Drawn from history and reshaped by imagination, the Abbaye de Roseland stands before you. It is not a traditional abbey but a collector’s fantasy. Let’s uncover its unique story.
The Abbaye de Roseland is located in Nice. It is surrounded by a botanical park. This building started as a country house in the 17th century. A Niçoise aristocratic family called the Dalmassi owned it. Jean-Ange Dalmassi de Farone bequeathed the property in 1763. Alexandre Auguste de Lascaris de Vintimille inherited it. He was the Count of Castellar and Lord of Faron. Alexandre de Lascaris de Vintimille’s uncle was the Bishop of Toulon.
During the French Revolution the property was seized. In 1815 the Jaume family bought it. They produced olive oil and wine there. In 1878 a Russian count named Apraxine purchased the estate.
Édouard Larcade a passionate collector of antiquities transformed the estate around 1925. He incorporated medieval elements, primarily from the 15th century. The most impressive feature is a cloister. It includes 26 columns from the 5th and 6th centuries. These columns came from the Monastery of la Daurade in Toulouse. Other parts of the cloister originated from the Abbaye de Bonnefont.
Octave Godard created the Italian-style garden between 1923 and 1927. He planted a large rose garden. This is believed to be the origin of the name Abbaye de Roseland. Édouard Larcade gave the property its name.
Jean Larcade, Édouard’s son, owned an avant-garde Parisian gallery. He organized a Festival of New Realists here from July 13 to September 13, 1961. Artists like Arman and Yves Klein participated.
In 1968, seven large buildings with 600 apartments were built on the estate. In 1970 Édouard Lacarde’s widow gave the Abbaye de Roseland and part of the gardens to the city of Nice.
In 2023, facing significant renovations and limited usage the city considered selling the Abbaye de Roseland. A private developer planned to create luxury apartments. Residents opposed the privatization. The Conseil Départemental acquired it. They intended to create a climate study center.
Today, the Abbaye de Roseland is a classified historical monument. It is a blend of history art and imagination. The Abbaye de Roseland stands as a testament to its layered past. Its evolution from a family estate to a collector’s haven reflects the passage of time. It is a unique landmark in Nice.