Historic Perfumer’s Estate in Grasse — Minutes from Chanel’s Iconic Flower Fields
Grasse, the renowned capital of perfume and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has captivated fragrance connoisseurs for centuries.
Its perfume-making legacy dates back to the 16th century, when glove makers delighted Queen Catherine de Medici with scented leather, establishing Grasse as a center of olfactory artistry. Today, over 60 perfume houses still thrive here, and fields of jasmine and roses from Grasse have perfumed iconic creations like Chanel No 5 for over a century.
Over the centuries, the hills of Grasse have supplied the world’s most iconic fragrances, and today, the tradition continues with the greatest luxury houses weaving themselves ever deeper into its tapestry. In 2016, LVMH opened Les Fontaines Parfumées in the heart of the village, a secretive creative sanctuary for Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. Dior has since forged exclusive ties with local estates, reserving entire harvests of Grasse’s prized jasmine for its own perfumes. Lancôme, too, laid down roots by acquiring the historic Domaine de la Rose in 2023, while Chanel, whose relationship with Grasse flowers began with Chanel No 5 in 1921, has expanded its flower fields to ensure the purity and future of its legendary scents.
Tucked away in the peaceful Saint-Jacques area, just minutes from the center of Grasse and ten minutes from Mougins, this elegant 1935 bastide was originally built for a local perfumer family. Hidden behind electric gates and set amid over two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the estate offers a rare sense of seclusion — complete with a shimmering recently installed swimming pool, a summer kitchen, manicured lawns, ancient olive groves, an orangerie, and a boules court.
The main bastide offers five bedrooms, including a master suite opening onto a private terrace with far-reaching views over Grasse and the surrounding hills. A double-aspect living and dining room, separate breakfast room, and a large kitchen with island flow effortlessly onto shady terraces and gardens, creating a perfect setting for relaxed, Riviera living.
A basement level houses a superb climate-controlled wine cellar and tasting room, a laundry room, and additional storage. A separate garden storage room also offers the potential for future conversion.
Set just behind the main house, the independent guest house features two newly renovated bedroom suites, each with its own bathroom, providing luxurious accommodation for family or friends.
The estate also benefits from rare residual building rights (subject to permission), offering scope for expansion or further development — a valuable asset in this sought-after region.
Perfectly positioned to enjoy the authentic charm of Grasse with the glittering French Riviera coast just 20 minutes away, this is a hidden sanctuary offering a timeless South of France lifestyle.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
