Above the Esterel

Perched within the protected Estérel Residential Park on a vast landscaped plot, this villa delivers the kind of panoramic sweep over the Bay of Cannes that makes it difficult to leave the terrace. The heated outdoor pool and its shaded lounge area are the natural heart of the day, with the Mediterranean glittering in the distance and the Estérel mountains as a backdrop. Come evening, the alfresco dining terrace seats sixteen for dinner straight off the barbecue, while a rooftop solarium in the tower offers 360° views when the sun goes down. Inside, three distinct living areas – including a cinema room and a library with a fireplace – mean the villa earns its keep even on cooler evenings.

Home truths:
* The villa is arranged across multiple levels, including a tower bedroom that opens onto the roof terrace. You'll be using the stairs a fair amount, particularly if guests are spread across the suites and the tower room.
* You'll need a car to make the most of the area. The nearest amenities and motorway are a ten-minute drive away, with beaches and harbours around fifteen minutes, and Cannes about thirty minutes.
* There is secure parking here for up to five vehicles, accessed through an electric gate.