Francis York

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Modernist Villa to Restore in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Côte d’Azur

This luxury property in Cap Ferrat is on the market for €17,500,000, listed with L’Exploreur.

Nestled in the iconic French Riviera resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Modernist villa known as La Ligne Droite is waiting to be restored.

The property is perched on a dominant position on Cap Ferrat, accessed by a funicular, and offers 360° panoramic view of the Cote d’Azur, from Italy to Cap d'Antibes.

The small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (or Cap Ferrat) is located on the stretch of coast between Nice and Monaco. One of the most exclusive enclaves on the Cote d’Azur, it has been a longtime hideaway for monarchs, Hollywood stars, artists and industry titans.

The former fishing village became a popular vacation spot at the beginning of the last century with the arrival of wealthy foreign families who built large estates along the coast, such as the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild which is located near to the villa.

Designed in 1931 by the renowned Grasse architect Jean Bouchet for Louis Le Sidaner, the son of post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidaner, La Ligne Droite embodies the essence of the Côte d'Azur’s architectural evolution with its modernist design.

Bouchet's architectural vision was to create a structure that harmonizes with the natural topography of the land.

Utilizing the slope of the old agricultural terraces, Bouchet conceived "La Ligne Droite" as an elongated rectangle measuring over 98 feet (30m) in length, climbing the terrain on four stepped levels. 

This innovative design is flanked to the north by three superimposed rectilinear staircases, reinforcing the villa’s namesake, “The Straight Line.”

These staircases not only serve a functional purpose but also accentuate the villa's modernist aesthetic.

The villa, which spans an impressive 6400 square feet (594.55 m²), comes with a swimming pool overlooking the sea.

Recognized for its architectural importance, La Ligne Droite was awarded the 20th-century heritage label on November 28, 2000, and subsequently listed as a historic monument on December 10, 2001.

For passionate architects and enthusiasts of modernist architecture, La Ligne Droite presents an exceptional refurbishment opportunity and the Atelier L'Explorer is at your disposal to support you in your renovation, layout and decoration projects.

All photos belong to the listing agency.