A large 19th-century dwelling with a garden and sea views, in the historical centre of a village near Grasse - ref 810939
A large 19th-century dwelling with a garden and sea views, in the historical centre of a village near Grasse.
In the south of the Alpes-Maritimes department, at the top of a hill, the property is located in a village, which was founded in the 12th century by the lords of Opio. Having been able to preserve its original central layout, the village features pedestrian lanes, running parallel to the hill's edge, which wind their way to the summit, facing the coast, where the village's buildings are organised around a main square. Deliberately accommodating only a very small number of shops, the neighbourhood is renowned for its peace and quiet, while, thanks to the village's many natural springs, woods abound along its outskirts.
In addition, the property is easily accessible from the B road, which connects the coast to the countryside. As for the cities of Antibes and Cannes, they are only 30 minutes away, while the village is also located at the foot of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park and within proximity to the Verdon Regional Natural Park as well.
Located halfway down a pedestrian lane, the dwelling is aligned with its neighbouring, southwest-facing buildings, the rear exteriors of which enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside and the sea, thanks to the height of the hill. As for the dwelling, built out of pointed rubble stone, it has four storeys, plus an attic level, and is topped with a barrel tile gable roof, partially bordered by a double genoise cornice on its garden side. Featuring randomly-placed windows in a variety of shapes (square, rectangle or arched), partially safeguarded by wrought-iron grills or varnished wooden shutters, the dwelling has undergone many transformations between the Middle Ages - the period in which its foundations seem to have been built - and the 19th century, which has created, like in the neighbouring houses, a unique interior layout: some rooms having encroached on the adjacent buildings, while others have relinquished space to them.
In addition, behind these dwellings, a series of well maintained terraced levels and gardens - including this property's very own - facing south towards the coast, stretching from Antibes to Théoule, makes it seem as if the adjoining dwellings are overlooking a vast verdant garden landscaped into different areas and levels, even though each property's access is limited to their own plot of land.
The DwellingDating in all likelihood from the Middle Ages, this solid construction's thick walls are made out of local stone, while wide wooden ceiling beams support its various levels. As for its different floors, they are connected via a staircase with terracotta tile steps, wooden nosing and a metal guardrail, while the floors are clad in terracotta tiles, the colour of which contrasts with the dazzling whiteness of the dwelling's walls. In addition, outside, the dwelling's rear wall is vertically cadenced by a kind of brick chimney block - the origin and usage of which is unknown - providing the exterior with a touch of originality.
The ground floor
Accessible via original wooden carriage doors, located halfway down the pedestrian lane, this level was once reserved for domestic animals and still includes troughs and other stone details dating from the dwelling's construction. As for the wide entrance hall, it features the staircase to the upper floors as well as access to several small storage rooms, two cellars and a machine room.
The first floor
Representing the main living area, accessible via the staircase from the ground floor, a large living room is bathed in light by two wide windows and glass double doors that provide direct access to the garden to the south as well as, a window facing the street. Featuring a massive wooden beam that laterally traverses the room and supports the other ...