Property Description
This beautiful 19th century "Belle Epoque" villa, once owned by a perfumer, is overlooking the Bay of Cannes and the French historic Côte d`Azur town of Grasse, the world capital of perfume. Within easy walking distance of the town centre this stunning property is set in 2 hectares of Mediterranean gardens. In the midst of the gardens is a tranquil sunbathing area surrounding the large swimming pool.
The villa comprises a grand entrance hall, 2 cosy living rooms, large kitchen/dining room, utility, independent W/C, 8 Provençal-style bedrooms (one located in the grounds), 7 bathrooms, a vast terrace from which to enjoy the spectacular views to the bay of Cannes, private pool, beautifully landscaped gardens and parking for several cars.
An easy walk to the town centre of Grasse, it’s also an ideal base from which to explore the Côte d`Azur. Nice, Cannes & Antibes are all just a short drive away, St. Tropez and Monaco are further afield but an easy day's excursion. Great for exploring both the coastal towns and inland villages!
It has a maximum occupancy of 16 (plus babies) and is available to rent throughout the year, ideal for a large family group, special occasions, yoga retreats etc.
Property Features
Living rooms: two accessed via impressive entrance hall, with original marble flooring, table & chairs. On right furnished with 2 sofas, coffee table, log burner (working) and library of books. On left with sofas x 3 (8 people), coffee table, TV (satellite, piano, X-Box, DVD/VCR and a large selection of films, English channels and Netflix available). Great places to relax and games cupboard for all the family.
Dining room: open to kitchen, with long table & 10 chairs, set in front of open fireplace (deal for a spit roast!) Double doors out to garden and barbeque area.
Kitchen: traditional in style and well-equipped for cooking & dining with hob (gas), hood, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, coffee machine (Nespresso and drip), kettle & toaster.
Utility: adjacent to kitchen with 2 washing machines, dryer and further dishwasher and fridge/freezer (with ice).
Bedrooms: 8 in total, on the first and second floors plus one in the grounds. Jasmin – principal bedroom on 1st floor with super-king bed (200 cm wide), pine armoire, 2 windows with views to front, wardrobes, ensuite bathroom and private patio with small table & chairs. Lilas – 1st floor with 2 x single beds (90cm wide), hanging only, doors to small balcony and views to front. Rose – 1st floor with king bed (160cm), large armoire, 2 windows with views to front, ensuite shower room. Camelia – 2nd floor with 2 x single beds (90cm), fitted wardrobes and ensuite bathroom, window with views to front. Lavande – 2nd floor with 2 x single beds (90 cm) and window to front (shower room’s opposite). Mimosa – 2nd floor with 2 x single beds (90cm), armoire, drawer set, fireplace, window to front & ensuite bathroom. Violette – 2nd floor, large room with king bed (180cm), modern wardrobe, drawer set, window to front & ensuite shower room. Independent - to side of villa with high ceilings, king bed (180 cm), clothes hanging, desk & chair & ensuite shower. Small terrace outside with table, chairs and parasol (n.b. no internet here). Hairdryer available in each bedroom.
Bathrooms: 7 in total and 1 separate W/C. Ensuite to Jasmin (plus door to hallway) with bath, shower over, washbasin, bidet, W/C. Ensuite to Rose with large shower, washbasin, independent W/C and views to rear. Ensuite to Camelia with bath, shower over, washbasin & W/C. Ensuite to Mimosa with bath, shower over, washbasin and W/C. Ensuite to Violette with large shower, washbasin & independent W/C. Independent (for Lavande) with shower washbasin, W/C and wardrobes. Ensuite to independent bedroom in grounds, with shower, washbasin and W/C. Also ground floor W/C with washbasin & shower for use from pool.
