There is much
evidence of the decadent lives that have been lived on the French Riviera, but
few trump the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The pink
villa set high upon the promontory commands spectacular views over the nine
elaborate gardens (yes, nine) and the glittering Mediterranean on both sides.
It is a stunning property, and one not to be missed.
The villa
Baronness
Beatrice de Rothschild was an eccentric soul, judging by her south of France
home. Built between 1905 and 1912, many of the rooms have been preserved with
the same furnishings that were in place while she lived in the villa. Walls are
highly decorated with fine artwork, lavish fabrics hang as curtains, and
antique furniture fills the rooms; there is even a pair of ornate miniature
armchairs for dogs.
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| Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild bedroom, France |
The collections
Several rooms in
the villa display the baronness’ collections of fine china and rare porcelain,
and a video plays in an upstairs room telling the history of the house.
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| Porcelain in the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France |
Through the
arched balcony there is a magnificent view along the Cap Ferrat, over the main
pond, gardens and the Mediterranean to both sides. It is easy to see that the
layout of the villa and gardens was inspired by a voyage on the ship Ile de
France, which is why the property is also known as the Villa Ile de France.
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| view over the Mediterranean from Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France |
The gardens
Nine gardens
surround the villa. The largest is the garden a la francaise, which features
manicured lawns and sculpted bushes. Beyond that is a long pond containing
statues, water lilies and dancing fountains. The pond leads up to the temple of
love, from where there is a great view back towards the villa.
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| Grand staircase in the Florentine garden, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France |
On either side
the garden drops down towards the sea, and the slopes feature the shaded
courtyards of the Spanish garden, the grand staircase of the Florentine garden,
the stone garden of statues, the Japanese garden, complete with pavilion and
lanterns, the exotic cactus garden, rose garden, and the Provencal garden of
native plants and Sevres porcelain. As you wander from one area to another it
is remarkable to be in the same place, when the plants and landscape vary so
much.
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| Dancing fountains, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France |
On her death in
1934, Baroness de Rothschild donated the property to the state and nowadays it
provides an interesting insight into her life at the property, as well as a
beautiful place to relax for a few hours and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
