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VILLA LES OLIVIERS

Set high above the Mediterranean near Villefranche-sur-Mer, Villa les Oliviers is a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the Côte d'Azur coastline. Its location between Nice and Monaco is ideal for exploring the beaches and fascinating hill villages of the region, and with its lovely pool, lush gardens and fine amenities (including air-conditioned public rooms and master bedroom suite) the villa beckons as a welcome retreat after a long day of touring. After an invigorating swim in the pool, guests can repair to the long terrace that spans the south facade of the house and then dine as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

Constructed in 1968 in a typical Provençal style, all aspects of the villa have been designed to take maximum advantage of the property's extraordinary sea views. The traditionally furnished living and dining rooms overlook the sea through what is virtually a wall of glass, and the four lower-level bedrooms all open to a terrace having the same vistas. There are also spectacular views from the 3 m X 12 m (10' X 41') pool, which is reached by a stone path that leads through the garden. The pool is flanked by a wide terrace with quality deck furniture, and is backed by a high bougainvillea-covered stone wall to assure privacy. The pool is tastefully fenced with wrought iron and for extra safety there is also a pool alarm system. In off-season months the pool may be heated at extra cost.

Public rooms

The driveway, accessed by a remote-controlled gate, is lined by olive trees and leads to the grand front entrance, which is bordered by agapanthus and palm trees. There is parking for several cars. From the villa foyer the line of sight passes through the living room and high arched windows to reveal the stunning sea views. Floors in the common rooms are all in marble, with the grey-green and white pattern offset by tasteful area rugs. The master bedroom suite, a powder room and the staircase to the garden level open from the foyer.

The air-conditioned living room and adjacent dining room are comfortably appointed in a style that is formal but conducive to relaxing. In the living room two plush sofas face each other in front of a fireplace bordered by built-in bookshelves. A television (with satellite reception, including CNN and BBC) and a DVD player are tucked away in a cabinet, and there is a stereo system next to a glass-fronted armoire.

The dining room has a glass-topped wooden table with seating for up to 10 guests. Above the buffet hangs a beautiful antique silk Chinese tapestry. French doors open to both front and side terraces.

The kitchen, newly renovated and enlarged in the spring of 2007, is thoughtfully equipped and exceptionally well illuminated. The recent renovations include handsome custom-made cabinetry, granite countertops, and sleek stainless-steel appliances: a smart ceramic top stove, built-in electric oven, dishwasher, two-door American refrigerator with icemaker, and various countertop appliances. Guests who need to stay in touch with their office or family at home will appreciate the cleverly disguised office nook in the kitchen. This convenient location to set up a laptop computer is complete with a high-speed Internet connection, printer and fax machine available for guest use.

The bedrooms

The large air-conditioned master bedroom has a king-sized bed, a handsome armoire and, like the other four bedrooms, attractive bedside tables with reading lamps. The light-colored hardwood floor complements the sheer curtains and wood furniture. A front window overlooks the sea, and a small balcony has views to the hills. The room has a telephone with answering machine, a 42-inch plasma TV with satellite reception including CNN & BBC and a stereo with CD player. A dressing room provides generous closet space. The ensuite bath, finished in handmade blue Salerne tiles, has a tub with handheld shower, separate stall shower and WC. The wall to wall cabinets are fully mirrored.

On the garden level, reached by staircases from the foyer and upper-level terrace - are four guest bedrooms. Two of them are especially spacious and have identical ensuite baths, each with a large tub supplemented by a wall shower, extra-long vanity and a WC. The first garden level bedroom is twin-bedded and the other bedroom has a king-sized bed. One bedroom has a ceiling fan while the other has a tall floor fan. Both bedrooms open onto a stone terrace that spans the length of the garden level.

The third guest bedroom has a double bed (140 cm, 55” across). It has a large wall to wall closet. Occupants of this bedroom, which has a private terrace, use a bathroom just outside on the hallway with a stall shower and separate WC. This bedroom has a television (French channels only), a ceiling fan, radio and a cordless phone.

The final guest bedroom, the smallest of the four, has a double bed (140 cm, 55” across), an antique armoire for clothes, a television (French channels only) and a radio. Next door is a pretty tiled bathroom with stall shower and WC. This room has a tall floor fan.

Also on the garden level for guests' convenience is a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast table for up to six. The kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine. This kitchen has an exit to the side terrace, and together with the third bedroom and its adjacent bathroom can be used as a separate apartment. Also on the garden level is a bright laundry room with washing machine, separate dryer and ironing facilities.

Both garden-level televisions receive the French channels plus Arte and one of the two can be hooked to the satellite at extra cost.

The terraces and grounds

The main terrace extends the length of the southwest side of the house. This terrace, which can be shaded by an electric retractable awning, has a sitting area with a wooden loveseat and chairs. A separate covered terrace opens from the dining room through French doors and has a wrought iron and glass dining table for eight. The garden-level terrace has its own complement of plastic tables and chairs and an umbrella, as well as a Weber barbecue. Both terraces enjoy magnificent sea views.

The entire 3,000-m2 (¾-acre) property is enclosed by a high fence that is mostly obscured by dense plantings of oleander and pythosporum. In addition to the prolific flowerbeds the flora includes cypress, olive, fruit trees and a variety of shrubs. A small cactus garden has been created, and a tiny herb garden is located near the kitchen. The fig tree provides August and September guests with heavenly fruit.

The region

Villa les Oliviers is situated over the Col de Villefranche, a hill that rises from the Mediterranean above Villefranche-sur-Mer, an ancient fishing village and home to a wide variety of boutiques and a plethora of restaurants, many of them serving superb grilled seafood plucked fresh from the sea. The villa is in a residential area, but because of its elevation and lush flora the property is not overlooked by neighbors. The small and somewhat twisty road that leads to the house is used only by residents of the Col de Villefranche.

Food shops, a supermarket and other commerce are just a 10-minute walk from the villa. Several of the shops and supermarkets offer a grocery delivery service to the villa. The villa is located less than 10 minutes by car from the nearest beach.

Thanks to the Autoroute system and the three famous roads (the Basse, Moyenne and Haute Corniches) that span the mountain face between Nice and Monaco, both the picturesque hill village and the cosmopolitan urban areas of the Côte d'Azur are easily accessible from Villa Les Oliviers. Monaco, with its Grand Casino and Alain Ducasse's three-star Louis XV restaurant in the elegant Hôtel de Paris, is 20 minutes to the east. Nice and its sprawling international airport are a few minutes further to the west, and Cannes can be reached in about 45 minutes. The beaches and casino of Beaulieu-sur-Mer are on the coast at the foot of the Col de Villefranche, and Cap Ferrat - the fabled presqu'île that is home to reclusive writers, starlets and the mega-rich - is just beyond.

Villa les Oliviers receives top marks for location, amenities and a relaxing seaside ambiance. It is an excellent choice for couples or a family seeking a haven of tranquility on the fringe of - but sufficiently removed from - the buzz and excitement for which the Côte d'Azur is known.