Description
Mediterranean modernity on the heights of Mandelieu
This villa, designed by architect Pierre Roux-Dorlut for himself, combines the freedom of organic design, a synthesis of the arts, and local references in a typical 1970s modernist approach. Located at the top of a hill in a secure private estate, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the sea, the Lérins Islands, the Bay of Cannes, Mandelieu, and the Estérel.
The high-end property extends over a landscaped park of 11,500 m², adorned with several ornamental pools, sculptures, and an irrigation system. With its curved design, the villa blends into its natural environment and offers a living area of 477,82 m² (461,29 m² LC) over two main levels.
An exterior staircase bordered by landscaped beds leads to the bronze entrance door, which opens onto a large entrance hall with windows framing the horizon. A kitchen with a dining area and a bright living room are bordered by a large sunny terrace overlooking the landscape. A TV lounge, two suites with bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms (one with a private terrace), and a laundry room complete this level.
On the garden level, a reception area arranged over several half-levels includes a double-height living room with a monumental see-through fireplace, set between a typical “conversation pit” of the period and the dining room with a bar area. A second kitchen opens onto a terrace with a built-in barbecue. A walkway bordering a patio with a sculptural concrete pool leads to a double-height glass-walled office with a mezzanine accessed by a metal staircase designed by Roger Tallon. The sleeping area consists of two suites with bathrooms and terraces.
The outdoor spaces are arranged in several terraces integrated into the landscape. An oval mirror-effect pool with graphic ceramics features a diving board with an integrated fountain, a solarium, a jacuzzi, and a pool house with a gym, shower-hammam, and sauna. A 30 m² insulated and ventilated wine cellar is accessible from the terrace.
The property also includes a double garage, numerous outdoor parking spaces (16 in total), and a 50.47 m² guest or caretaker’s house with a living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
The villa is located in a closed and fully secured private estate.
It benefits from an ideal environment just 15 minutes from Cannes and 30 minutes from Nice airport, with direct access to the marina of La Rague.
Liberation of forms
The villa features an impressive curved structure with dynamic lines, combining the modernity of organic design and homage to local references in a typical 1970s modernist approach. Its sculptural aspect is enhanced by the use of uniform render and exposed structural elements with careful graphic treatment. The integration of the building and its outdoor arrangements into the landscape has been meticulously crafted. The natural rocks that make up the site have been preserved and emerge from the outdoor terraces, seeking to integrate topographical elements into the architectural project.
This constructive philosophy is reflected inside, where the architect designs a soft spatiality with natural and fluid circulation. The ample volumes are animated by half-levels following the movement of the terrain, and variations in ceiling height create a diversity of atmospheres. The spaces are immersed in the Mediterranean landscape and vegetation thanks to the generosity of the glazed openings, offering a place of great tranquility.
Pierre Roux-Dorlut implements a sensitive and scholarly approach where art and architecture intertwine. Each decorative element is designed in harmony with the overall project. The terrace mosaics, integrated sculptural elements such as the monumental see-through fireplace, the barbecue, and the outdoor pools, and the geometrically patterned terracotta wall coverings respond to each other, composing a luxurious setting carried by the spirit of innovation of the Trente Glorieuses.
The Maure Vieil Estate
Located west of Cannes, on the Gulf of La Napoule, the Maure Vieil estate (1968-1972) was initially conceived as a vacation village with typical 1970s architecture. The low-rise buildings are skillfully positioned along the slopes to preserve the views and privacy of each residence.
The estate is now a condominium of 115 residential units. The condominium features a communal pool, tennis courts, soccer, basketball, and petanque courts. Near the Old Course golf course and the Barbossi estate golf course, residents also enjoy direct access to the marina of La Rague.
Pierre Roux-Dorlut, Architect of the Trente Glorieuses
Pierre Roux-Dorlut (1919-1995) was a French architect and urban planner. Graduating from the École des Beaux-Arts in Marseille in 1941, he met Daniel Badani there. Together, they founded an agency in Montpellier in 1946 and actively participated in post-World War II reconstruction projects, producing extensive work.
In the 1950s, they worked in French West Africa, where they designed urban plans and numerous buildings in Abidjan (courthouse, airport, hospital), Dakar, Niamey, and Cameroon. In metropolitan France, they undertook major projects, constructing thousands of homes, notably in Sète, Béziers, Villiers-le-Bel, Nice, and the Gambetta Tower in La Défense. They also created an urban plan and public buildings in Créteil.
Their architecture is distinguished by its quality of design and attention to use. Badani and Roux-Dorlut excelled in creating light and innovative facades. Their collaboration with renowned engineers such as Jean Prouvé and Nicolas Esquillan allowed them to refine constructive details and experiment with advanced technical solutions.
Roux-Dorlut became an advisory architect for the Ministry of Equipment in Languedoc-Roussillon and then in Normandy. In 1968, he was appointed chief architect of the Ministry of Defense, where he designed the Armed Forces Operational Center. He made a significant impact on French urbanism through his work with local materials and architectural integration.
Technical information
Price: €2,990,000
Fees at the seller’s expense
Co-ownership
Property tax: €4,983
Heating: Reversible air conditioning, solar panels
Security system
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
ENERGY CLASS: C / CLIMATE CLASS: B
