The first stone has been laid for Beausoleil’s new cultural centre, Village Charlot, whose features will include a free library with books from all over the world.
Early renderings of the new community centre were unveiled by the Beausoleil Town Hall in October 2022. On Tuesday 28th February, Beausoleil Mayor Gérard Spinelli, ceremoniously laid the first stone for the construction of the €18.5 million project.
“The challenge is to create a place that promotes exchanges between the communities of Beausoleil, which tend to stay together, to offer them a common vision,” said Mayor Spinelli. “Culture is an essential element in the cohesion between inhabitants, and that is why we want to make it accessible to as many people as possible.”
It is for that reason, said the mayor, that Village Charlot will be free for all, regardless of the space they enter.
The Village Charlot media library will be flooded with natural light. Image rendering by architect Marc Barani.
A new culture hub in just over a year
The entire project is due to be delivered as soon as July 2024. Located between Avenue du Maréchal Foch and Avenue du Carnier in Beausoleil, Village Charlot will feature a media library, a toy library, a room for artistic expression, a digital museum, a restaurant area, a philosophy café, a social centre, an artists’ residence plus four large workshops, and 1,300sqm of manicured gardens.
With glass as its main architectural feature, the media library will look like a large greenhouse, designed to be flooded with natural light. “We wanted the culture to be visible from the street, whether on Avenue Foch or Avenue Carnier. This transparency will allow that to happen,” said project Architect Marc Barani.
The site was purchased by the local municipality in 2008 and the only property left standing on the plot is the 19th century Villa Chêne, which has been completely gutted and will be rejuvenated to form part of the new “village”.
Meanwhile, Villa Emilie – which had to be demolished, will be rebuilt identically to the original, with the addition of an extra floor. This will house the artists’ residence.
The media library will have a collection of more than 30,000 works, some of which will be international books.
The Village Charlot logo is made up of the face of Charlie Chaplin, aka “Charlot”, formed by the five continents of the globe.
Will Faimatea, founder of Monaco-based Bond International, has acquired 42% of leading tech event company Superyacht Technology Network.
Australian-born Faimatea is the founder and director of Bond International and co-founder of several other tech based companies including bringing the environmental Pathogen detection service Poppy to Monaco, as well as being a major contributor to Yacht Crew Help and Life After Yachting. He has scooped up a 42% share of the company, and will act in an advisory position rather than taking on a formal executive role.
SYT is looking to expand its operations, including the popular Superyacht Technology Show, and Faimatea’s 30-year track record will be instrumental. The 2024 Show is set to be four times the size of last year’s event, due to increased industry demand, and will include a 500-delegate capacity, featuring talks and conferences from leaders in both tech and super yachting sectors.
“I’m proud that an industry giant such as Will Faimatea recognises the potential of the next phase of SYT Network and he is the perfect collaborator,” said Director of SYT Network Jack Robinson. “This investment will allow us to more quickly achieve our goal to bring innovators and buyers together in the superyacht marketplace.”
The injection of funds will help boost operational teams that will be in charge of anticipated sales from new exhibitors from the worlds of engineering and green technology.
“I am excited to be personally involved with the Superyacht Technology Network which Jack has founded,” said Will Faimatea. “The platform represents and allows all those companies and owners, representatives and crew with technology focus a place to visit and experience the technologies and the people behind them.”
SYT Network was founded in 2022 by Jack Robinson after an 18-year superyacht industry career, where he was primarily involved in media and technology. His vision was to create a platform for superyacht businesses in IT and AV to grow through networking events. The company’s membership stands at 18,000 individuals and companies.
“Will’s vision for the future of superyacht technology mirrors my own and we both acknowledge the industry’s desire for a dedicated, stand-alone, technology show,” said Robinson. “We are committed to delivering such a focused show with the expanded Superyacht Technology Show planned for Barcelona in March 2024.”
A villa made entirely of glass and stainless steel in the ultra-luxurious town of St. Jean Cap Ferrat has gone on the market for €46 million. Monaco Life takes you inside this Jean Nouvel-designed masterpiece.
With Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild as its neighbour, this spacious property on the western coastline of the most sought-after peninsula in France already commands attention.
Designed by award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, the modern residence incorporates linear elements with a unique use of material to create a building that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, and where space and views reign supreme.
The €46 million property is for sale with Savills French Riviera. Photo courtesy Savills
“I have always had a keen interest in the works designed by Jean Nouvel and meeting him allowed me to better understand his talent,” says the anonymous property owner, who has entrusted the sale of the villa to Savills.
It was this meeting that led to a collaboration between the pair, which the owner confirms was “a truly interactive relationship which allowed for the exchange of ideas and concepts, ultimately allowing for the creation of this exceptional residence”.
The villa spans 4,000 square metres and offers direct views across the Bay of Villefranche.
The property boasts uninterrupted views of the Bay of Villefranche. Photo courtesy Savills
The intelligent use of steel and glass, together with limited divisional walls, ensures an open atmosphere to the property, where one spacious room flows onto another, all while taking in the unspoilt Mediterranean views.
