Le Tigne

Emerging from its rocky hillside, the stone walls and terraces of this family villa seem to have settled into the landscape a long time ago. This is a testament to subtle design, for in fact the house is a newcomer to its timeless setting, tiered to follow the lie of the land, and precisely placed for the best of wide-open panoramas. A covered dining terrace gazes out to the views and an indoor/ outdoor sitting area, with full height sliding doors, is topped by a first floor balcony. Both overlook the swimming pool and broad poolside terrace, encircled in gardens with pines, young palms and a terraced olive grove.

Raftered ceilings frame king-size bedrooms furnished in timber or wrought iron. Built-in sofas are piled with creamy white cushions in the sitting room, and mod-cons include Sky TV, WiFi, and an iPod loaded with 3000 tracks. With a restaurant in Cabris 1.5km away, and a local market in nearby Peymenade, Le Tigne is just 7km from Grasse, and within easy reach of Cannes and Antibes.