A Legendary French Riviera VIP Suite Transformed Into a $45 Million Triplex Penthouse

Long before Le Provençal became an exclusive collection of private residences on the glamorous coast of the Mediterranean, it stood as one of the French Riviera’s most iconic grand hotels. Perched dramatically above the azure waters of Cap d’Antibes, the landmark property once drew a steady stream of well-heeled international travelers, artists, and statesmen. Among its most notable historical guests was the Kennedy family, who famously spent idyllic summers on the Riviera during the late 1930s and returned repeatedly in the decades that followed. Now, a chapter of that glittering past has been reborn for the modern luxury real estate market, with one of the former hotel’s most prestigious VIP suites having been meticulously transformed into a sophisticated, multi-level penthouse.

Known as Penthouse Nacre, the grand triplex occupies the upper echelons—specifically the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors—of the renowned Art Deco landmark in Cap d’Antibes. The sprawling six-bedroom residence spans nearly 9,000 square feet of meticulously designed interior space. Complementing the expansive indoor footprint is an additional 3,825 square feet of outdoor terrace space, highlighted by a breathtaking private rooftop terrace featuring a 39-foot swimming pool that gazes out across the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea. The residence has hit the open market with an asking price of 40 million euros, or approximately $45 million, with its carefully curated interior furnishings available for purchase separately.

The storied history of the building stretches back to 1926, a golden era for the Riviera when visionary architect Lucien Stable designed the Hôtel Provençal. The grand establishment was originally commissioned by American millionaire Frank Jay Gould and his wife, Florence Lacaze Gould, who sought to create a Mediterranean sanctuary for the global elite. Over the decades, the hotel played host to a formidable roster of cultural icons and prominent figures. Literary giant Ernest Hemingway was among its frequent visitors, as was Francis Lenn Taylor, whose daughter would grow into the legendary Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor.

The property’s deep American roots gained further historical significance just before the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1938 and 1939, while serving as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Joseph P. Kennedy brought his family to the Riviera for extended summer holidays. The prominent political family’s entourage included his young sons John F. Kennedy, who would later ascend to the presidency of the United States, and Robert F. Kennedy, who would subsequently serve as the nation’s attorney general. The grand halls and sun-drenched terraces of Le Provençal bore witness to these historic figures during an era that forever cemented the French coastline’s reputation as a playground for international society.

After decades of fading glory and a prolonged period of being shuttered, the architectural masterpiece was given a new lease on life when British developer John Caudwell acquired the vacant hotel in 2014. Over the following years, Caudwell embarked on a massive, highly ambitious restoration project to convert the sprawling structure into an exclusive enclave consisting of 35 private residences. For the creation of Penthouse Nacre, Caudwell collaborated closely with Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, co-founder of the celebrated high-end design platform Invisible Collection. Together, they sought to craft an interior aesthetic that seamlessly bridges contemporary French design sensibilities with a rich selection of vintage and antique pieces. The resulting decor takes profound aesthetic cues from the Riviera’s legendary sun-soaked landscape and its long-standing heritage as a creative refuge for artists, intellectuals, and international aristocracy.

Spanning three distinct levels, the penthouse is exceptionally well-suited for both grand-scale entertaining and private family living. The floor plan incorporates multiple expansive living and entertaining areas, a striking cocktail bar originally designed by Willy Rizzo in 1971, a sophisticated club room, a custom-built professional-grade kitchen, two dedicated family lounges, a recreational games area, and a private home cinema. The luxurious primary suite serves as a private sanctuary, complete with its own dedicated terrace and two spacious walk-in dressing rooms. Meanwhile, the top-floor VIP guest suite offers visiting family or friends an elevated retreat that opens directly onto three private balconies and terraces, ensuring uninterrupted vistas of the surrounding coastal beauty.

Penthouse Nacre is far from the first historically significant residence within Le Provençal to capture the attention of the ultra-luxury real estate market. The building’s ongoing transformation has previously yielded several high-profile listings tied to its glamorous past. Last year, an exceptional apartment inspired by legendary American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald came to market priced at $9.7 million. Fitzgerald was famously known to have stayed at the hotel and would often delight guests and passersby by singing directly from her window. Additionally, Villa Jardin—the former private suite utilized by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor following their abdication—was listed earlier this year with an asking price of $33.6 million.

Residents within the exclusive Le Provençal development enjoy a suite of five-star amenities designed to rival the world’s finest resorts. These include dedicated concierge services, round-the-clock valet parking, an on-site spa, a private cinema, and expansive, manicured landscaped gardens complete with a 98-foot swimming pool. Furthermore, the property’s privileged location places residents adjacent to the renowned Hôtel Belles Rives, granting them effortless access to its Michelin-starred restaurant, world-class spa facilities, and an exclusive private beach club along the Mediterranean shore.