“Such intelligent use of glass, stainless steel, shaded vines and minimal internal divisional walls ensures the sea remains the constant view throughout the home and acts as a captivating backdrop to this luxuriously dramatic villa,” says Savills agent Cyrille Jalon.
The property includes nearly 600sqm of accommodation including a double height reception room, six bedrooms, two elegant swimming pools, and a five-car garage.
It has an asking price of €46 million and is listed with Savills.
Click on the images below to see more photos of the property…
New buildings with private residences are cropping up all over the Principality, boasting fantastic architecture, eco-friendly building practices and interesting extra features. Monaco Life takes a closer look at what’s on offer in the realm of new build real estate.
For a country only 2.1km2 in size, Monaco packs a big punch when it comes to housing. A number of high-end building sites are dotting the landscape, with the promise of giving residents old and new some pretty spectacular offerings to both buy and rent.
Here is a listing of the ones that are under construction, with off-plan apartments and villas already on the market.
MARETERRA
Arguably the most talked about of the new developments is the land reclamation project Mareterra (pictured above). This environmentally-minded neighbourhood in the Larvotto quarter features 110 impeccably finished apartments, penthouses and townhouses along with 10 villas, six of which are waterfront. A marina will have space for about 15 boats and will be encircled by cute and chic shops and eateries. The spaces will be move-in ready by 2025.
Special touches include swimming pools, a concierge, private parking and a gym at this Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Valode & Pistre Architects collaboration.
Beautifully landscaped with green spaces galore, the development was created to bring nature to residents’ front door with mature trees, native plants and flowers, insect hives, bird’s nests and plenty of shade to beat the heat on summer days.
The Portier Cove section is a pedestrian only zone and connects the area to the Grimaldi Forum and Larvotto Beach, while 600 metres of cycling lanes will make for ease in getting around.
The development’s eco-cred is off the charts, with 4,500m2 of solar panels, rainwater recovery systems that ensure half the collected water will be recycled, and 80% of the cooling and heating will be supplied by renewable energy. Strict building codes have kept marine flora and fauna safe, and man-made reefs have been built so that any wildlife disrupted by the construction can find a new home.
The final design of Testimonio II, with Bay House in the foreground, by DBOX for Groupe Marzocco
BAY HOUSE
Tied in with the Testimonio II project, the Bay House development has been built on the last large-scale plot in the country. Running from Boulevard d’Italie to Avenue Princesse Grace, the striking complex overlooks Larvotto Beach and is due for delivery in 2024.
Comprised of 54 apartments and five villas ranging from three to six bedrooms, this place was created for luxury living. Floor-to-ceiling windows and south-facing terraces offer stunning sea view vistas and the villas have their own roof terraces and pools to sweeten the pot.
Developed by Groupe Marzocco and VINCI Immobilier alongside Architect Alexandre Giraldi, everything is incredibly well thought out.
High quality finishings are coupled with high-tech automatic environment management systems, allowing owners and tenants to remotely control light, sunshades and air con, and the concierge benefits include housekeeping, dry-cleaning, valet and shuttle services. On-site parking is also included.
The spa is super-luxe and features massage rooms, steam rooms and saunas, a hair and beauty salon as well as state-of-the-art Technogym gym equipment.
L’Exotique in the upper western reaches of the Principality
L’EXOTIQUE
L’Exotique is one that is due to be completed this year. Tucked away in the upper reaches of the Principality near the Jardin Exotique, this quiet oasis has 66 apartments over eight floors all with panoramic sea and Palace views.
Built into the mountainside with plentiful wood and stone features, the apartments enjoy lots of natural light, and were designed by award-winning French architect and engineer Rudy Ricciotti, the principal architect behind the MUCEM in Marseille, together with well-known local architect Fabrice Notari.
The building forms part of the dramatic new western approach to the Principality, inspired by the colossal entryways used by the ancient Greeks, and will also house a 1,800-space parking garage as well as commercial units.
Additionally, there are on-site indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wellness centre and a gym to unwind in.
The piece-de-resistance, though, is L’Exotique’s penthouse apartment: a two-storey, three-bedroom space offering tranquillity and luxurious comforts. The 420m2 terrace has a 360° view over the sea and terrain, and is elegantly draped in greenery.
Villa Ninetta, another design by local architect Fabrice Notari
VILLA NINETTA
This Fabrice Notari building will feature a stunning curved façade that follows the bend in the road on the quiet Rue Malbousquet in the Jarden Exotique quarter. It will have 42 dwellings, including 33 studios, seven two-room apartments, one three-room apartment and one four-room apartment as well as 207.60 m² of offices and 74 private parking spaces set over nine-floors.
There will be high-end finishings and amenities such as a 24-hour concierge service and fitness room.
The first apartments at Villa Ninetta are set to be completed in 2024.
