Villa – Mougins, Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), France

Chosen for The Times'50 Best villas in the Med' it is not surprising that Villa Mougins was featured in the 'Best for luxury' category. It is a stylish and luxurious villa just 2 miles from historic Mougins; the ultimate in contemporary living, set in huge private grounds within the Valmasque Park. Amazing artwork adorns the walls and the enormous heated pool is a work of art in itself — a miroir d'eau designed to reflect the nature surrounding it. The interiors are designed by renowned interior architect Christian Liaigre. Cool white walls are contrasted by the verdant green of the garden as seen through the many glass panels and doors, creating a luminosity which Picasso himself would have relished! It is not just pretty, but practical too; air-conditioning, underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, video entry, alarm, pool heating and a Jacuzzi, plus of course all the latest appliances. Nearby Mougins offers medieval buildings, quaint, narrow side streets and squares full of cafes and restaurants bustling with life. There is a path from the villa leading directly into the Valmasque National Park which offers lots of hiking and cycling trails. Less than 1km from the villa is the renowned Mougins Golf and Country Club. A 20 minute drive inland takes you to Grasse, perfume capital, and the numerous medieval villages perched high in the hills above the Riviera which offer some superb views of the region. The delights of Cannes and the beach are just 6 miles away, Antibes old port is 8 miles, and if you want to do a spot of shopping, the newly built, avant-garde Polygone Shopping Centre in Cagnes-sur-Mer is only 12 miles.