Set across the hills of Mont Boron overlooking Nice, Villa Beausite is recognisable on the Nice skyline by its famous arched columns and honey-coloured pillared turret, which offer a hint to the historical décor and architecture hidden behind its doors. 

"Stepping into Beausite is like stepping into a novel, but only half way through the plot, you immediately know there is so much more than meets the eye. This is a property with soul, a place of history where if the walls could talk they would speak of soirées, socialites, artists, a century plus of history and its larger than life owners." Alex Balkin.

Amongst residents of the city this historic Nice villa is well known, pinpointed on the horizon by its fairytale-esk features, the villa is celebrated for its unique heritage and esteemed past residents and many wish for the villa to be restored to its former glory by a new owner.

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Each chapter of this historic villa’s story sees a new owner, someone who adds, embellishes, transforms and moulds Beausite into the property it is today, a property waiting for a new owner to once again rebuild its rooms into bustling places for families and friends to meet, shape its gardens into a favourite retreat and again frame the property on the Nice skyline.

The villa boasts an interesting patronage hailing from the varied backgrounds of entrepreneurs, merchants, architects, diamond traders and a famous artist, poet and harpist, all whom have added to the villa's unique features, background and style. Originally built in 1870 by an Italian entrepreneur, the villa was further transformed by the British merchant Achille Larrey in 1890 with the addition of a more elaborate exterior, mixing styles of architecture and decoration plus three additional villas. From the road a rather discreet entrance opens to reveal the eclectic mix of buildings which embody heritage and majestic décor of a bygone age.

After this transformation, followed the 20-plus years as a family home to the diamond trader Lewis Lindon and what a home this must have been to grow up in, a true secret garden style backdrop for games and family gatherings, celebrations in the richly decorated rooms complete with frescoes and panelling and holidays against the background of the Mediterranean.

Finally, the villa passed into the hands of Gisele Tissier, a renowned artist, poet and harpist, whose arrival in Nice must have been as eye opening as that of Queen Victoria herself decamping each season. Reportedly it took ten train carriages to transport her belongings, which included 18 harps and three pianos, from her Paris home, but ultimately it was a move that provided great inspiration as Madame Tissier composed over 400 musical scores during her time as owner, ultimately bequeathing many instruments to the city in her name.

Today Villa Beausite needs a new owner, ready to write the next chapter for this unique property and honour its tradition of evolution to once again stake its rightful claim as a sparkling jewel on the hillside above the glistening bay below. And what an adventure that would be, 

“I can not wait to see what a new owner uncovers as they work on this house, I have a feeling there are some fantastic surprises hidden within the old walls that will offer us a glimpse into the lives and loves of its residents and visitors, you never even know, maybe Monsieur Lindon left a few hidden diamonds himself. Treasure or no treasure, this will once again be a home to inspire and welcome. “

To learn more about this elegant home, visit our website listing or contact our dedicated multilingual team to arrange a viewing and discuss your search requirements.