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Beyond your imagination, there is the Circle. A tailor-made private members' club, dedicated to the ultimate connoisseurs of the finest savoir-vivre. Exclusive access to 401 West's restaurant, outdoor lounge, gymnasium and spa are one of the many unparalleled privileges the Circle insiders will enjoy.

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The Collection Stories

History

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the eyes of celebrities

1 min read

While Churchill’s mind always was for the Crown, in his hours of peace, he found some respite in his paintings, hypnotized by the beauty of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. With an exquisite calmness, he painted the crashing of the waves next to the most beautiful Villas of Francine Weisweiller or again Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild. Churchill loved France with as much passion and compassion as a Frenchman would. Napoleon was his hero. Clemenceau represented for him the epitome of how to conduct politics during war and peace. De Gaulle was his embodiment of France during World War II. But the south of France was his refuge in old age, painting and wandering around the French Riviera.
"Painting is a companion with whom one may walk a great part of life’s journey"
-Winston Churchill

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.

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