Villa La Vigie

Villa La Vigie sits right on the waterfront of Cap d'Antibes, facing the bay of Cannes and the Iles de Lérins. The views carry on to the Massif de l'Esterel, and the design makes the most of the Mediterranean light. Over the years the villa has welcomed Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Estée Lauder and Charlie Chaplin. It is often described as a jewel from the past, part of the artistic history of the French Riviera. Artists and writers have long found inspiration here, drawn by the light and atmosphere of the Cap.

The whole place is arranged for outdoor living. Mediterranean gardens run around the house, and a double infinity pool looks straight out over the sea. A grill and an elevated lounge on a small tower sit just above the water. There is a private dock too, and a double garage stands by the gates. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows and broad canopies keep the rooms full of daylight. The main salon opens directly onto the pool area and the gardens. An office on the main floor suits meetings as much as a quiet hour of work. Upstairs, the master suite has its own bathroom and a hot tub facing the bay. A VIP bedroom shares that floor, while the tower holds a double and a twin with a bathroom between them. Three further bedrooms on the lower floor each come with their own bathroom. Above the garage there is a detached studio for guests, alongside a wine cellar and a boathouse. The galley kitchen is set up for a private chef.

The surprises continue below ground: in the games room, next to the bar, you can watch the pool from under the water. Picasso spent time here, drawn by the Mediterranean landscapes and the coastline, and the house still looks out on both.