Windsor suite sells for $25 million: a riviera retreat reborn
A former haven for King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson has just hit the market for a staggering €29 million – a testament to the enduring allure of the French Riviera.
A royal legacy resurrected
The newly renovated Hôtel Le Provençal in Juan-les-Pins, shuttered since 1977, is offering a slice of history and opulent glamour. This isn't just a property sale; it's a chance to own a piece of 20th-century royal intrigue.
From abdication to affection
In 1938, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor – then King Edward VIII – sought refuge from the turmoil of their relationship and the pressures of the British throne at Le Provençal. They’d spent months waiting for renovations on their Château de la Croë, and the hotel became their sanctuary. Frank Jay Gould, an American tycoon, graciously hosted them as guests, cementing the hotel’s place in history.
A design masterclass
John Caudwell, the hotel developer and mobile phone billionaire, spearheaded the hotel’s resurrection in 2014, meticulously restoring the original Art Deco charm of Villa Jardin. He’s not shy about taking credit – a £250,000 statue of himself now proudly graces the hotel’s exterior. ‘I’m so proud of it [Le Provençal],' Caudwell declared, ‘I just want my name associated with it forever because, you know, it has been a ten-year work of art.’
Details that define decadence
The property boasts five bedrooms, each meticulously designed with a palette of ivory and terracotta, echoing the Windsor’s preferred aesthetic. Imagine waking to a view overlooking Cap d’Antibes, stepping onto a private terrace spanning nearly 10,000 square feet, and taking a dip in a 36-foot swimming pool. A private guest house adds to the exclusivity.
A symphony of style
The interiors are a meticulously curated collection of vintage and contemporary pieces. Antique ivory silk wallpaper, hand-painted by de Gournay, transforms the dining room into a miniature landscape reminiscent of the couple’s Parisian Home, Villa Windsor. A navy family room mirrors the ambiance of Le Moulin de la Tuilerie, while the study, bathed in terracotta hues, provides a sophisticated workspace. Inside, Caudwell Designs has injected a modern sensibility, blending eccentric retro accents with clean, contemporary design.
Entrance hall grandeur
The entrance hall is an immediate statement, featuring Art Deco-inspired columns and white marble flooring, complemented by a stunning stained-glass window. Looking deeper, you'll find a chandelier inspired by Alberto Giacometti, alongside Song Dynasty-style lamps and a table by Massimo Mangiardi – a carefully considered collection evoking the couple’s refined tastes.
A taste of the riviera
Beyond the opulent interiors, the property offers unparalleled outdoor living. A teak dining table by Philippe Colette, paired with Gommaire chairs, anchors the private terrace. The pool house, complete with a chef’s kitchen and bar, promises al fresco dining experiences worthy of the Windsors themselves. Simpson, it seems, would have been entirely content with a chilled glass of champagne.
The final word
This isn’t just about owning a luxurious villa; it’s about inheriting a legacy. Le Provençal stands as a vibrant testament to a bygone era, offering a rare opportunity to experience the glamour and intrigue of the French Riviera at its finest – and at a price that reflects its extraordinary history.