Villa la Rose de la Mer is a luxuriously-appointed, ivy-clad, modern Provençal villa (4 000SF) in over half an acre of private flat grounds on a very quiet side street leading to a much-celebrated private estate on Cap Martin: panoramic views of the sea, the mountains, and the coastline to Menton and Italy.

High remote-controlled ornate gates open onto an elegant paved drive leading past oleander hedges and the main villa entry to garaging and discreet outside parking for several cars.

Inside a portico with massive white columns, steps lead up to ornate double doors opening into a hallway with cathedral ceiling: marble staircase to the garden level; marble staircase to the upper main living area.

The main living area comprises: very luminous salon (550SF) with very generous seating area around a coffee table in front of a modern open fireplace, open-plan to semi-enclosed formal dining room (140SF) with table for 4-6, and sliding glass doors -- they go totally into the wall -- to a large fully-furnished covered terrace with fine wicker furniture and views of the sea and Menton.

An archway from the salon leads into a beautiful fully-equipped modern kitchen with marble surfaces, glass doors to extensive wraparound covered and open terraces that link up to the covered terrace off the salon, and an archway to a very cosy TV room which doubles as a fifth bedroom.

Also on the main floor: independent house bathroom which acts the bathroom for the TV room when used as a bedroom.

The wraparound terraces comprise: al fresco dining area for up to 12; seating areas, sunbathing areas -- all with splendid sea and mountain views.

On the garden level: master bedroom (450SF) with triple windows onto the garden, kitchenette with marble surfaces, walk-in dressing room, shower bathroom with walk-in shower with side jets and big rain shower head, and separate loo and bidet; a second walk-in dressing room and (her) marble bathroom with elegant Jacuzzi bath and walk-in shower.

Also at the garden level: laundry room with two Miele washing machines, two Miele dryers, and a professional iron; double bedroom with sliding glass doors to the garden, dressing room, and walk-in shower bathroom; twin bedroom (240SF) with sliding glass doors to the garden, dressing room, and full bathroom with glassed-in shower; bedroom with charming four-poster three-quarter bed, sliding glass doors to the garden, and bathroom with twin vanities, loo, and walk-in shower.

The décor in this world-class home is remarkably beautiful: white and pastel-coloured walls, finely-tiled floors, spot lighting, modern art, and subtle designer lighting; the furniture is an inspired blend of the finest modern pieces and lovely antiques; the soft furnishings are simply gorgeous and include custom-made curtains.

Sculptures, large dramatic modern art paintings, objets trouvés, and original prints all combine with the lovely furnishings to create a wonderful summer atmosphere with light, colour, and sea views everywhere.

The villa was built with the finest materials as a first home for year-round living: it is very well equipped with beautiful dinnerware, cutlery, and glasses as well as the finest quality household linen; central stereo, central vacuum, fax line, WIFI connectivity points, alarm system, and air conditioning in all bedrooms.

A wide curved staircase leads from the upper floor terraces to very extensive decking and lawns in front of the villa: 35-foot L-shaped heated overflow swimming pool; outside shower; large sculpture, flower beds, oleander, potted plants, lawns, and ancient pines all go to create a lovely atmosphere.

In spite of having several neighbours, the high thick hedges ensure total privacy n the garden.

From the villa, one can walk out in the peaceful and quiet streets of Cap Martin to the century-old private estate -- it's closed to cars but open to pedestrians - with century-old trees and lovely mansions built for the aristocracy at the turn of the century: in fact, the energetic can walk as far as Monaco.

Mention -- about ten minutes by car -- was always known for its especially warm climate: recently it has regained its glory now that many wealthy Italians have bought summer homes there; seafront restaurants, lovely markets, parks and a botanic garden, the Cocteau Museum, two ports, fireworks and lemon festivals, and several first-class restaurants give it a special charm.

Less than twenty minutes by car, the medieval village of Roquebrune offers quaint streets, the 10th-century Grimaldi chateau, art galeries, and charming inexpensive Provençal restaurants.

Finally the villa is only a few minutes from the Italian border, and aspiring cooks will want at least one visit to the wonderful fish and vegetable market in Vingtimillia.

Villa la Rose de la Mer is an absolutely gorgeous home--a lush oasis of privacy and beauty: ideal for a family or group seeking total peace and absolute privacy in exquisite surroundings just minutes from Monaco and under 45 minutes from Nice international airport.