Magnificent Dierks Estate Facing Renowned Billionaires Bay, Cap d'Antibes

Description

This impressive villa was designed by the American architect Barry Dierks who, after his studies at the Beaux Arts School following the Great War, created stunning properties on the Riviera during the so-called “Jazz Age” exclusively “for those interesting clients who could afford them.*” (*from “Living and Loving on the Riviera” by Maureen Emerson) Dierks’ houses made the most of their topography to form variations of terraces and views. It has been said that Coco Chanel may have invented sunbathing, but Barry Dierks invented the place to do it! The 400 m2 (4,000 sq ft) of living space at this characteristic example of Dierks’ style are situated amidst 20,000 m2 (5 acres) of delightful wooded and private grounds bordering the legendary Billionaires Bay on the coast of Cap d’Antibes, where neighbouring properties belong to celebrities such as Roman Abramovich, who bought the Chateau de la Croë; once the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The sympathetic design of the gardens has made extensive use of classic statuary and offers many areas for quiet contemplation. Dierks always remembered the fall of the light, the prevailing winds, and the dramatic effect of the sea, so that every house, no matter the weather or the time of day or year, offers its guests a perfect place to enjoy the uplifting blend of indoors and outdoors. Maximum advantage has been taken here of the sublime location with several seaside terraces providing breathtaking views along the coast in both directions and an intimate bay with direct swimming access to the Mediterranean. The large curved Swimming Pool features an unusual waterfall effect and is surrounded by a large terrace, lawns and palm trees. There is also a floodlit tennis court. From the elegant Art Deco style entrance to the Villa, the feeling of space is evident, as is the use of classic materials: a theme which continues throughout the entire property. The extensive use of contemporary art complements the timeless architecture of the property. The Sitting Room, spanning the width of the property, offers a number of individual seating areas, a splendid fireplace, and provides extensive views of the grounds as far as the sea through several full height French doors. The adjoining terrace with its stone balustrades then leads onto the magnificent sweeping double staircase which curves gracefully to the first of many private lawns shaded by beautiful examples of the many species of native trees and shrubs. The fully-equipped Kitchen has a complete range of modern appliances and includes a breakfast bar and sliding windows to the terrace. The Dining Room seats eight with ease and enjoys natural light through the ingenious use of an atrium-style skylight. The ground floor of the Villa also contains a spacious Library (with comfortable seating for relaxing with a book or simply enjoying the views of the grounds) and two guest bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. A gracefully curving staircase leads to the upper floor and a Master Suite consisting of a spacious main bedroom with two adjacent offices, two luxuriously-appointed marble bathrooms and a terrace overlooking the gardens. This Master Suite offers a number of possibilities: for those guests wishing to be in close proximity to younger children, for example, one of the adjoining offices can be transformed into a bedroom. The lower level of the Villa also houses a gym. Beyond the Villa is a separate cottage suitable for staff and a further separate staff apartment. There is an on-site live-in Guardian.