Long considered the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is just 15km from Cannes, with its yachts and all the excitement of the Riviera lifestyle and, to the east, Nice’s pebble beaches and international airport are just a 30-minute drive. And here you really can have the best of both worlds year round as the ski station at Gréolières les Neiges is 45km away.
But turning inland from Grasse you have hills, forests and the magical world that will seduce from your very first visit. Of course, with its altitude, there’s a fresher climate here than on the coast in the heat of summer, but it’s the smell of flowers and clean air and those magnificent views that complete the allure.
To the south-west of Grasse, Saint Cezaire sur Siagne is more substantial than many other local villages. To say its imposing position, along the top of a rocky hill, is striking is somewhat of an understatement – the heart of this village is set along the promontory where ancient houses lead to a small place that acts as the perfect viewpoint where you can see for miles around and out over the valley below.
South-west of Grasse, Saint Cezaire sur Siagne: with an exterior painted the softest ochre and shutters in the very best shade of pale blue, this wonderful 5-bedroom home is, quite simply, seductive in the extreme.Within easy walking distance of this ancient village, a beautiful, newly built bastide has been carefully sited, along with its 15-metre pool, to take fullest advantage of the simply stunning panoramic views. Here, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a hand-crafted kitchen are completed by wonderfully bright living areas to create the ultimate contemporary home.
Built just five years ago from a melange of reclaimed and original materials with underfloor heating and cooling, double glazing and automatic ventilation, it has been designed to be as energy efficient as it is beautiful!
It truly is an entertainer’s dream. Reclaimed church doors open into the hallway, which leads on to a double height drawing room with feature antique fireplace; the galleried landing runs along one side of this magnificent room. The kitchen would be the envy of many with its built-in coffee machine, wine fridge and top of the range appliances – perfect for event catering – or perhaps, more frequently, to feed your family who might just be seated in the adjacent dining area which is located in the tower. The French windows on all sides have views out over the pool to tempt you outside.
The master suite is on the first floor and comes complete with dressing room and bathroom, featuring a free-standing copper tub, and its bedroom in the tower. There is also a reading area on this level with amazing views and two more guest – or family – bedrooms with their own bathroom.
In all, there are five bedrooms and three bathrooms making this a home perfect for year-round family living or for wonderful luxury holidays!
Outside, there is ample terracing for entertaining on a grand scale with established landscaped gardens. While only a few minutes’ walk to the local shops, this wonderful property is a haven of peace in a magnificent setting. For sale at €1,470,000 (Legget 56744).
Truly the Grasse is greener in this stunning part of the Provençal countryside ... and scented with lavender, too!
For more information call Leggett on 0800 900 324 or view their full portfolio of French properties at www.leggettfrance.com
