the price per sq. metre has continued to rise, it has been really tempting over the past few decades to raze existing properties to the ground to make way for blocks of apartments,” comments Sylvain Boichut of the John Taylor agency. As witnessed in La Californie by Saint-Michel and Saint-Michel Valeta, Château Montjoli, Sémiramis, Champfleuri and its listed gardens and, of course, Mariposa, sold in 1975 to a developer and subsequently marketed by John Taylor. Other properties haven’t escaped demographic pressures, but have managed to hang on to their architecture. Such is the case for Camille-Amélie, long owned by the Menier chocolate family, Wenden and the Château Scott. Finally, some properties are still privately owned, including La Tropicale, La Favorite, acquired last year by a client from Eastern Europe, and the Château Louis XIII, the home of a European businessman for the past 30 years. Following two years of renovation, John Taylor currently has the Château Soligny up for sale. Of neo-Gothic architecture, the main building offers living space of 1,185 m2 in a 2.5-acre park. The asking price is 55 million euros. Meanwhile, in the lower part of the grounds, the “87 Soligny” residence consists of 9 apartments, all entirely facing the sea, priced from 20,000 to 30,000 € per sq. metre. The Villa Saint-Cyres belonged to a family of French industrialists for a good part of the 20th century. Last year, it was acquired by an investor. Today, the existing property along with plans for extension taking the total living space to 1,970 m2 is worth 25 million euros (plus construction work).
Except for a few addresses such as the Château de La Croix-des-Gardes, still privately owned, Eleonore-Louise, the former home of Lord Brougham now split into apartments, and the Villa Rothschild, transformed into a mediatheque, “Belle Epoque” properties have gradually disappeared from La Croix-des-Gardes in Cannes. While clients do not necessarily target the style from the start, they are soon drawn by the colossal surface areas and the genuine charm of these historic buildings. It’s hard not to be impressed by the fact that, over and beyond a simple holiday home, these high walls contain a long past. The Villa Soligny, for example, played host to Aristide Boucicaut, the founder of modern commerce, and his wife, both known for their great generosity. The very same couple who inspired Emile Zola when he wrote “Au Bonheur des Dames”, largely based on a study of the Bon Marché department store.
“The Mont-Boron neighbourhood on the east side of Nice also boasts some historic properties,” says Benjamin Mondou of Century 21 Lafage Transactions. “Le Château de La Tour, Villa Beau Site and the former stables of the Château de l’Anglais, owned at various times by Alain Decaux, Sean Connery and Edwige Fenech.” The most spacious mansions have been split into apartments. A few are still available in their entirety, offering on average from 400 to 600 m2 in grounds of about 1,500 m2. Among his most recent sales, Benjamin Mondou mentions a property of 450 m2, originally built for a White Russian who wanted to treat his mistress ; by an irony of fate, it recently fell into the lap of another Russian buyer at a price slightly under 10 million euros. Beaulieu is not lagging behind with regard to “Belle Epoque” mansions. The town centre has entire buildings of this kind, while Boulevard Edouard-VII prides itself on some lovely villas. Clients appreciate beautiful old stone, history and France in general. Whether Russian, British, American or Chinese, they preserve the architecture and endow the interiors with spearhead decor and exemplary comfort.
“Which all goes to show that the “Belle Epoque” still has a future,” comments Christelle Mayen. “Some recent properties which have just risen from the ground on the Côte d’Azur still observe its basic principles.”
