The Villa Balleroy (Chalet des Ministres): A treasure of history and luxury in Cannes

An exceptional historical villa, the Villa Balleroy (or Chalet des Ministres) is part of the history of the city of Cannes and the French Riviera. This magnificent Belle Époque villa has a fascinating history and many special features that make it one of the most sought-after properties in the region. Perfectly embodying the charm and prestige of luxury real estate, this historic property offers a unique blend of sophistication, history and elegance, appealing to both architecture and art enthusiasts.

A prestigious history

Villa Balleroy was commissioned by the Balleroy family, who were closely connected to the French nobility. It was designed by French architect Charles Baron in the Belle Époque style, characteristic of that era of prosperity and luxury in France. Cannes was a popular destination for wealthy European aristocrats, attracted by its mild climate and natural beauty. The villa was a well-known resort, hosting lavish events and prestigious receptions given by its owners, successively the Marquise de Balleroy and the Prince de Bourbon de Parme et de Christiane.

The era of the Chalet des Ministres

After World War II, the villa was acquired by the French state and used as a summer residence for ministers. It was at this time that it took on the nickname "Chalet des Ministres".

An architectural gem

What gives the building its fame is also its architecture. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Villa Balleroy is an architectural jewel that testifies to the pomp and elegance of the time. Its neo-classical style harmoniously combines elements of French and Italian architecture, creating a unique aesthetic. The white facades, wrought iron balustrades and Corinthian columns give the villa a majestic appearance, while the manicured gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea add a dimension of natural beauty.

Its special features and meticulous decoration

Villa Balleroy spans an impressive amount of space, with its extensive landscaped gardens that include a swimming pool, sun terraces and relaxation areas.

Inside, it offers generous spaces, beautifully decorated with high quality finishes and luxurious materials. The villa has many original features, such as frescoes and decorative moldings, marble fireplaces and original wood floors. These - along with the majestic crystal chandeliers - contribute to the elegant atmosphere of the house. Spacious bedrooms, sumptuous reception rooms, a formal dining room and a richly stocked library add a touch of grandeur to this exceptional home.

A prime location on the French Riviera: La Croix des Gardes

In addition to its remarkable architecture and rich history, Villa Balleroy enjoys a privileged location near the sandy beaches of Cannes while benefiting from the proximity of the quiet and intimate Rothschild Park.

Prestigious neighboring villas

Neighborhood also known as the "English Quarter", it owes this nickname to the many English aristocrats who made it their vacation spot from 1835. Indeed, that year the English chancellor Lord Henry Brougham bought a plot of land west of the Suquet, a tower overlooking the port of Cannes, and built the Villa Éléonore-Louise. This one will remain known as the first resort villa of Cannes and launches the beginning of the frenzy of the British aristocracy to build secondary residences in this place. It is this trend that will make Cannes a first rank seaside destination from the first half of the 19th century. This first villa is now a luxury condominium listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region under the census of seaside heritage.

Not far away, there are other listed towns and parks, such as the Villa Rothschild and its park, which today houses the municipal library and media library and has been listed as a historical monument since 1991.

The park of Château Vallombrosa (1852) as well as the Villa Romée (designed by Georges-Henri Pingusson and Paul Furiet, and built in 1928), close neighbors of the Villa Balleroy, are also listed as historic monuments.

We also know the prestigious Venetian Palace, completed in 1999, which overlooks the bay of Cannes and the Croix des Gardes district, as well as the emblematic Château de la Croix des Gardes, another witness of the architectural splendor of the Belle Epoque and host of memorable parties during the Cannes Film Festival. It is said that Hitchcock had the idea to make it one of his sets for his successful film "To Catch a Thief", of which the French Riviera was the iconic setting.

Located in the heart of the Croix des Gardes district, these villas and their parks offer superb green spaces and contribute to the district's reputation as a green lung for the city of Cannes. The Rothschild Park, a magnificent garden renowned for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere, is a perfect example and is the only one accessible all year round to all. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century by the Rothschild family, and was designed an enchanting landscape by incorporating various landscape elements such as formal gardens, groves, ponds and fountains.

A privileged natural environment close to the city

But the green reputation of the Croix des Gardes is not limited to the gardens of the period villas, there is also the park of the Croix des Gardes. The natural forest park has been classified as a sensitive natural area by the department and the coastal conservatory. It is a well-known place for sunny strolls with a view of the sea or for sports training thanks to its 3.1km fitness trail. It confirms the green reputation of the neighborhood.

La Croix des Gardes remains a prized residential neighborhood, offering its residents a luxurious and quiet living environment in total privacy. Thus, it is a haven of peace offering a perfect mix between elegance and nature, while remaining a few minutes away from the center of Cannes, the Croisette and the beaches, all on foot or via the shuttles set up by the municipality.

Villa Balleroy is an exceptional property with a fascinating history and many special features that make it one of the most sought-after properties in the region. With its extensive landscaped gardens, nine spacious bedrooms and many original features, it offers a luxurious and comfortable living environment for those seeking a prestigious residence within walking distance of the center of Cannes.

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To visit it or to learn more about its history and its high quality services, contact our Private Desk, your privileged contact on the French Riviera for confidential prestige real estate.

privatedesk@cotedazur-sothebysrealty.com

+33 (0)4 92 92 12 88