Chateau in Théoule-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes

At Théoule-sur-Mer, overlooking the Bay of Cannes, where the red rocks of the Massif de l'Estérel descend towards the Mediterranean, Propriété Guerguy occupies an extraordinary position on the Côte d'Azur. Its combination of history, landscape, architectural potential and approved development rights would be exceptionally difficult to recreate today.

From its elevated setting, the panorama opens across the Mediterranean, the coastline and the wooded hills of the Estérel. Here, sea, sky and mountains combine to create an almost theatrical sense of place, with the surrounding landscape becoming an integral part of the property's architectural identity.

THE PROPERTY AND ITS SETTING

Propriété Guerguy comprises 8,378 m² of private land. Immediately behind it lie more than 12 hectares of additional non-buildable woodland, separately owned and not included in the sale. This adjoining natural landscape considerably enhances the property's visual setting and its sense of openness.

The existing buildings, once home to a celebrated hotel and restaurant, are in a state requiring comprehensive rehabilitation. Their transformation offers an opportunity to reconcile the property's architectural heritage with the expectations of contemporary private residential living.

The lead image and other architectural visualisations illustrate the approved renovation project. They do not represent the property's present condition.

AN APPROVED PROJECT FOR A SINGLE PRIVATE RESIDENCE

An approved residential project provides for the transformation of the property into one exceptional private residence of approximately 1,500 m².

The authorised scheme combines the rehabilitation and transformation of approximately 1,200 m² of existing structures with a new extension of approximately 300 m².

Importantly, the approved project is exclusively for a single private residence. It does not provide for hotel operation, commercial redevelopment or subdivision into apartments.

The architectural concept establishes an ambitious framework while allowing the future owner meaningful opportunities to personalise the residence. Interior configurations can be developed around individual preferences, while certain modifications to the approved design may also be considered, subject to the necessary planning permissions.

Within the protected natural environment of the Estérel, opportunities to undertake projects of comparable scale are rare and carefully regulated. The architectural design, planning studies and discussions with the relevant authorities have already established a valuable framework for the property's future.

MAURICE AZOULAY: ARCHITECTURAL CONTINUITY AND EXPERTISE

A particularly important advantage is the ongoing involvement of Maurice Azoulay, the architect responsible for the approved project.

Having been closely involved in the property's architectural and planning evolution over many years, Maurice possesses detailed knowledge of the existing buildings, the site's particular constraints and the reasoning behind the authorised design.

The project emerged from an extensive process of architectural reflection, during which different possible futures for the property were examined before the current single-residence concept was developed in dialogue with the relevant planning authorities.

Maurice has personally confirmed his willingness to accompany the future purchaser through the next stages of the project, from consideration of potential personalisations to its architectural realisation and completion.

For a purchaser seeking to create a highly individual residence, this continuity of knowledge and experience represents an important practical advantage. Rather than starting from the beginning with an unfamiliar team, the future owner has the opportunity to work with the architect who helped establish the project's architectural and planning foundations.

Any future professional engagement with Maurice Azoulay would be subject to a separate agreement, and any modifications to the authorised project would remain subject to the applicable regulations and necessary approvals.

A REMARKABLE CHAPTER OF CÔTE D'AZUR HISTORY

The property's history adds a dimension rarely found in contemporary residential opportunities.

In its later life as Hôtel Guerguy La Galère, the property became an intimate establishment of just 14 rooms, celebrated for its exceptional gastronomic reputation.

Under restaurateur Lucien Guerguy, the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 1970 and a second in 1972. For a period, this small establishment overlooking the Mediterranean ranked among the distinguished gastronomic destinations of the Côte d'Azur.

A particularly evocative surviving record of that era is the hotel's historic Livre d'Or, or guest book. Its pages contain the names of Serge Gainsbourg, Charlotte Rampling, Pierre Cardin and Jean-Michel Jarre, among many other personalities.

Although a signature does not necessarily establish the circumstances or duration of a particular visit, the guest book offers a tangible record of the international artists, actors, designers and musicians whose paths crossed this remarkable establishment over the years.

Following the end of its activity as a hotel and restaurant, the property gradually fell into abandonment. Its surviving architecture now awaits a new purpose.

Its next chapter can be entirely different.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE SOMETHING PERSONAL

Rather than acquiring someone else's completed vision, the purchaser of Propriété Guerguy has the opportunity to reinterpret a historic Côte d'Azur property around a contemporary way of life.

The interiors, terraces, gardens and relationship between architecture, sea and mountains can be reconsidered within the approved planning framework to reflect the personal tastes, lifestyle and collections of its future owner.

The opportunity is not simply to restore an old building. It is to give a distinguished place a new identity while preserving the qualities that make it irreplaceable.

Cannes and its international infrastructure are readily accessible, as is Cannes-Mandelieu Airport. Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport connects the region with major European and international destinations.

Yet Théoule-sur-Mer retains an atmosphere distinctly different from the more urbanised parts of the coastline: wilder, more natural and intimately shaped by the meeting of the Estérel and the Mediterranean.

This is not a turnkey property. It is intended for a purchaser seeking something substantially rarer: a remarkable location, genuine architectural scale, historical identity and the freedom to create a deeply personal residence rather than simply occupy one conceived by somebody else.

Its past provides character. It does not dictate its future.

For its next owner, the next chapter has yet to be written.

All architectural visualisations are non-contractual artistic representations of the approved renovation project and do not depict the property's current condition. Final details may vary, subject where applicable to the necessary authorisations.
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Information about risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website : https://www.georisques.gouv.fr