Outside: the villa’s surrounded by two hectares of Mediterranean gardens with exotic plants and trees including Agave Mexicanas, a huge Lebanese cedar, palms, pine trees, fig trees, cypress, mimosa, oleanders, rose bushes and 60 olive trees some of which are several hundred years old. Immediately in front of the villa is a wide terrace with amazing views across the medieval town of Grasse with the Mediterranean in the background. There are tables and chairs for cocktails and outdoor dining (long table and 18 chairs and 2 x round tables with 6 chairs each). The terrace is dominated by majestic Phoenix palms and large ancient olive pots filled with geraniums. Lounge furniture comprising 4 armchairs, 3-seater sofa, coffee table and 2 stools. Four steamer recliners outside front door. There is a lavender border in front of the house and also lemon and orange trees. The terrace also has family gas BBQ and there's table tennis in addition to boules court. Secure parking for 3 or 4 cars outside.
Swimming pool: on sheltered lower terrace is the 12.5 metre pool, can be heated on request and at extra charge (please enquire prior to arrival). Saltwater, secured by 2 alarms, 10 sun loungers, 2 parasols, small table and chairs, corner steps and pool shower. Lovely, calm spot to relax most of the day!
Internet: Wi-Fi available for your devices, streaming ok (fibre coming).
Baby facilities: please enquire.
Bed & bathroom linen: included in rental.
Gas & electric: included in rental.
Winter heating: by central heating radiators, included in rental.
End-of-stay cleaning: included in rental.
Taxe de Séjour: usually necessary to pay in France (tourist tax), is calculated based on the number of people in your group and the time of year you stay. Under 18's are exempt. We will advise you of the tax due at the time you make your reservation and how it’s to be paid.
Damage deposit: the owner requests 3,000 Euros on arrival. Alternatively, it’s possible here to make it in advance with JDV by way of credit card. This will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages.
Change over day: normally Saturday, however we may be flexible out of high season.
Long weekend stays: possible outside of high season, with minimum 4 nights – please enquire.
Pets: some dogs accepted upon request (cat lives on site). N.b. grounds not completely fenced.
Smoking: not permitted in this property – sorry.
Supplementary services: to be confirmed.
Environmental features: recycling at the gates, glass drop-off in town.
Safety: the owner’s confirmed each room has a smoke detector and each floor a fire extinguisher. Carbon monoxide detectors in the kitchen & library, where the fireplaces are. Gas detector in the kitchen & fire extinguisher.
Suitability: this property doesn’t have security cameras. Please note the owner’s lovely caretaker lives discreetly on site.
About the local area
Local shops, restaurants and a Monoprix supermarket can be found nearby, just 800m walk into Grasse. Local markets are also held in town with many others dotted around including Valbonne, Antibes & Nice. The market is held on Wednesday but you will need to rise early as it`s all over by lunchtime.
There are many activities in the area including golf, paragliding, hiking, sailing and even creating your own perfume. The villa’s an ideal base from which to explore the Côte d`Azur. Nice, Cannes & Antibes are all just a short drive away, St. Tropez and Monaco are further afield but an easy day's excursion.
The villa’s located at the end of a private drive, leading from the road which runs between the town of Grasse and the village of Chateauneuf. It takes about 10 minutes to walk into the historic centre.
The medieval town of Grasse is a labyrinth of fascinating ancient paths and alleyways. The “Place aux Aires” at the centre of town is where you will find flower sellers as well as a number of open-air cafes and restaurants.
The perfumeries for which Grasse is famous are dotted around the town centre and include Molinard, Fragonard and Galimard. There is also a major new museum, the Musée International de la Parfumerie", which traces the history of the perfume industry in the region. Perfume essence is manufactured in Grasse from flowers from the local area as well as imported. Regular guided visits are available at most perfumeries as well as the chance to make your own unique perfume.
The nearest beaches are at Cannes, Antibes and Juan les Pins which are all about 25 minutes drive away. Other places of historic interest include Nice, St. Paul de Vence, Mougins and Biot. For some spectacular natural beauty the Gorge du Loup and the immense Gorge du Verdon are not to be missed.
Greolieres for skiing is just 30 minutes’ drive.
