Buy a Piece of French History

July 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Villa Les Colombières the former home of Ferdinand Bac – FOR SALE

Villa Les Colombières is a truly unique property and home to the exquisite frescos, sculptures and garden designs of the celebrated artist and architect, Ferdinand Bac. The property is now listed as an Historic Monument and sits in the hills above the village of Menton on the French Riviera.

Bac discovered the property in 1920 when he was asked by his friends Emile & Caroline Octavie Ladan – Bockairy to find them a winter home on the French Riviera. They placed Bac in sole charge of the renovation of the house and gardens with him even going so far as to travel to Paris to purchase Greek and Roman antiquities as well as copies from the Louvre collection. The house and grounds, now restored, survive as a testament to the artistry of this great man.

The villa is modelled on the Villa Adriana de Tibur close to Rome where, in the second century AD, the Emperor Hadrian created reproductions of all the monuments and works of art he had admired during his travels. In 1926 Bac wrote “I feel myself in a way the student of Hadrian, that great solitary man, a refined and disdainful traveller, who wanted to transform a garden into the temple of his memories and who carved in it an immense nostalgia”. In the garden at Villa les Colombières, Bac succeeded in creating his own temple of memories, with the garden design, architecture and sculptures all inspired by images of classical mythology.

Inside, the frescos take you on a tour of the Mediterranean, through Italy, Greece, Spain and beyond. The vibrant colours and use of stained glass seduce the senses and create a truly unique interior.

In later years Villa Les Colombières became a luxurious bed and breakfast. However in 1995, this exceptional villa and gardens were purchased by Michael and Margaret Likierman and have been completely renovated and restored to their former “Bac” splendour whilst at the same time discreetly incorporating all the comforts of modern living.

Burger Sotheby’s International Realty are delighted to bring such a unique property to the market “Les Colombières is the kind of property that deserves only the very best and as part of the Sotheby’s brand we are able to ensure that this property is seen not just as a villa but as the work of art that was intended by Bac” says Jean Francois-Favelier, owner of Burger Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Burger Sotheby’s International Realty is the exclusive representative of Sotheby’s International Realty on the French Riviera. The group has 6 offices throughout the region and offers luxury property for sale and to rent to clients choosing to invest, buy a second home or re-locate to the French Riviera.

The Burger Realty group was founded in the late 1970’s by Jean-Francois Favelier and Maria-Anna Burger with the aim of focussing on the sale of luxury real estate throughout the South of France. Today, as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty, Burger Sotheby’s International Realty specialise in the sale and rental of some of the most luxurious properties on the French Riviera, matching discerning, international clients with exclusive properties throughout the region.