Villa Egerton on the French Riviera

 One of the French Riviera's most exclusive and storied rental properties, Villa Egerton is finally back in commission following a six-year, multimillion euro restoration project that has returned it to its turn-of-the-century splendour. With artisanal touches, classic opulence and 

views across the Bay of Monaco

 Built in 1902 by sought-after Belle Époque architect George Tersling, who designed palatial homes for aristocrats and high-flyers across the Côte d'Azur, Villa Egerton carries the signature art nouveau grandeur of the time – and a historic guest list to match. Its famously wealthy neighbourhood of Roquebrune was the site of fabled parties in the 1940s and '50s, where the likes of Greta Garbo, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Coco Chanel and Man Ray mingled and revelled. Winston Churchill, it is rumoured, spent several summers penning his memoirs in the villa gardens.

 But its heyday is far from over – going under the scaffolds recently has reaffirmed Villa Egerton's lavish past while introducing the mod cons every millionaire craves. The 7,500-sq-m property now boasts expansive outdoor entertainment areas, including a travertine pool terrace bar, cooking facilities, a heated pool, a Jacuzzi hot tub and several options for open-air dining and unwinding. Inside, guests find seven bedrooms, three lounges, two state-of-the-art kitchens, a grand dining hall,

 a sun room and an office.

 A further 1,000 sq m are dedicated to entertainment, from the spacious hall for soirées to the Italian wine cellar, the secret bar hidden away behind a bookcase, and the home cinema with more films than one can even hope to watch during a week's rental. There's WiFi indoors and out, as well as satellite TV for those who can tear themselves away from the stunning views over the gardens and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

 No detail was left untouched, either, calling in Fucina Boranga Artistica (who did the gates at the Colosseum in Rome) for custom-made ironwork, and appointing Italian artisans from Mariani Affreschi to hand-paint the gold leaf detailing and freshen up fresco murals. Perks like housekeeping and a concierge service, as well as necessities such as utmost discretion and top security,

 are all taken care of in the villa rental.

During peak season in July and August, Villa Egerton is priced at €300,000 per month or €90,000 per week.  During low season, between November and April, the villa rents at €150,000 per month or €45,000 per week. The villa rental includes two housekeepers, concierge service, daily continental breakfasts, interior and exterior WiFi, satellite television and a movie library. A luxury service package includes three housekeepers, a butler, chef, chauffeur and a twice-weekly fresh flower service. This is priced at an additional €11,000 for a week, €18,000 for two weeks and €30,000 per month.

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Villa Egerton