Mougins

Fantasy Villa in Mougins: Estate of the Day

It's no exaggeration to say that the grand Villa L'Imperiale fulfills every fantasy of a lavish French manor.

Built in 1980 and totally renovated, this magnificent villa has almost three and one-half acres of landscaped gardens with sweeping views of the countryside. Located in Mougins, a snap five miles north of Cannes, it is totally removed in spirit and sensibility from the chaos of the French Riviera port. Mougins, which has preserved some of its medieval walls, is serene and quiet yet boasts some great restaurants where chefs like Alain Ducaisse got his start. No wonder Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life here.

The villa is perched on a hilltop within a gated community in what is widely considered the most desirable and prestigious residential area of Mougins. Along with seven bedrooms, new kitchen, gym, and guest quarters, the property also has an attractive screening room. The large pool, pool-house, and outdoor dining area fit in seamlessly in the manicured gardens.

Admittedly, the French owner, who is selling because of relocation, is a Napoleon "fanatic." In a private Napoleon museum next to the wine cellar, he displays original and authenticated helmets, swords, rifles, and documents as well as many paintings from the Napoleonic era. Details at estatenetfrance.com.

Gallery: Villa L'Imperiale in Mougins

Tags: Cannes, estate, Estate of the Day, French Riviera, Mougins, Picasso, villa

Edith Piaf's Riviera Retreat, Estate of the Day

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Edith Piaf did not lead "La Vie en Rose." One of France's greatest popular singers, she died at only 49 in 1963 at her hilltop villa in Plascassier on the French Riviera. She had suffered many injuries and the death in a tragic accident of her lover. It could be that in her last days she found solace and comfort in her beautiful house and gardens.

That home and its manicured gardens are now for sale for 6,890,000 euros. The seller is a successful business executive whose children attend the nearby international school in Mougins less than five miles away. The owner has done extensive work on the house, especially on the gardens. The kitchen is totally updated and attractively modern. The living room is spacious with a traditional fireplace as you would expect in a house almost 200 years old. The master bedroom suite has a private terrace and is linked to a large study. In total, the house has seven bedrooms each with it own bathroom. A pool and pool house, tennis court, summer kitchen, garages and a large caretaker's house dot the property. For details: www.estatenetfrance.com.

Tags: edith piaf, estate of the day, france real estate, french riviera, Mougins, Plascassier

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