The castle of La Colle Noire, built in the 1800s, was bought by Christian Dior in 1950 and redesigned by André Svetchine. A hall was created from scratch by Dior himself, using the motif of his childhood villa. After the artist died in 1957, the current owners turned the castle into a place dedicated to his spirit. It provides 1,200 sq m of living space on three levels and close to 30 rooms. Says the Cannes Mercure agency: “Part of the property reminds you of a castle, while the other resembles a Provence farm. In pristine condition, it allows for a fantastic view on the Fayence valley and the mountain range in a romantic setting.” There are two kitchens on the ground floor, a vast living room and a dining room, which opens on a wooded terrace and pergola. The visible painted beams, Provence floor tiles and bay-windows make it an ideal reception area. Upstairs, one finds 18 finely decorated rooms (including 7 suites) with private bathrooms, a splendid lounge with a wide clearance, a terrace and a fireplace. On the grounds of a 12-acre park planted with oaks, eucalyptus trees and flower beds stands a 100 sq m keeper’s house. The Dior-designed “water mirror”, a 40 m-wide pond, fits nicely along the kitchen garden, tennis court, pool and consecrated 12th Century chapel. In addition to 1,500 sq m of improved land, a lot adjacent allows for a further 3,000 sq m. All of this is but a short distance from nearby shops, a golf course and several spas, while Cannes is 30 min away. Proposed price: 21 million euros

Estate agent: Agence Internationale Mercure Côte d'Azur, 06400 Cannes. Tél. : 06 79 88 42 46. http://www.agencemercure.fr

Photo : © Franck Follet