Scandi design meets Provençal beauty in this glorious retreat with sweeping views of the Côte d'Azur and its hinterland, just a short drive from the artistic town of Vence.
In an elevated setting, the vistas from the terraces and gardens are spectacular, reaching as far as the French Riviera coastline as well as the mesmerising Massif de l'Esterel. Whether enjoying a morning coffee on the lower terrace or evening aperitifs by the swimming pool, the landscapes will take your breath away. The sunsets over the mountains are especially wonderful on warm summer evenings.
Mediterranean gardens, century old trees, splendid lawns and beautiful terraces make the outdoor space a delight – the pièce de résistance being the glittering heated swimming pool with a separate area for children. There’s always a pretty spot to find for a serene glass of local rosé as well as high-end outdoor furnishings for sociable moments. Create special memories feasting with family and friends by candlelight on the covered patio with its summer kitchen and wood burning fire.
Inside is just as impressive – the wood-beamed living room features plush sofas, Apple TV and a projector screen whilst the Moroccan lounge adds yet more character and style to this newly renovated abode. The gorgeous kitchen and handsome dining room are also impressive, as are the seven individually styled bedrooms with high-quality Swedish beds, en suite bathrooms and terraces. A fitness room is another added luxury in this magnificent home.
With an exclusive setting on a mountainside, it’s a short drive down the hill to the historic market town of Vence, famed for its artistic associations with Matisse – the spiritual Chapelle du Rosaire is just 3km away. This charming town is a joy to explore with its cobbled lanes, pretty churches, idyllic squares and vaulted archways as well as cafes and restaurants with lovely terraces. The flower, fruit and vegetable market can be found every morning whilst larger markets are held twice a week.
The Wednesday morning market in nearby St Paul de Vence is another wonderful experience whilst art-lovers must visit the Fondation Maeght, just a 15-minute drive away. Other fantastic places to visit include the perfumeries of Grasse, the museums and shops of Nice and of course the fine beaches of the French Riviera around Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet and beyond.
Both Antibes and Monaco can also be reached in under an hour or head further into the mountains to Gourdon and Saut du Loup for waterfalls, rock pools and more stunning scenery of this incredible part of southern France.
Set on a mountainside just above the stunning village of Vence, Villa Glorieuse enjoys incredible views of the French Riviera and its hinterland, only a 30-minute drive from Nice.
Follow the steep road downhill for 3km and you will soon reach the historic market town of Vence, well-known for its art galleries and the wonderful Chapelle du Rosaire, created by Henri Matisse. There are some excellent restaurants as well as pretty terrace cafes, wine-bars and shops. The daily market selling fruit, vegetables and flowers is a delight, as is the larger market on a Friday morning and weekly antiques market.
The artistic town of St Paul de Vence (8km) is just a little further, another incredibly charming place to visit and a must for art-lovers with yet more galleries and the modern art museum, Fondation Maeght. Keen hikers can follow trails between the two villages and further afield, taking in the spectacular scenery of this area.
Another vibrant market can be found in the historic quarter of Cagnes-sur-Mer (12km), a town also known for its beaches and promenade just outside the town centre. Visit the Renoir museum, Les Collettes, in the artist’s former house, then discover the coastline with beachfront restaurants and watersport opportunities. Villeneuve-Loubet Plage (12km) is another lovely hilltop town with a great beach below with more water-based activities and a marina.
Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere in the lovely city of Nice (25km), then explore the beauty of the stunning Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with its walking paths and beautiful beaches. Monaco (47km) is another fantastic place for a great day out or head in the other direction towards the charming old town of Antibes (24km) and the vibrant restaurants and bars around Juan-les-Pins (25km), both surrounded by yet more picturesque beaches. Cannes can also be reached in under an hour – as well as exploring the glamourous town, take a boat trip out to the idyllic Lérins Islands.
There are many more pretty hilltop villages and towns dotted across the Côte d'Azur hinterland such as Tourrettes-sur-Loup with its lovely market and shops, Grasse (27km) and its delightful historic centre and perfumeries as well as the handsome market town of Valbonne (26km). Opio, Mougins and Biot are other gorgeous villages, perfect for a leisurely lunch out, passing scenic landscapes of olive groves and woodland as you drive through this attractive region.
The French Riviera is also a golf lover’s paradise with numerous 18-hole courses within a short drive, many with amazing views, or discover the scenery by cycling or horse-riding through the surrounding hills and valleys.
Villa Interiors (600m2, various levels)
- Living room with fireplace and Apple TV
- Moroccan-style living space
- Dining room
- Kitchen, well-equipped including gas stove, ovens, fridge-freezer, wine fridge, kettle, kitchen aid, toaster, blender and coffee machine
- Master bedroom with double bed, walk-in wardrobe and doors opening up to pool terrace. En suite bathroom with jacuzzi-bath and large shower
- 6 x individually styled bedrooms with double beds, doors leading to a terrace and en suite bathrooms
- Additional bathroom by Moroccan lounge
- Separate WC (by entrance)
Outside Grounds
- Salt-water heated swimming pool (16x5m) and separate children’s pool (5x5m), both with safety alarm
- Poolside shower
- Covered al-fresco dining terrace with fireplace
- Outdoor kitchen with barbecue and pizza oven
- Various patios/terraced areas
- Boules pitch
- Garden (partially terraced levels)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Air-conditioning
- Apple TV with large projector screen
- Gym
- Boules
- Table tennis
