Matisse is known for his use of vibrant colours, bold lines and statement creations. By looking at his career and art across the decades you can trace his life, sentiments and inspiration. The French Riviera, its light, climate and artistic environment was a major factor in Matisse’s creative instincts.

There is an expressive painting of Nice named “Tempête à Nice’ captured by Matisse in 1919, on the balcony of the Hotel Mediterranee on the famed Promenades des Anglais, where he had retreated after his umbrella/easel set up would not stand the unseasonal rain. The painting is imbued with a sense of heaviness, resulting from the relentless waves and disappointment at the lack of the famed light and backdrop he had expected. But then the Riviera does what it does best. It shone. The dramatic colours, architecture and shoreline gleamed, Matisse sat back down once more and the rest is history! 

The French Riviera had a decisive impact on Matisse’ form, style and works, with the lifestyle and climate trickling into his works, his once ‘fauves’ status tamed, giving room for exploration in styles, cleaner forms, alternative techniques and subjects.  

In Cimiez, a well-heeled neighbourhood set in the hills of Nice, visitors can explore the collection of his works and life in a dedicated museum, with many of the works donated by Matisse himself. In addition to exceptional canvasses and displays, photography shows Matisse in his home studio where he created the famous cut out series, which gained him recognition as a leading figure of the modern art movement. Those photographs capture Matisse at work and home, but what about a personal tour? We invite you to explore the former home of Matisse, rare to the market, nearly 70 years after his passing.

“The striking panoramic views over the Terracotta rooftops and ever-changing azure of the Mediterranean, make this a difficult balcony to leave but luckily enough, vast picture windows frame the view throughout the property.” Salomon Ouahnich of Savills talks us through the property which Matisse once called home.

Here elegance, clean lines and captivating views reign. Yes, the presentation and style has changed, and the turn of the decades has brought modernisation but the DNA of the effortlessly stylish remains, a backdrop to Matisse’ inspiration for sure.

A double reception room of 50 sq m, complete with marble fireplace and parquet floors, provides a bright, welcoming entry to the property and is joined by a modern kitchen and library style setting, ideal for relaxing and home working. These extensive reception spaces offer a balance between entertaining and private space, matched by the master bedroom suite, further bedroom, storage and dressing room.

“This is an inspiring setting; no wonder Matisse was so productive as an artist during his years here. The views, the setting, the lifestyle and let’s not forget the artistic community of the Riviera that he surrounded himself in. I am sure this will prove an equally inspiring setting for future residents and I look forward to working with a buyer looking for a truly unique home with history.” Salomon Ouahnich, Savills.

Set in a landmark building of Nice, Regina, the building carries a history to match the appeal of Matisse. Designed by architects Biasini, Gordolon and with help from the world-renowned Eiffel, Regina, truly was fit for a queen, as the presence of the British Queen Victoria became patron and namesake of the residence, which at that time functioned as hotel. Set in Cimiez, a charming neighbourhood rising above the city of Nice, favoured at the time by royalty, aristocrats and captains of industry, this was a setting as luxurious then as today, complete with extensive communal gardens, tennis courts and swimming pool matched by glamorous entrances, sweeping staircases and ceilings heights rarely seen in more modern builds.

For future residents the lifestyle offered by the apartment is second to now agrees Salomon Ouahnich of Savills. “This would be an ideal family home as the neighbourhood boasts excellent schools, facilities and amenities, but I can see this also be an ideal second home, a weekend retreat for a busy city worker looking to relax and recharge amidst peaceful surroundings” and what better place to do that than this truly inspirational artistic home.

For more information regarding this exceptional Riviera home, to arrange a viewing or to start your search today, contact our dedicated team of property experts.

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