The Côte d'Azur estate where Princess Margaret of Denmark and René made their home has recently been listed for sale.
Overlooking the French Riviera, the one-of-a-kind residence is known as La Carriere. It dates back to the 1920s, a majestic manor house built into the stone walls of a fortress.
The villa melds rustic charm with modern luxury, while the walls provide the ultimate in privacy and security. The list price, prior to auction, was $12 million.
Arched windows-and-stone accents give the villa a unique and enduring style. Multiple terraces offer generous views of the Riviera, and the Villefranche Bay, plus the turrets and ramparts of the castle-like surrounding fortress.
The landscaped grounds include lush lawns, mature trees, beautiful gardens, plus a pool surrounded by a stone grotto. The pool complex includes a detached studio.
Côte d'Azur is one of the world’s first resort areas and has long been a summer destination for Europe’s royalty, world celebrities, and artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
About half of the world’s super yachts visit the region every summer. With over 310 days of sunshine per year, the 71 miles of coastline and beaches are home to 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts and 3,000 restaurants.
Other celebrities with nearby villas include Bill Gates, Elton John and Bono. Princess Margaret died in 1992.