“I was awestruck by the poetry of the place, strange and beautiful—it was like being in an artwork.” -Beata Heuman, interior designer
Sitting on the tip of Cap Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur is a villa filled with interior inspiration, magical artwork, and unexpected glamour. Cap Ferrat, a sunny peninsula and cape located between Nice, France and Monte Carlo, was recently named the second most expensive residential location in the world after Monaco. Home through the ages to royalty, celebrities, and the wealthy, the picturesque location adds to the grandeur of the villa.
Villa Santo Sospir was originally built in 1931. The five bedroom villa was a gift in 1950 to Francine Weisweiller for surviving the holocaust. Shortly after the war, it was purchased by her then-husband, and the home was given to Francine, an art patron and French socialite, as her dream home. She is the one who named it Villa Santo Sospir, which translates to “sacred sigh”.
Francine invited Madeleine Castaing to help her decorate the home. Madeleine Castaing, a designer of world renown, had a signature playful style. She filled the ocean home with rattan furniture, wall coverings, and patterned textiles. Additionally, as a holiday home, the walls were left white washed. This created the perfect canvas for Jean Cocteau.
Cocteau’s Murals
As a friend of Francine, Cocteau was invited to stay at the home and spent many years visiting and living at the villa for extended periods of time. Over time, Cocteau filled the walls with fluid, reserved drawings. Inspired by current artists such as Picasso, as well as Greek mythology, the walls are eye-catching and unforgettable. He even made a short film about the house in 1952. In the film he calls the drawings “tattoos”, stating he felt himself to be painting on the skin of the home.
Throughout Francine’s ownership of the home many important figures of the 50s were guests. Picasso, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy to name a few. The home is now listed as a ‘monument historique’ in France and is being restored currently.
At the Jean-Marc Fray gallery we find inspiration in these striking stories and places. Madeleine Castaing’s eclectic style and Cocteau’s eye-catching drawings remind us of the beautiful furniture and lighting we have available. Following below, please enjoy the the current items that could bring a touch of Villa Santo Sospir into your home today.
Rattan and Bamboo
Though much of the furniture in Villa Santo Sospir is made of rattan and bamboo, one of the rooms that stands out the most is the rattan covered walls of the dining space. We love this bamboo screen which can be used in any space – as a room divider or backdrop. Also, the bamboo coffee table, featuring tiles from Vallauris, mimics the drawings and colors of the space.
Blue and Green Tones
Playing off the striking ocean and vegetation nearby, Villa Santo Sospir is significantly filled with a range of blue and green tones. Additionally, Cocteau’s murals draw on these hues. These are especially brought in through the wall drawings and through accessories, which contrast with the white clean walls. Similarly, the blue picture frame and sea green lamps pictured each bring in the quality of hand-blown Murano glass for an unexpected, colorful moment. The bright, playful accessories add life and movement to a space. Also, the tones of green and blue bring the Mediterranean in to any home.
Organic Elements
Lastly, Cocteau’s murals are incredibly organic and unexpected. Also, the lines bring shape and form to the space. Adding organic details throughout a home can assist in adding this great surprise. Similarly, this terracotta vase from Vallauris mimics the simple yet striking features of Cocteau’s paintings. Additionally, the other vases bring in the ocean and the organic elements of the outdoors into your home.
