Two decades after Estée Lauder’s death, her “favourite vacation home” in Cannes is now up for sale.
The French Riviera, synonymous with the perfume industry, was where the legendary cosmetic mogul created some of her famous fragrances.
Listed by Hamptons for about US$8.7 million, the grand villa is located on Avenue du Roi Albert in La Californie, an exclusive residential area in Cannes’ Alpes-Maritimes region, according to the Robb Report.
Estée and her late husband, Joseph, purchased the property in 1961.
The beauty magnate held onto it until 2004, the year she passed away at 97.
The villa was then sold by the Lauder children to the current owners, who undertook a thoughtful renovation, uncovering some of Estée’s old documents, including a letter from Stanley Marcus, founder of Neiman Marcus.
Built in 1926, the villa spans 400sq m, featuring six bedrooms and six bathrooms.
The interior boasts spacious living areas, a stunning primary suite, a marble and wood-clad kitchen, and a home office.
Each level offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Outside, the landscaped grounds include formal gardens, a covered patio, and a heated swimming pool.
La Californie is renowned for its luxurious properties, with mansions priced from $5 million to $35 million.
Situated on “billionaire’s hill,” the enclave is a short distance from the historic city centre, beaches, and luxury boutiques.
Pablo Picasso famously resided here at Villa La Californie from 1955 to 1961.
Recently, the area has attracted tech titans, private equity executives, and pharmaceutical billionaires.
Estée Lauder co-founded her eponymous empire in 1946 with Joseph.
The New York-based company is famed for its skincare, makeup, and fragrances, overseeing brands such as La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Clinique.
In 2022, Estée Lauder acquired the Tom Ford brand in a $2.8 billion deal, and recently finalised the purchase of Deciem Beauty, owner of The Ordinary.
