Napoleonic manor sold between Toulon and Hyères

BARNES Littoral Varois recently made one of the greatest sales in the Toulon property market over the course of 2019. The 19^th century manor house located between Toulon and Hyères spans some 20,450 sq ft and is set amid some 7.4 acres of woodland, with private access to the sea to boot.

An extraordinary property

This 3-storey property, characteristic of the Napoleonic style, was built by renowned Danish architect H.G. Tersling, and offers magnificent panoramic sea views. The landscaped, tree-lined garden exudes a certain Victorian lushness, complete with majestic palm trees, fragrant pines and numerous flowerbeds. The elegant combination of the house, the grounds and the breathtaking setting creates an undeniable sense of calm and luxury. A beautiful path through the gardens leads to a beach with a rocky cave providing a comfortable haven, while the sheer tranquillity of this shoreline provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of the sea. The property’s excellent location, away from the motorways and fully enclosed, makes it an exceptional location for hosting lavish receptions, but one that still affords the desired peace & quiet and privacy.

A manor with plenty of stories to tell

In 1897, heir to La Compagnie des Hauts Fourneaux de la Marine et des Chemins de Fer, Jules Pétin acquired some 37 acres of land on the Pradetan coast. He called upon the services of famous Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling to build a Napoleon III-style residence known as La Villa Germaine. The manor was maintained by the Pétin family until 1939, before being occupied by the Germans until 1945. In the wake of World War II, the French railway company SNCF purchased the manor and renamed it Rocabella. The property then underwent a period of restructuring to adapt it to its new life as an orphanage and later a holiday centre for children. Decorator Patrice Nourissat acquired Rocabella in 2000. Major renovation work was carried out over a period of 5 years to restore its identity so that he could host family and friends in complete privacy. Throughout this time, the property was, however, exalted on the big screen.

BARNES asserts its presence on the high-end market in Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur

The high-end property market of the Var coast is as dynamic as ever. “Sales in our sector primarily involve French buyers, although we are seeing an increase in the number of transactions involving international buyers, who are still very much attracted to the Var coastline and hinterland”, explains Philippe Braunsteffer, Director of BARNES Littoral Varois.

Ground floor: The ground floor comprises a magnificent entrance hall of around 1,076 sq ft with a large staircase leading to the 1st floor and a series of 4 adjoining rooms, starting with the 592 sq ft library, followed by a pretty 996 sq ft winter garden with a large, elegant bow window that opens onto a large 1,076 sq ft living room with a fireplace and finally a 678 sq ft dining room. Fully equipped kitchen also included.

Garden level: The garden level mainly comprises a large, professional kitchen overlooking the gardens and summer dining areas, with the facilities to cater for receptions, along with a utility room and various cellars.

First floor: There are 6 bedrooms on this floor (915 sq ft, 624 sq ft, 592 sq ft, 560 sq ft, 431 sq ft and 269 sq ft respectively), 4 of which have balconies with sea and garden views. Each has independent access, a bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. There is also a laundry room on this floor.

Second floor: This floor houses 4 air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own walk-in wardrobe and private bathroom.

In addition to the property itself:

• A guest house featuring 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a laundry room and a kitchenette.
• 3 self-contained apartments.
• An 861 sq ft workshop.

Outside: wooded grounds, a swimming pool, 2 summer dining rooms, parking areas.

If you, too, are interested in purchasing an upmarket property with as much charm as Rocabella, contact our BARNES Littoral Varois team.