We know that some people take their passions to extremes, but few go as far as Theodore Reinach, who was so keen to see how it felt to be an ancient Greek, that he had a villa built in the style of ancient Greece. One of the most beautiful and unusual houses on the Riviera, the Villa Kérylos, at Beaulieu sur Mer, was built in the early 20th century. Aesthetically pleasing, a real gem with its fine design and proportions. It is cool and light, and set on the Mediterranean shore between Nice and Monaco with beautiful views all around.

The villa is organized around a courtyard surrounded by twelve white marble columns. This is where Theodore Reinach loved to walk. There is a library, a dining room, a bath, and two bedrooms. Reinach's bedroom is dedicated to Eros, god of love. His wife's room is decorated with bird motifs - swans and peacocks.

One of the most surprising aspects of the villa is the wonderful furniture that replicates the ancient designs perfectly, and is built using wood from all over the world. There are fine decorations and lots of inlaid ivory and coral. The walls are decorated with beautiful mosaics showing scenes from Greek mythology. But the architect, Emmanuel Pontremoli, cleverly includes some features from the time it was built - for example the baths are filled by taps that are cunningly hidden under round grills. And the folding piano is hidden in a lemonwood box!

Finally on the outside of the villa, facing the sea, there is a gallery of life-size reproductions of Greek statues, staring out to sea for eternity.

The Villa Kérylos is wonderful to visit, and to get maximum benefit you should use the audioguide that is provided free of charge and available in four languages. Ticket prices are 8.50 euros, with reductions for children, students and others at 6.30 euros. You can also by a joint ticket for the Villa Kérylos and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild for 15 euros.

The Villa and gardens are open every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm. In July and August they close at 7.00pm. From November to February inclusive the opening times are 2.00pm to 6.00 pm during the week and 10.00am to 6.00pm during weekends and school holidays.

CONTACT DETAILS
Villa Kérylos
Impasse Gustave Eiffel
06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Tél. : 04 93 01 01 44

All photographs (excluding lead image) © Sabine Esser.

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