On the glittering coastline of Cap d’Antibes, where royalty, artists and aristocrats once escaped to enjoy the glamour of the French Riviera, one of the region’s most storied residences has been reborn.
At Le Provençal, the landmark Art Deco hotel transformed by luxury developer Caudwell, a spectacular new heritage home has emerged from the building’s most prestigious historic suite.
Known as Villa Jardin, the five-bedroom trophy residence blends Riviera elegance, world-class design and a remarkable connection to one of the 20th century’s most fascinating figures – the Duchess of Windsor.
Extending to 6,458 sq ft of internal living space, with almost 10,000 sq ft of private terraces and gardens and a 36-foot swimming pool, Villa Jardin is one of the finest residences within the £300 million-plus Le Provençal development.
ETRAORDINARY HERITAGE
Back in 1938, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor arrived on the Côte d’Azur in search of a second home.
While house-hunting on Cap d’Antibes, they stayed in one of the most prestigious suites at the then Hôtel Provençal, guests of hotel owner Florence Gould. The Windsors would eventually lease the nearby Château de la Croë, but Hôtel Provençal remained firmly woven into their Riviera lifestyle.
Nearly 90 years later, that same VIP suite has been transformed into Villa Jardin.
The result is a residence that celebrates both the glamour of the Jazz Age and the relaxed sophistication of modern Riviera living.
Caudwell Design drew inspiration from the colours, landscapes and artistic heritage of the South of France, taking cues from figures including Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Cy Twombly.
Throughout the home there are subtle references to the Duchess of Windsor’s own celebrated interiors, creating a residence that feels both historically rooted and unmistakably contemporary.
ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE
A dramatic entrance hall finished in tranquil whites, marble parquet flooring and stained-glass detailing leads into a series of beautifully connected living spaces.
Original Art Deco columns have been carefully preserved, providing a direct link to the building’s illustrious past, while floor-to-ceiling French doors flood the interiors with Mediterranean light and open onto expansive private terraces.
The principal reception room captures the essence of Riviera living. White linen upholstery, natural materials and striking blue accents create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, while carefully curated antiques and bespoke furniture reinforce the home’s sense of individuality.
A magnificent formal dining room provides one of the property’s defining moments. Hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper depicting trees and foliage wraps the room, echoing the pine forests and palms that characterise Cap d’Antibes. The space is centred around a bespoke dining table for 12 guests, creating a setting equally suited to intimate family dinners or grand entertaining.
Beyond lies a double kitchen arrangement that combines a stylish family kitchen with a professional chef’s catering kitchen, ensuring the residence is equipped for every occasion.
Elsewhere on the ground floor, a richly coloured family lounge, cocktail bar, study and guest suite add further flexibility.
The hidden walk-in cocktail bar is a particularly charming nod to the Duke of Windsor, who was famous for mixing drinks for guests in the celebrated “Bahamian Bar” at his French country retreat near Versailles.
The upper floor is dedicated to private accommodation.
At its centre sits an exceptional principal suite with four sets of French windows, private terraces, direct access to the pool level, twin dressing rooms and dual luxury bathrooms. The design palette is deliberately serene, combining soft whites, natural textures and subtle green accents inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Two further ensuite bedrooms continue the theme of understated Riviera luxury, each individually designed with bespoke furnishings and carefully selected materials.
A standout feature of Villa Jardin is its separate guest house.
Connected to the main residence by a glass gallery designed for displaying artworks and objets d’art, the guest wing offers its own living room, bedroom suite, dressing room and bathroom. Vibrant colours, playful textiles and relaxed furnishings create a distinctly joyful atmosphere, echoing the carefree spirit that has long defined the French Riviera.
Outside, Villa Jardin truly comes into its own.
A series of landscaped terraces flow around the private swimming pool, creating multiple areas for dining, entertaining and relaxation. The dedicated pool house includes a kitchen, bar and changing facilities, transforming the outdoor space into a fully self-contained leisure environment.
The residence forms part of Le Provençal, one of the Riviera’s most significant residential restorations. Originally constructed in 1926 for American millionaire Frank Jay Gould and his wife Florence, the landmark building has been meticulously reinvented as a collection of just 35 luxury residences.
Residents benefit from six acres of landscaped gardens, a 30-metre swimming pool, spa, cinema, boutiques and concierge services provided by the neighbouring five-star Hôtel Belles Rives.
For buyers seeking a home that combines architectural pedigree, design excellence and genuine Riviera history, Villa Jardin represents a rare opportunity.
After all, it is not every day that a residence once enjoyed by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor is given a second life overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.
TROPHY RESIDENCE
John Caudwell, British businessman, philanthropist and Founder of Caudwell says: “Villa Jardin is one of the finest trophy residences at Le Provençal and has the luxury of its own private swimming pool, extensive garden terraces, guest house and pool house kitchen/bar.
“With a stunning interior design inspired by the vibrant colours, landscape and artistic heritage of the French Riviera, ‘Villa Jardin’ has a range of design features that the Duchess of Windsor would recognise from motifs in her own French homes.
“The Duchess was one of many famous guests who frequented Le Provençal during its former life as a grand hotel, the building’s transformation into a residential address marking an exciting new chapter in Antibes history.”
‘Villa Jardin’ is priced at €29,000,000 million Euros ($33.58m US Dollars). Other residences released for sale at Le Provençal include apartments priced from €4.05 million ($4.76m) up to €8 million ($9.4m), with marquee residences priced from €15 million ($17.62m).
