Côte d’Azur Estate

Built within the walls of ancient fortress, this estate has a breathtaking view of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s bay. (Courtesy of Concierge Auctions, Toptenrealstatedeals.com)

The French Riviera, aka the Côte d’Azur, is where the Alps meet the Mediterranean Sea. Arguably one of the most beautiful places on the globe with its 25 miles of spectacular beaches, this is the setting for a one-of-a-kind home.

Built in the 1920s quite literally within the walls of an ancient stone fortress, this 5,381-square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bath residence on a hillside 0.7-acre plot overlooking Cap Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer’s scenic bay delivers modern luxury in an idyllic setting.

The villa’s upper deck is set up to allow the owners and their guests to relax in the hot tub, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy the amazing views in all directions. (Courtesy of Concierge Auctions, Toptenrealstatedeals.com)

A notable former resident is Princess Margaret of Denmark, who moved in upon her return to Europe from the United States, where she and her family had taken refuge during World War II. Spanning four levels, the home features arched windows, hand-textured neutral walls, and oversized fireplaces that look like they were pulled from a medieval castle. The stone-studded exterior blends seamlessly with the walls of the fortress as well as the natural landscape.

The living room has been painstakingly maintained to preserve how it appeared when it was the residence of Princess Margaret of Denmark. (Courtesy of Concierge Auctions, Toptenrealstatedeals.com)

Inside, the home is tastefully clean and simple, in classic Mediterranean style. The very open kitchen is well-equipped to feed the owners and guests as they enjoy meals in the formal dining room, which looks out over the inner courtyard. The bedrooms are designed to make full use of the cooling breezes, with private terraces to enjoy incredible views in all directions. Immediately adjacent to the residence is a grotto-style oversized pool, set on top of a structure used for storage and featuring a covered lounge, and a spacious studio ideal for an artist or an author.

The formal dining room features tile flooring, a soaring ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls looking out over the property’s inner courtyard. (Courtesy of Concierge Auctions, Toptenrealstatedeals.com)

The town of Villefranche-sur-Mer lying immediately below the estate has a sampling of establishments for dining and groceries, with all the amenities of Nice and Monaco just a 30-minute drive away. The home is expected to be offered via auction.

Côte d’Azur Estate Villefranche-sur-Mer, France $12,000,000

• 5 bedrooms • 6 bathrooms • 5,381 square feet • 0.7 acre

Key Features: Surrounding fortress walls Grotto-style pool Unobstructed bay views

Agent: Concierge Auctions 212-202-2940