Ramblings of a retiree in France
As you know I love trawling through property porn magazines and this property, previously owned by Sean Connery aka the James Bond, caught my eye. The six-bedroom, five-floor seafront mansion is on the market for €30 million (£27 million, $34 million).
Even though all of Nice is a tribute to the Belle Epoque, featuring homes that symbolise the golden age of the Côte d’Azur, Villa Le Roc Fleuri is truly one of the city’s most mythical. The facades of these Côte d’Azur villas, châteaux, and palaces, such as the Negresco, the region’s equivalent of the Eiffel Tower, are decorated like wedding cakes. Their glimmering reception halls bear witness to the intense lifestyle and carefree ways of the British, American, Russian, Italian and French aristocracy for whom they were built with great extravagance between the start of 20th century and the Belle Epoque era.
Built in 1928, Villa Le Roc Fleuri sits on top of the Cap de Nice overlooking the Port de Nice and Baie des Anges. Sean Connery, famous for bringing 007 to life, bought the rock-side mansion with his second wife, the painter Michelle Roquebrune, living there throughout the 1970s and 80s.
In 1983, it was even the set of some scenes in Never Say Never Again, Connery’s last film as James Bond.
The property boasts 1000m2 (10,000 sq ft) of living space, with a further 5000m2 (50,000 sq ft) of newly renovated terraced gardens running down to the sea. Two guest houses, one of which is currently used as a studio, are located on the grounds.
With an indoor infinity pool, outdoor saltwater swimming pool as well as a spa and gym, it truly is the house in which you would expect to see James Bond drinking a martini – shaken, not stirred. Although the property has since changed hands, neighbours still call it “Sean Connery’s house”.
Stone steps lead you into a covered outdoor reception area, with mosaic tiling at the front door and in the grand reception and entrance hall. The floor-to-ceiling windows show off the mesmerising views of the the Riviera’s coastline.
The master bedroom, which has two bathrooms, comprises the mansion’s entire top floor and is accessible by a private cage elevator, decorated in wrought iron flowers. Four other bedrooms span across the mansion’s six floors, three of which include a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room.
The style is resolutely retro, with decor incorporating Art Deco elements with natural materials from the region.
Adjoining the main villa is a two-car garage with a self-contained staff apartment above. With automatic gates set into stone towers, the villa is very private despite its main position on Cap de Nice.
Describing it as “one of a kind,” Knight Frank suggests the property possesses an almost literary quality.
There’s definitely some Bondness to it. Even some Gatsby. There’s nothing like it and very few properties anywhere with this style, this size, with as large a garden as this or the space.
Once you’ve visited, you can easily imagine yourself standing in the long drive when friends come by, greeting them with a bottle of champagne in your hand like Mr. Gatsby or a Martini like Mr Bond.
Now, where did I put my cheque book?
I want one! Magnifique!
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What a house!
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I know!!!!
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I could even cope with something a tiny bit smaller and only one pool if I had those views!
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The views are to die for
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Have you made an offer?
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I was tempted on account of the pantry but…….
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Wow! All that blue water……beautiful .
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Yes and it’s called the Bay of Angels
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I’m with you re the pantry Sheree…. I’d love it… and that bathroom – looks bigger than the whole ground floor here!
I’d put in an offer except I don’t like the brickwork at the pool gate… typical Irish begrudgery!!!😅 😂
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Oh,I think I misplaced my credit card😉great hpi
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Great house
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Indeed
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I simply cannot imagine living in such splendor! It must require an army of servants. 🙂
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Not a problem if you can afford the asking price
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Bidets are very civilized. I think I spotted one in these photos.
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Typical in French bathrooms
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Wow! I could sit on the terrace and stare out into the sea all day, everyday!
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The view is spectacular
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I want one, too!!! Wow!
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Plenty of room for the bikes
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I’ll say! I could have a whole room just for the VENGE!!! Oh, now that’s sexy…
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Absolutely
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Oh yes, I can see both Bond and Gatsby there. A gorgeous home, but a bit out of both my price range and my taste range. I’d prefer a small cabin in the woods somewhere. I would feel so out of place in this mansion, would always feel that I was an interloper and afraid of breaking something!
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Wow what a house. Decadently divine!
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Absolutely
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Wow 🤩
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Indeed Elaine
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Lovely place!
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That works
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Beautiful house! I’d have to have a huge staff to do the upkeep, though. 🙂
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Absolutely but if you can afford the house, you can afford the staff
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haha Very true! 🙂
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James Bond and Gatsby ! Maybe I could make offer 🤔
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Worth a try
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Surreal to imagine calling this home 😳It’s amazing.
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Thanks for your like of my article, “Tribulation Prophecies And Doctrine 1 – Day Of The Lord – Time Areas Within The Day Of The Lord ;” I appreciate your kindness.
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Pleasure
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I appreciate your being so nice.
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Interesting! I will have to check it out.
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Enjoy
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