A magnificent stone villa with a storied history in the French Riviera, featuring Roman origins and the soothing presence of Princess Grace Kelly, has been listed for sale at US$12.9 million.
The prestigious property, known as Les Moulins du Villars, is being handled by Peter Illovsky of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty.
Embraced by a nature reserve, the estate has been renowned for centuries for its natural spring-water streams, believed to possess healing properties.
Grace Kelly herself found solace in these springs, making frequent visits to recharge and recuperate on the tranquil grounds, according to Mansion Global.
The centrepiece of the villa is an almost 557sq m former olive oil mill, which dates back in part to the 14th century.
The elegant house spans four floors, interconnected by an elevator, and boasts two living rooms, a kitchen, a rear kitchen, a wine cellar, seven bedrooms, an office, and a captivating Bollywood-style television room.
Among the villa’s most striking features is a glass-encased working water wheel, ingeniously powered by one of the natural streams, providing a mesmerising sight in the heart of the living room.
According to Mr Illovsky, the current owners fell in love with the property’s enchanting gardens and secluded location, prompting them to purchase it in 2008.
Following a seven-month world tour, they returned with inspiration for each of the bedrooms, resulting in unique and diverse themes that whisk inhabitants away to places like Peru, Morocco, India, Switzerland, or Laos.
Beyond the main villa, the estate boasts the ancient ruin of Le Sanctuaire, a Roman-era flour mill and industrial forge. Today, this historic structure serves as an event space, adding to the property’s allure.
The amenities do not end there, as the villa offers a guest house, a pool house, a heated infinity pool, a fitness studio, a tennis court doubling as a helipad, and a spacious four-car garage, all overlooking breathtaking panoramic views.
The estate’s lush landscape includes abundant fruit and citrus trees, cypresses, and olive groves, providing an opportunity for harvesting and processing into extra virgin olive oil at the nearby communal mill in Gilette.
One of the most remarkable and unique features of the property is a man-made tunnel running parallel to the stream, winding its way 50 metres inside the mountain before resurfacing at the entrance of the estate.
Currently being widened for easier access, this underground passage offers an unparalleled perspective of the flowing river.
With its rich history, captivating features, and connections to the iconic Grace Kelly, Les Moulins du Villars represents an extraordinary opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a slice of Riviera paradise.
