FONTE COLOMBO: LORD NORMAN FOSTER’S EXQUISITE FORMER HOME WITH FABULOUS GARDENS
LOCATED IN GRASSE, THE PICTURESQUE TOWN IN THE South of France known as the perfume capital of the world, and perched in the sun-drenched hills above the Bay of Cannes, Fonte Colombo is not merely a residence—it’s a lifestyle.
A 400-year-old bastide, meticulously restored and reimagined by the world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster as his private family retreat, this estate offers the rarest of luxuries: the feeling of being on permanent holiday without ever leaving home.
At approximately 5,000 square feet, the main residence unfolds across six serene bedrooms and a series of airy, light-filled living spaces. The interiors reflect a masterful blend of Provençal authenticity and Foster’s signature architectural clarity—timeless, restrained, and deeply livable. A separate two-bedroom cottage (approximately 1,076 square feet) offers privacy and independence for guests or staff, while Lord Foster’s former design studio has been reimagined as a private cinema and game lounge—a nod to the creative energy that once defined the space.
The estate spans 10 acres of secluded, organically cultivated land with olive and walnut groves, vibrant vegetable gardens, and terraces with panoramic views that stretch toward the Mediterranean. At its heart, a striking 72-foot pool, framed by century-old trees and endless coastal light, invites morning laps or late afternoon lounging. Everything about Fonte Colombo evokes the ease of a luxury resort, yet it remains resolutely personal.
Wake to the scent of lavender and sun-warmed stone. Spend the day lounging by the pool, exercising in the gym, or dining under the pergola which has views of the sea. End the evening in your private cinema or exploring the rich cultural life of the nearby Riviera towns. Just 30 minutes from Nice International Airport, this private domain places you at the gateway to Europe: Paris, London, Zurich, Milan, and beyond are all within easy reach. Michelin-starred restaurants, world class marinas, art institutions, and international festivals are at your doorstep, yet the estate itself is a sanctuary of total privacy and security.
Fonte Colombo is more than a home. It’s an invitation to inhabit a dream—where design meets heritage and every day feels like a vacation you never have to leave.