There is a stunning house located on the French Riviera, just a stone’s throw away from Nice in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
But it’s not just a house, it’s a mansion. A mansion that has entered the market with a price tag of $US1.1 billion.
Now regarded as the most expensive house in the word, the mansion known as Ville Les Cèdres has people wondering, what can justify a $US1.1 billion price tag?For one thing, the property has been described as having 10 bedrooms, a ballroom, concierge, a chapel, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a winter garden and stables that can contain up to 30 horses.
Source: YouTubeIt’s most recent owner was Grand Marnier heiress Suzanne Marnier-Lapostolle, who is part of the Grand Marnier liquor dynasty.
According to Forbes, the house has played host to a number of celebrities over the year looking for the ultimate holiday destination. Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, David Niven, Elizabeth Taylor Richard Burton, and Prince Rainier III of Monaco all are said to have vacationed there.
Image: AlamyWhen you move in, your neighbours will reportedly include Andrew Lloyd Webber and senior Microsoft executives.
Image: Alamy
The house is up for sale due to the heiress’ wish to downsize her living situation, which we think is fair enough.
This led to its purchase by drink brand Campari, who has now put the house on the market.
It was originally owned by the king of Belgium, Leopold II in 1904 who at the time owned the entire west side of the Cap Ferrat and used Les Cèdres as his main holiday home.
Despite the grand size of the house itself, Forbes suggests that the most valuable aspect of the property is its botanical park, which is considered one of the most beautiful private gardens in Europe.
This garden covers more than 35 acres and 20 greenhouses, is overseen by 15 gardeners, and contained approximately 15,000 rare tropical species, also reportedly Europe’s largest collection of tropical plants.
View from Cap Ferrat. Source: WikipediaThe location of the house itself also adds to its value. Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is recorded to be one of the most exclusively expensive areas for real estate. With its location in the world and quality of living, the price per square metre can exceed €200,000. Those who frequent the area typically fall under the categories of A-list celebrity or royalty. The area has often been described as a ‘billionaire’s playground’.
Its sale has been marketed very discreetly for obvious reasons. Due to the combined elements of house, land and location, Les Cèdres is expected to attract interested buyers from all over the world.