Star power: Five European rural estates with famous connections
From Audrey Hepburn’s Swiss retreat to a villa on the French Riviera that once hosted Picasso, these extraordinary rural homes come with stories worthy of the silver screen
Europe’s countryside has an enduring appeal. So it’s little wonder that, over the centuries, it has drawn some of the world’s most creative and influential minds, from artists and actors to writers, seeking serenity and inspiration. With its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and timeless charm, the rural landscape has also provided the perfect cinematic backdrop for filmmakers. As celebrities from around the globe recently gathered in Cannes for its iconic film festival, we explore a collection of spectacular homes that offer not only breathtaking beauty, but undeniable star attraction.
A cinematic Tuscan farmhouse in Cetona, Italy
The 2022 film La Mia Ombra è Tua tells the story of a journey across Italy, one that begins at this very Tuscan Leopoldina that provided a strikingly picturesque backdrop. Dating back to the early 1800s, the property has been painstakingly restored, with careful attention paid to preserving its original stone façade, giving it a true sense of authenticity and character.
Its cinematic appeal extends beyond the architecture to its setting. Privately positioned among rolling hills and vineyards, the five-bedroom property offers a rare sense of seclusion while remaining conveniently close to Cetona and Piazze. The well-maintained grounds span approximately 8,000 sq m, featuring a garden where you can dine beneath the shade of the pergola, framed by majestic cypress and olive trees. The swimming pool is perfectly placed to take full advantage of the sweeping views of the valley, providing an idyllic spot for relaxation and reflection.
5-bedroom farmhouse for sale in Cetona, Siena, Tuscany. Guide price €2,800,000
A former home of Audrey Hepburn in Lausanne, Switzerland
The Breakfast at Tiffany star chose to spend the last three decades of her life at La Paisible - meaning the ‘peaceful place’. The 18th-century Swiss estate is set in the village of Tolochenaz, surrounded by the nature of Lake Geneva. Yet despite its tranquil location it remains within easy reach of the many amenities of nearby Lausanne. As Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Partner in Knight Frank’s International Residential Property team, describes, “It’s easy to see why Audrey Hepburn adored the environment, where she enjoyed both complete privacy and breathtaking surroundings”.
Renowned for her charm and sophistication, you can picture why Hepburn was drawn to the understated elegance of the estate. The main residence is rich with period details at every turn, from terracotta and oak parquet flooring to ornate fireplaces. Her presence lingers throughout: a plaque bearing her name stands outside the house, a testament to its legacy, while the white rosebushes, reportedly a gift from fashion house Givenchy, still flourish in the garden.
12-bedroom villa for sale in Tolochenaz, Lausanne, Vaud. Price on application.
A dramatic writer’s haven on the shores of Lake Como, Italy
In the recent Amazon Prime Video adaptation of the 2005 blockbuster Mr. & Mrs. Smith, spies John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) take refuge in this enchanting lakeside home on the shores of Lake Como. Off-screen, the residence is affectionately known as The Writer’s Nest, a peaceful home that has served as a creative retreat for author Giuseppe Guin.
The property itself feels as if it has stepped out of the pages of a historical novel. This meticulously restored stone hut, once home to quarrymen, seamlessly blends old and new. Here original features and rustic charm are integrated with modern comforts, including expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lake views. A standout feature is the distinctive living room, complete with a period kitchen carved directly into the stone. Outside, the garden leads to circular steps down to the water’s edge, once used by local fishermen.
3 bedroom house for sale in Faggeto Lario, Lake Como, Lombardy. Price on application
An artistic waterfront retreat in Cap d’Antibes, France
Pablo Picasso’s love of the French Riviera is well documented, one of many iconic creative figures enchanted over the centuries by the region’s natural beauty. During a stay in 1924, he took up residence at La Vigie, famously using the villa’s garage as a studio. Legend even suggests he painted directly onto the walls.
He was just one in a long line of illustrious visitors who passed through this historically significant property, joining names such as Jean Cocteau, Estée Lauder, and Charlie Chaplin. Yet, its guestbook is only part of the allure. Set in an enviable waterfront position on the Cap d’Antibes, La Vigie boasts uninterrupted views across the Bay of Cannes, the Îles de Lérins, and the Massif de l’Esterel, best enjoyed from the infinity pool. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, the property is rich in character inside and out, blending historic details with contemporary luxury, and including features such as a wine cellar, games room, and private boathouse.
A choreographer’s coastal escape in Liguria, Italy
Spend a leisurely summer evening outside this elegant villa in the heart of Liguria, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by the surrounding nature and relaxed pace of life. Nestled near the quaint town of Pontedassio and just a short drive from the vibrant coastal hub of Imperia, the location is a true haven for wildlife, home to a rich variety of bird species and lit each summer by the gentle glow of fireflies.
Cherished for decades by its current owners, including a renowned ballet choreographer and director, the villa’s convenient access to Monaco has long made it an ideal holiday retreat. Fourteen years ago, the property underwent a complete renovation, uniting and extending two buildings into the expansive eight-bedroom residence it is today. The restoration skillfully introduced refined, modern living while honouring the home’s heritage, retaining authentic features such as stone arches and vaulted ceilings. Outdoors, the infinity pool offers panoramic views over the hills and olive groves.
8-bedroom villa for sale in Imperia, Liguria, Italy. Guide price €1,350,000
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