Exceptional 17th chateau for sale in 72 ha overlooking the Var valley, near Nice

In its own extensive estate of 72 hectares the Château is a wonderfully secluded property with breathtaking views on every aspect - over the Var valley south towards Nice and the Mediterranean, across the valley north to the Alpes Maritimes. Despite its secluded location the new access road means that Nice Airport is less than 25 minutes away.

The Château dates back to the 17th century but was extended and modified by the famous Riviera architect, André Svetchine, in the early sixties. Purchased by Lord Michael Sandberg in 1985, it was further renovated and modernised in 2012 and now presents truly luxurious accommodation combined with all modern amenities. Further accommodation for staff or guests is provided by a separate suite, part of the main house but not accessible from it, and by a guardian’s house and a provencal style farmhouse.
The Château is a uniquely historic property, providing luxurious accommodation in breathtaking surroundings.

Outstanding properties such as this Château are rarely available on the market. Once the home of the Comte de Martini, and still containing a now deconsecrated chapel, built in 1697 by Bishop Francois de Berton de Crillon, this historic house was beautifully extended and modified in 1960, by the architect André Svetchine who was famous for creating many classic masterpieces along the riviera. In 1985 the château was purchased by Lord Michael Sandberg, chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. The château underwent a further extensive renovation and modernisation in 2012 when it was bought from the family estate by Lord Michael’s eldest daughter, the Honourable Marion Sandberg and her husband, Captain Robert Lawrence MC.

The estate of over 70 hectares, complete with more than 350 Olive trees, is situated in the hills above Nice in a truly tranquil setting to the north of the village of Le Broc, and just above the confluence of the Esteron and Var rivers. The views from the château are spectacular, south across the Var River valley towards Nice and the Mediterranean, and north to the mountains of the Alpes Maritimes.
Accessed by private driveway through electrically controlled gates, there is also a new road, which leaves the estate via Basse Germaine. This provides even more convenient access to Nice Airport and the coast, now less than twenty five minutes drive away. Monaco is barely forty minutes away and the beaches of the Côte d'Azur are within half an hour. The Olympic ski resort of Isola 2000 is one and a half hours to the north.

MAIN PROPERTY:
GROUND FLOOR: On arrival the house is entered through the double Henri IV doors into the magnificent three story tower entrance hall. From there an original spiral staircase leads to the first and second floors and double doors lead to the main salon and wood panelled library and wet bar.
Entrance Hall: 20.9 m2
Salon: 46.6 m2
Library: 24.3 m2
Both the salon and library have double doors which in turn lead on to the lavender lawn, which is graced by a source fed water fountain. More double doors lead from the salon to the large double aspect dining room, which then leads outside to the garden and onto the dining area terrace, with its spectacular views of the Var river valley and its electrically operated shade awning.
A large arched access leads from the dining room into a fully equipped contemporary kitchen complete with a La Cornue gas oven and hob, an electric microwave and oven, a further convection oven, a Maytag fridge freezer, a cheese fridge and wine fridge plus two extractor fans, one above the induction hob and one above the gas hob.
Dining Room: 23.13 m2
Kitchen: 31.75 m2

Next to the kitchen there is a second reception room, a sitting room in which to relax and watch television, with access to the main gravelled courtyard. From the kitchen, open tread stone stairs lead up to the ‘White’ room, an en-suite bedroom with stunning views east over the Var valley. From the Sitting Room a private corridor leads to the ‘Provençal’ bedroom and bathroom.
Salon TV: 27.95 m2
Provencal bedroom: 18.46 m2
Bathroom: 6.86 m2
White bedroom: 18.42 m2

There are four further bedrooms spread out across the first and second floors which are reached via the staircase in the main entrance hall.
On the first floor there are 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, one being the master bedroom with two adjoining bathrooms.
The tower contains the charming circular ‘Tower’ bedroom en-suite, on the second floor.
Master bedroom: 40.2 m2
Master bathroom 1: 13.6 m2
Master dressing room: 14.27 m2
Master bathroom 2: 10.2 m2
Bridge bedroom: 10.04 m2
Bridge bathroom: 3.93 m2
Louis XV bedroom: 15.39 m2
Louis XV bathroom: 5.6 m2
Tower bedroom: 22.6 m2

Part of the main house but not accessible from within the château is the ‘Oriental’ room, a double bedroom with its own kitchen and bathroom suite.; it has its own front door situated in the lower gravel terrace and accessed by steps from the front courtyard.
Oriental bedroom: 24.5 m2
Oriental room bathroom: 4.2 m2
Oriental room kitchen: 4.8 m2

The beautifully restored interior is matched by the equally impressive outdoor areas which boast a main formal dining area on the terrace by the dining room, lawns for lounging, a fountain and Mediterranean garden. On the lower terrace there is a further private lawned garden complete with barbecue, and a loggia housing La Chasse Bar and dining area. Next to the bar, with its separate electrical awning, is a large covered area, suitable for alfresco dining or entertaining. Adjoining this area is a large laundry room and storage area, with its own shower and lavatory, and further storage with a fridge and freezer and separate wine cellar. The original 17th century chapel is also entered from this level.
Laundry room: 6.1 m2
Laundry room bathroom: 5.8 m2
Wine cellar: 14.7 m2
Exterior bar: 20 m2
Chapel: 49.5 m2

On the upper terrace and to the south of the house, a fully heated circular private saline pool (8m diameter) offers a fabulous sun terrace overlooked by impressive cliffs typical of “les collines nicoises”. The large estate surrounding the château ensures complete tranquility, security and privacy. Both entrances are protected by electric gates and security systems, the original main gate, and the gate on the new road from Basse Germaine. This new road, approved by local fire and rescue services, provides a private and direct axis to the main road in the Var valley, shortening the drive to Nice and the airport by almost 30 minutes.

GUARDIAN'S HOUSE
Perfect for full time staff or additional visitors, the guardians house provides accomodation close to the main house and spectacular valley views.
Sitting room: 36.4 m2
Bathroom: 5.7 m2
Bedroom 1: 17.3 m2
Bedroom 2: 10.5 m2
Bedroom 3/Bureau: 8.2 m2

PROVENCAL FARMHOUSE BASSE GERMAINE
A charming ‘provencal’ style farmhouse with new fosse septique and all utilities ready for further development lies south on the new access road.
Bedroom en suite: 19.5 m2
Salon: 27.0 m2
Kitchen: 14.5 m2
Sun Terrace 27.0 m2
Separate bedroom: 9.5 m2

The area surrounding the château is exceptionally beautiful. The medieval village of Le Broc is characterful and charming, boasting two excellent locally owned and highly regarded restaurants, a brand new supermarket, a bakery and Italian delicatessen. A 250 seat auditorium provides a centre for local arts and squash and tennis courts are also available. Nearby are the villages of Carros, Bouyon and Gilette, and the incomparably beautiful L’Esteron river flows nearby.
We are privileged to have known the family that owns this historic, charming and unique château for many years. It has been in their care for the last thirty-six years, during which time it has been nurtured and tastefully improved and maintained. It is rich in history and unique in many ways. We are honoured to present it, on behalf of the owners, to potential buyers.