On the Market: A Philippe Starck-Designed Villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Listed for €60 Million
Nestled on the prestigious peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a spectacular seafront villa — originally built for legendary Hollywood director Otto Preminger and later redesigned by renowned French designer Philippe Starck — is now up for sale.
With nearly 900 square meters of living space set on a lush 7,000-square-meter plot, Villa Alpha is one of the most exclusive properties currently on the French Riviera. Priced at €60 million, it ranks among the most expensive homes on the market in the Alpes-Maritimes region.
Hollywood Glamour with Riviera Views
Perched dramatically on a cliff with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, the villa boasts unobstructed panoramic views stretching toward Monaco and the Italian coast. Its Hollywood allure is undeniable — six spacious bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and sweeping architectural curves come together in a property designed for both privacy and prestige.
Villa Alpha’s story begins in the 1960s–70s, when Otto Preminger, the visionary behind classics like Laura, Anatomy of a Murder, and River of No Return starring Marilyn Monroe, commissioned one of the first ultramodern, Californian-style homes to be built on the peninsula. At the time, the project raised eyebrows among local residents — particularly those of neighboring Villa L’Oustau — as Preminger had to clear significant vegetation to bring his dream to life.
A Starck Signature
The villa was completely renovated in 2009 under the artistic direction of Philippe Starck, who reimagined the space with bold elegance. Notable design elements include a semi-circular structure, an elevated oval wooden terrace, and a pool that mirrors the curved lines of the home — all in harmony with the natural surroundings and century-old pines that dot the estate.
The Price of Prestige
The French Riviera is no stranger to high-end real estate — from the Kennedy-frequented Domaine de Beaumont near Cannes (priced between €25 and €30 million), to Jean Marais’s Provençal home in Cabris, and the extravagant Palais Vénitien, still listed with Sotheby’s at an eye-watering €120 million.
But Villa Alpha stands out for its unique blend of Hollywood history, avant-garde architecture, and unmatched location — a true trophy home for a discerning buyer.