Press Harper's Bazaar Spain - Les Moulins du Villars

Les Moulins du Villars, a haven of peace in the hinterland of Nice, has a rich history that is closely linked to that of the Monegasque princess, Grace Kelly.

The princess used to escape to destinations close to the Principality, on the Côte d'Azur, to enjoy the anonymity and disconnect from her official duties. One of her favourite destinations was the small village of Gilette, about 45 minutes from Nice, where the Moulins du Villars estate, where Grace Kelly once stayed, is now for sale.

It was in the 1970s that Count Jean Fernand Joseph Gouin de Roumilly turned the property into a meeting place for French high society. Among his illustrious guests was Grace Kelly, who visited for the first time in 1980, accompanied by her daughter Caroline and Prince Louis de Polignac. The princess fell in love with the region and returned several times before her untimely death in 1982. Since the 1990s, the house has been remodelled several times to reach its current state.

The house is set in 2.1 hectares of south-facing grounds. It enjoys uninterrupted views and natural spring streams, adding to the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. The estate on which the house is located is planted with olive trees for the production of organic extra virgin olive oil, as well as citrus and many other fruit trees which, together with over 100 cypresses, make the house a little lung by the sea. There are also two vegetable gardens.

The main villa is a former olive oil mill dating back in part to the 14th century, which was completely rebuilt to the highest quality standards in 2012. The villa has four floors connected by a lift and includes two spacious lounges, a kitchen and scullery, a wine cellar, four family bedrooms, two guest suites (each with a terrace), a single bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a study, a Bollywood-style TV room and a laundry room.

The house also boasts a Roman-era sanctuary used for events, as well as a guest house with two bedrooms and a poolside suite with Indian-inspired décor. Special mention should be made of the spectacular pool terrace overlooking the village of Gilette and the Latti valley.

No wonder Grace Kelly made it one of her favourite places to relax.

Read the dedicated article on Harper's Bazaar

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