In the pink
Two villas have been combined into this palatial waterside property, with its own secret tunnel to the sea in France’s most highly prized neighbourhood
Cap Ferrat’s renown as the most sought-after address on the French Riviera dates to the turn of the 20th century. Back then, you’d find Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Yves Saint Laurent at the famous Villa Santo Sospir or soaking up the sea air on the golden sands of Paloma or Cros Dei Pin beaches. By the 1950s, it was golden-age Hollywood stars and royalty who continued to build its reputation for opulence and grandeur.
Today, the village on the eponymous peninsula Saint-Jean- Cap-Ferrat is a retreat for international A-listers, tech titans and politicians alike. Luxurious super yachts glide along a magnificent coastline decorated with brightly hued homes; majestic villas that offer the kind of space and privacy – what the French call sans vis-à-vis – its tiny population craves. The region’s nickname, ‘Billionaires’ Peninsula’, is hard-earned.
True to its cinematic past, this property for sale, known as Villa Falcerra & Casetta, boasts its own blockbuster feature: a James Bond-style tunnel connecting it to a private terrace that offers direct access to your boat, right on the sea. It’s a fitting addition to an elegant home that encapsulates timeless Riviera glamour.
But rather than flashy, there’s a quiet sophistication to this property that befits Cap Ferrat’s standing as France’s most expensive postcode. “Properties like this only come on to the market every 10 to 15 years,” notes Edward de Mallet Morgan, from Knight Frank’s Global Super Prime Residential team. “And with several worth in excess of 100 million euros, a home for sale in the area will draw attention from the world’s wealthiest.”
Cutting a striking figure on the coastline in coral pink, the substantial property is split into two quite differently styled villas. Villa Falcerra is the palatial, Belle Époque-style main house, while Casetta offers more rustic, Provence-inspired living. Briefly, it comprises eight bedrooms, an independent guest studio, a two- bedroom staff apartment and five off-street parking spaces.
“It’s a very complete house,” notes de Mallet Morgan. “Having the make-up of two large houses is quite unique. It’s homely while also providing a lot of quality accommodation. It feels very authentic, yet there’s also potential for a new owner to put their mark on it.”
Both villas have been thoughtfully renovated by the current owner. Beyond the enchanting exterior, an expansive raised terrace, accessed off the living room and offering panoramic sea views, is an obvious highlight. Elsewhere, the partially shaded Italian-style gardens and swimming pool offer both a private haven and welcome relief from the heat during the warmest months.
“The view here is to the east, looking towards Monaco,” de Mallet Morgan adds. “In the summer, the crystal-clear sea is beautiful for swimming in. The Riviera is fantastic on land, but it’s also wonderful to explore by sea. Having direct access via the sea tunnel is very much part of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle and part of what makes this property so special.”
Villa Falcerra & Casetta has a guide price of €60,000,000. To make an enquiry, contact edward.demalletmorgan@knightfrank.com or follow him on Instagram @edemalletmorgan. Explore more properties for sale on the Côte d'Azur, or contact one of our agents to request a market appraisal.