Once a playground for Hollywood royalty and European aristocrats, Domaine de la Belle Étoile on Cap d’Antibes has been transformed into one of the most breathtaking homes on the French Riviera — and it’s now for sale, complete with a Monaco-designed interior.
What do Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel and the Duke of Windsor have in common? They all graced the legendary Hôtel Provençal Tennis Club on Cap d’Antibes — now the site of one of the French Riviera’s most opulent new properties: Domaine de la Belle Étoile by luxury developer Caudwell.
Recently unveiled and now on the market for €58.95 million, this sprawling 3.65-acre estate is not just a home, it’s a statement — of legacy, of art, and of French Riviera glamour reimagined for a new era.
At its heart is ‘La Belle Étoile’, a 14,200-square-foot modern villa that captures the effortless elegance of its surroundings, and thanks to the vision of Monaco-based design studio Casamanara, tells a compelling story at every turn.
A family home disguised as a masterpiece
Step through the grand entrance, paved with blue enamelled lava stone and creamy limestone, and you’re immediately drawn into a world of texture, tone and imagination.
Double-height windows frame views over Port de l’Olivette and landscaped gardens, while a sweeping palette of celadon, sea blues and soft creams evokes the changing moods of the Mediterranean.
“At Domaine de la Belle Étoile, the main inspiration was, of course, the timeless decoration of the French Riviera herself,” says Debla Manara-Berger, Co-Founder of Casamanara. “We kept the atmosphere perfectly serene, with a soft palette of whites, beiges, celadon, greens and blues. We custom designed all the rugs to match the décor in each room, with fabrics and wallpapers chosen to contrast with the millwork, and sculptural lighting in all the main rooms. My own favourite piece is the contemporary chandelier in the family dining room, where hundreds of crystal drops beautifully catch the light.”
But this is no cold design showcase. Casamanara, led by siblings Piero Manara and Debla Manara-Berger, has created a space that is as practical as it is poetic.
Bespoke furniture, tactile fabrics and curated artworks give the interiors a lived-in sophistication — not unlike the coastal villas of Picasso’s generation, whose spirit lingers here in a custom rug referencing the works of Chagall, Cocteau and Matisse.
A French Riviera sanctuary with stories in every corner
At Domaine de la Belle Étoile, the details do the talking. In the main reception, curved cocktail bars shimmer in Amazonite Quartzite, armchairs wear hand-embroidered velvets, and lighting installations catch the sun in ways that make time feel suspended. Even the double doors — made of alabaster and onyx with bronze sunbursts — feel like an invitation to another era.
The primary suite, spread across 100 square metres, is a private retreat complete with dressing rooms, two marble-clad bathrooms, and drapes that ripple like sea foam. Meanwhile, the kitchen, dining areas and family living spaces are ready-made for entertaining, seamlessly blending Riviera cool with five-star functionality.
“In an expansive project like ‘La Belle Étoile’, the key to link it all together is to follow a storyline, obvious to the future owners even before they have walked through the front door,” says Piero Manara, Co-Founder of Casamanara. “Caudwell instantly understood our vision for Domaine de la Belle Étoile, which was to create a private heaven, where intimate private spaces, such as the bedroom suites, are as important as the openness and grandeur of the main reception room, all inspired by the colours of the French Riviera’s sky and sea.
“Infusing a new property with soul does not come from using famous brands or following fashion, but creating a connection between tradition and modernity, with wonderful, tactile materials and a sense of surprise and magic at every turn.”
Beyond the villa: a 1920s tennis club reborn
The estate also includes two guesthouses, most notably the restored Villa Céleste, formerly the 1920s tennis clubhouse. With its high vaulted ceilings, golden wallpapers and vintage-meets-modern furniture, it feels like stepping into a Slim Aarons photograph — only updated for today’s tastes. There’s also Villa Capella, a more intimate one-bedroom retreat ideal for guests or staff.
The grounds are equally considered: olive groves, rose gardens and a chef’s garden unfurl across the estate, with shaded terraces and loggias providing countless ways to enjoy the Riviera’s endless sun.
A rare chance to own part of the Riviera’s soul
Domaine de la Belle Étoile is not just another high-end real estate listing. It’s a love letter to the French Riviera — its history, its light, its lifestyle — interpreted through Monaco’s lens of luxury and design. It’s bold without being brash, artistic without being aloof, and despite its size and price tag, remarkably intimate.
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All photos courtesy Caudwell
See also:
Interview: Billionaire John Caudwell on reviving Le Provençal
