The Collection Stories
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the eyes of celebrities
"Painting is a companion with whom one may walk a great part of life’s journey"
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has long been a privileged destination for a sweet escape. In 1876, an artificial lake of 6300m3 was created by the Compagnie Générale des Eaux in the middle of pines and olive trees. Thanks to this important water source, the peninsula is now covered by a denser and more diverse vegetation, showing the importance of water and the major role it played for the region.
For Churchill “painting came to my rescue in a most trying time,”. During the 20s, he often came to the South of France to find some breathing space, like here, painting our historic Voile d’Or Hotel in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. From a hobby to a passion, the great British statesman created over 550 paintings during his life. For decades, being surrounded by nature and painting the beauty of the French Riviera, was a source of delight and a respite from the stress of his career.
First discovered by King Leopold II of Belgium at the end of the 19th century, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was the ideal spot for a secret love affair, well hidden from prying eyes. To enjoy life far from court, King Lepoold decided to build Villa Leopolda. But did he realize at that time that this would be the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the region?
In just half a decade, during the Belle Époque, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat attracted more celebrities and upper-class visitors than it could have imagined. Grand and lavish villas were built, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat became the place to be in both summer and winter.
Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild bought a 7-hectare hillside property overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and from 1905 to 1912, she crafted an impressive Villa inspired by the Italian Renaissance style with a Spanish influence.
Nestled at the end of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Santo Sospir has been for more than 50 years the retreat of the socialite Francine Weisweiller. The Villa was a place of encounter for the most renowned people around the world: Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni and Marella Agnelli, and her soulmate, Jean Cocteau.
Today a living museum, those Villas can be easily discovered from one of our Villas in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa l’Empyrée or Villa Casa Ventura.
It is in this vibrant environment that Kings and Queens, actors and politicians found peace and tranquility, as our beloved guests do in our exclusive Villas in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A time to make one with the surroundings, soak in nature, and embrace the French Riviera cradled by the gentle sound of the waves.