Former holiday home of JFK's family on the Côte d’Azur : the Domaine de Beaumont in Valbonne.

Our thanks to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library for the access to its archives.

The Domaine de Beaumont is located between Valbonne and Mougins. This superb historical residence, former holiday home of JF Kennedy's family when he was a child, has all the assets of a master's residence.

Holiday resort of the greats

The history and fame of the Côte d'Azur is marked by the presence of numerous personalities for their holidays, including the American President John Fitzgerald Kennedy who, as an adult, spent his holidays in Roquebrune Cap Martin (a coastal small town near Monaco where his brother regularly rented a villa).

A family love for the Côte d'Azur that began during childhood as the Kennedy children spent their holidays between Valbonne and Mougins, at the Domaine de Valbonne (or Beaumont) during their father's term as US Ambassador in London, Joseph Patrick Kennedy. The family was very attached to this property, as shown by the archives of letters exchanged between JPK and the family who owned the estate. There are also many personal photos of the Kennedy children by the sea, notably at Cap d'Antibes.

Provençal architecture at its finest

This magnificent estate is overlooked by a characterful residence built in 1920 with a Provencal charm and style typical of its time. Designed by Jacques Couelle, an internationally renowned French architect, the château is an ode to Italian, Provençal and belle époque styles. Its natural stone facades and beige tiles make it a beam of light in the ocean of greenery that surrounds it. At the top of the castle's tower, a wrought iron bell tower adds to the authentic character of the property.

The residence has 9 suites, all tastefully and luxuriously decorated in luminous shades, giving them an unparalleled charm and comfort. Woodwork, tapestries and harmonious tiling follow one another from suite to suite and offer period decor. The whole property offers very beautiful volumes with high ceilings typical of bourgeois properties and allowing for magnificent period chandeliers.

A grandiose park

If the walls of the building are dressed with bougainvillea and vines, the rest of the park is not left out. Also designed by Jacques Couelle, it extends over 10 hectares and is planted with typical Mediterranean vegetation. Its position offers a panoramic view of the villages of Valbonne, Mougins and Mouans-Sartoux as well as a clear view of the sea.

Access to the property is through an imposing wrought iron gate offering charm and grandeur, which sets the tone for the entire estate.

A true haven of peace out of time, the park reflects the authentic charm of the large houses, embellished with numerous ponds and fountains, an olive grove, aviaries and flower gardens of rare elegance.

Sought-after amenities

The chateau opens onto a large semi-covered terrace with a beautiful pool area which offers a 20-metre long marble pool, like a blue diamond in the green setting that is the garden.

The park also has a tennis court for the more athletic kind of owners. In addition, part of the grounds, in meadowland, is used for horses. It is possible to add stables and a career to enjoy the joys of horseback riding.

Valbonne and Mougins

Located about ten kilometres from Cannes respectively, Valbonne and Mougins are typical French Riviera villages with stone facades, coloured shutters, and climbing vegetation such as vines and bougainvillea. These charming towns steeped in history have retained their character while offering the privileges of Côte d'Azur life with Michelin-starred restaurants and world-renowned charm.

This exceptional property, steeped in history, is offered for sale by the Private Desk of Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty, 74 boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes.

Contact us: privatedesk@cotedazur-sothebysrealty.com

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