GRAND IDA
Primarily state housing, the Grand Ida’s Building A does have 55 private apartments designed by Frédéric Genin, which will be up for grabs upon completion, set for this year.
The massive complex near the Jardin Exotique and Boulevard Rainier II will also include commercial premises, a crèche and a vast parking garage of more than 400 spaces for residents’ convenience. A residence for the disabled has also been incorporated into the complex’s design.
The construction has been certified Bronze Label under the environmental certifications of the Mediterranean sustainable buildings of Monaco, due to the vast 2,200m2 green spaces, solar panels on the tops of the roof terraces, and a direct link to the heating and cooling systems based at the waste recovery plant in Fontvieille. Thermal insulation and double paned glass will also feature.
Heritage against the contemporary at Ecrin de Malachite
ECRIN DE MALACHITE
Located both in the Moneghetti district and in the reserved sector of the Vallon Ste-Dévote, the Ecrin de Malachite project will be made up of three stand-alone villas with swimming pools and private gardens, and an apartment building with luxury homes all connected by glass covered walkways and an escalator.
Some features of architect Christian Curau’s designed spaces will include thermally heated swimming pools and automated systems for residents to control heat, lights and the like remotely. The project is set to be move-in ready in 2025.
VILLA LUCIA
Villa Lucia, on Pont Sainte-Dévote, is conveniently located adjacent to the entry to the train station in the heart of Monaco. The project was designed by the architect Alexandre Giraldi and will consist of 14 floors with nine apartments, including one apartment per floor for the first nine, then a quadruplex with a private swimming pool on the top floors of the building.
Tertiary premises will also be set up on the ground floor of the residence. Villa Lucia is set to be delivered in 2026.
Villa Lucia towers above the entrance to the Monte-Carlo train station, making it perfect for frequent travellers and commuters
LES MELEZES
Not a new build per se, but partially so with the addition of two new floors that will house 14 apartments.
The many improvements to the building and integrated into the new apartments include some serious environmental works. They are looking to make it a Mediterranean Sustainable Building of Monaco by reducing energy consumption via thermal expenditure and acoustic protection.
Polluting oil heating will be replaced by a connection to the thalasso-thermic loop to save on heating and cooling costs for tenants, and modified elevators will provide access to new floors and consume less energy.
Monaco’s landmark Casino de Monte-Carlo has taken out two top awards at the prestigious ICE London 2023: Best Casino Operator and Best Casino Restaurant.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo came out ahead of some of the biggest gaming operators in the world at ICE London in early February, winning Best Casino Operator at the International Gaming Awards, and Best Casino Restaurant for Le Train Bleu at the European Casino Awards.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo also had its Responsible Gaming certification from the European Casino Association (ECA) renewed, affirming its benchmark status in the sector.
“I am very proud of the prizes received that are a sign of recognition from our peers,” said Pascal Camia, Director of Operations at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. “They reward genuine team work over several years to make our casinos places of entertainment for our fun players and occasional visitors and ultra-private rooms for our VIP clients who are looking for the unrivalled expertise of all the games staff.”
Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM
Unrivalled experiences
The Best Casino Operator prize highlights the ability of the Casino de Monte-Carlo to create constantly renewed tailor-made experiences, which include the Great Art of the Game for “high rollers”, the greatest players on the planet, with prestigious spaces like ultra-private rooms, high prize tournaments, and exclusive experiences at major sporting events, as well as experiences for “Fun Players” in the Salle Europe: experiences enhanced by the My Monte-Carlo loyalty programme, designed to create a unique customer experience in Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Resort.
Meanwhile, the prize for Best Casino Restaurant by the European Casino Association honours the tradition of gourmet excellence at the legendary Train Bleu, now run by Richard Rubbini. Apart from its travel-inspired décor and French bistro menu, special attention is paid to what the players want, for a tailor-made offering.
“I would like to congratulate the teams at Casino de Monte-Carlo for these two awards that once again promote the excellence of our expertise and enhance the international reputation of our destination,” said Stéphane Valeri, new Vice-President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. “In the same way, the renewal of the Responsible Gaming certification means that our Casinos are even better positioned, upholding the values that are part of our DNA within the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Resort.”
Pink Ribbon Monaco and its supporters will take to the streets on Sunday for a five kilometre walk in support of breast cancer detection. So, grab something pink and join in the fun!
The annual walk starts at 9:45am on Sunday 12th February, but participants are encouraged to turn up early and enjoy everything that is planned.
Pink Ribbon Monaco describes it as a day to “let loose, have fun, and celebrate life!”.
Children under 13 walk for free and pets are welcome.
All profits raised from Pink Ribbon Monaco events and activities go to fund a new scientific study on lobular breast cancer detection directed by Dr. Florent Hugonnet at the Princesse Grace Hospital Centre.
In addition to raising important funds, participants can also win some great raffle prizes, including a pair of Von Löwenstein shoes, a dinner for 2 at Rampoldi, a treatment at Spa Metropole by Givenchy, and a limited edition Rosie-Pink Ribbon Monaco t shirt.
