presented by the private desk of côte d’azur sotheby’s international realty, the domaine des aspres is one of the largest and most prestigious private estates on the french riviera. nestled in the commune of biot, just a few kilometers from the iconic cap d’antibes, this extraordinary property spans an impressive 182 hectares of preserved natural landscape, offering absolute privacy and rare proximity to the region’s major points of interest.
perfectly located, this unique estate lies just 3 kilometers from the mediterranean sea and less than 10 kilometers from nice côte d’azur international airport—an exceptional level of accessibility for a property of this scale. antibes, cannes, monaco, sophia antipolis, and valbonne are all nearby, placing the domaine in an ideal balance between seclusion, nature, and the vibrant riviera lifestyle.
at the heart of the estate stands a magnificent belle époque château, built in the 1920s by léon bailby, a prominent figure of the french press. designed by architect messiah—also known for the villa ephrussi de rothschild in saint-jean-cap-ferrat and the palais masséna in nice—the château is a refined testament to the riviera’s architectural elegance of the era. offering approximately 1,700 sq.m. of living space, it is set within 40 hectares of wooded parkland in the southern part of the estate, the area closest to the sea. the château features fine stonework, a stately courtyard, multiple rooftops, and impressive towers—combining noble presence with timeless harmony.
extensively renovated in 2010, the château offers modern comforts and high-end finishes, including air conditioning, high-speed wi-fi, marble bathrooms, and carefully restored original paintings. the service quarters remain to be refurbished, offering customization potential for the future owner’s vision.
the estate’s outdoor spaces are equally captivating. the château is surrounded by beautifully designed gardens with diverse influences: a grand 2,000 sq.m. french formal garden to the south, a spanish-style garden to the east, and stunning italian gardens to the southwest. the grounds feature a poetic sequence of natural terraces, stairways, and ornamental pools, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the property. the gardens are serviced by an automated irrigation system and discreet underground lighting. access to the château is via a private, secure, and secluded driveway.
one of the estate’s most iconic features is its olympic-size swimming pool—an art-deco masterpiece. measuring 25 meters in length, it was the very first pool of its kind on the french riviera and was inaugurated in the 1930s by marlene dietrich. it later served as a training facility for french athletes ahead of the 1936 olympic games. today, it is accompanied by an elegant 80 sq.m. pool house and a triple diving platform.
the domaine also includes several secondary residences, some located in buildable zones. these include les oliviers, la cigalière, and la maguelone—classified in zone n—as well as les cygnes and le paradou, located in uec zones, offering opportunities for renovation or development, depending on the buyer’s plans.
the domaine des aspres is a true sanctuary—where heritage, nature, and understated luxury exist in perfect harmony. this rare property offers its future owners an exceptional quality of life, in one of the most coveted settings on the french riviera. with its scale, heritage, amenities, and strategic location, it represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity on the international real estate market.
for confidential inquiries and private viewings, contact the private desk of côte d’azur sotheby’s international realty.
