Villa Castellamare

Nestled on the coast, Villa Castellamare has seen a vibrant history. Originally named “Marie Rose,” this brick and slate-roofed villa was among the first built in its district. Postcards from the late 19th century capture its early charm. The Valette family, owners of a prominent wine business, “La Bordelaise,” were its first inhabitants. In the 1920s, Villa Castellamare entered a new era under Charles Louis-Dreyfus, a prominent ship owner and banker. Embracing the “Années Folles,” he commissioned architect Gaston Duprez to transform the villa. While the original gable remained, wings were added, creating a Norman-style mansion. The striking checkerboard pattern of stone and brick, along with half-timbering, tile roofing, and turrets, made Villa Castellamare a truly luxurious residence. Inside, Art Deco design mingled with antique furniture, master paintings, and exquisite objets d’art. The villa became a hub for social gatherings, hosting politicians like Maginot and Henri Cheron, and artists like Van Dongen and Sacha Guitry. Even the famous opera singer Chaliapine graced its halls. The Louis-Dreyfus family extended their hospitality by purchasing the neighboring Villa L’Alsace, complete with a tennis court, which became a popular spot for the area’s youth. However, World War II brought a darker chapter. Occupied by German troops, Villa Castellamare’s prime location overlooking the sea made it a strategic observation post. Fortifications and concrete additions were made, but ultimately, the villa suffered significant damage. After the war, Madame Jouvenel, Charles Louis-Dreyfus’s widow, sold the villa in 1947. SNECMA, an aircraft engine manufacturer, purchased it, transforming it into a holiday camp for employees’ children. By 1960, Villa Castellamare transitioned into a vacation home for company executives. The neighboring “Vent du Large” villa was acquired and integrated in 1989. Renovations made it suitable for year-round use, catering to the growing trend of seminars. Conference rooms, a cinema, and comfortable accommodations were added, along with amenities like a gym and sauna. Today, Villa Castellamare stands as a testament to its rich and varied past, a place where echoes of Belle Époque elegance mingle with the stories of wartime and corporate retreats.