A 1920s French Château Set at the Gates of Geneva Awaits Restoration
On the Swiss border, this early 20th-century château with original interiors and nearly 10 acres of parkland quietly comes to market.
Listed for €2,300,000 with Arrière Cour Immobilier, this 1920s château stands at the French-Swiss border in the Haute-Savoie commune of Viry, within easy reach of Geneva.
Known as the Château d’Humilly, the property still holds its original architectural features including a grand central staircase, coffered ceilings, stone fireplaces, and detailed moldings, all awaiting restoration after more than a century.
Built in 1920, the château spans approximately 6,460 square feet (600 m²) over three floors, with fifteen rooms including ten bedrooms. Its interiors remain largely intact but untouched, with antique parquet, original woodwork, and period details throughout. The property requires a full restoration but offers the structure and character of a true early 20th-century estate.
The grounds extend over 9.6 acres (39,000 m²) of private parkland — a rare offering this close to Geneva.
Surrounded by woodland and open to mountain views, the estate also includes a barn in good condition and several additional outbuildings, presenting opportunities for guest accommodation, workshops, or equestrian use. The château sits back from main roads, offering privacy while remaining well-connected to Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, and Annecy.
For buyers seeking an authentic restoration project in a cross-border location with scale and history, the Château d’Humilly stands out as one of the few remaining estates of its kind in Haute-Savoie.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
A Provençal Treasure: 18th-Century Bastide Near Aix Listed for €4.5M
Just minutes from the heart of Aix-en-Provence, this grand bastide offers timeless charm and a coveted South of France lifestyle.
Listed with Emile Garcin for €4,500,000, this 18th-century bastide is a registered historic monument tucked within a private estate just minutes from the heart of Aix-en-Provence—widely considered one of the most refined and culturally rich towns in southern France. Once home to Cézanne and known for its baroque architecture, leafy boulevards, and thriving arts scene, Aix offers the sophistication of a mini Paris with the warmth, pace, and Provençal beauty of the South.
Built in 1790, the 5,920 sq. ft. (550 m²) residence is a masterclass in classical Provençal design. Vast, luminous reception rooms open onto cypress-lined terraces and sculpted gardens. Seven spacious bedrooms—each with an en-suite bathroom—occupy the upper floor, including a grand primary suite with dressing room. Period details like parquet flooring, ornate moldings, and original fireplaces speak to the home’s noble lineage.
The property spans 5.8 acres (2.35 hectares) of landscaped grounds, featuring centuries-old trees, formal French gardens, statues, and water basins. An inner courtyard paved with timeworn calade stones anchors the bastide, offering a secluded, romantic heart to the estate. A recently renovated swimming pool and breathtaking views of Mont Sainte-Victoire complete the setting.
A 1,615 sq. ft. (150 m²) outbuilding offers additional potential—as a guesthouse, creative atelier, or boutique retreat space. While the bastide remains structurally sound, it invites a discerning restoration—an opportunity to layer in contemporary comfort without compromising its historic soul.
A true Provençal rarity, offering privacy, beauty, and seamless access to the best of the region. Just 5 minutes from Aix’s storied center, 20 minutes from the TGV station, and 30 minutes from Marseille Provence Airport, the property also places the Mediterranean at your doorstep. The beaches and calanques of Cassis are under an hour away, while the glamour of the Côte d’Azur—including Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco—is easily accessible for weekend escapes.
All photos courtesy of the listing agency.
Dreamy 19th-Century Villa to Restore on the Swedish Riviera Near Stockholm
Built in 1896, this “private palace” boasts a 65-foot spire-topped tower, intricate woodwork, a grand central staircase, and preserved original features such as stucco, tiled stoves, and decorative moldings.
Set in the Stockholm Archipelago, Villa Gadelius is located in the historic seaside resort of Saltsjöbaden, developed in the late 19th century as Sweden’s “Riviera.” This vision was led by K.A. Wallenberg, a prominent banker and industrialist inspired by Monaco’s luxurious retreat. Wallenberg sought to create a haven for Stockholm’s elite, where salty baths and scenic surroundings would rejuvenate city dwellers. The area’s name, Saltsjöbaden, meaning “salt sea baths,” reflects this purpose.
With his business partners, including Ernest Thiel, Wallenberg oversaw the development of Saltsjöbaden, featuring grand villas, a luxury hotel, and the Saltsjöbanan railway to ensure convenient access to Stockholm.
Built in 1896 for bank director Carl Jansson by renowned architect Gustaf Wickman, Villa Gadelius is built in the ‘Swiss style’ and showcases a unique blend of national romanticism and East Coast American influences. Its striking features include a 20-meter spire-topped tower, intricate woodwork, and a grand central staircase. Preserved original details—such as stucco, tiled stoves, and decorative moldings—offer glimpses into its storied past.
Perched above Neglinge Bay with breathtaking views of land and sea, Villa Gadelius has been described as a “private palace.” Over the years, it has served as a home, school, and community center. Today, it awaits extensive restoration to reclaim its former splendor.
With 15 rooms spanning 498 square meters, this property is a rare opportunity to restore a cultural landmark while honoring its protected architectural elements. Located just outside Stockholm, it embodies the charm and history of Sweden’s Riviera, offering a retreat steeped in heritage.
For those with vision and a passion for preservation, Villa Gadelius represents more than a renovation—it’s a chance to revive a piece of Swedish history on the Baltic coast..
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Photographer: Therese Jahnson
Modernist Villa to Restore in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Côte d’Azur
Located in one of the exclusive enclaves in the south of France, the 1930s villa known as La Ligne Droite offers 360° panoramic view of the Cote d’Azur, from Italy to Cap d'Antibes.
Nestled in the iconic French Riviera resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Modernist villa known as La Ligne Droite is waiting to be restored.
The property is perched on a dominant position on Cap Ferrat, accessed by a funicular, and offers 360° panoramic view of the Cote d’Azur, from Italy to Cap d'Antibes.
The small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (or Cap Ferrat) is located on the stretch of coast between Nice and Monaco. One of the most exclusive enclaves on the Cote d’Azur, it has been a longtime hideaway for monarchs, Hollywood stars, artists and industry titans.
The former fishing village became a popular vacation spot at the beginning of the last century with the arrival of wealthy foreign families who built large estates along the coast, such as the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild which is located near to the villa.
Designed in 1931 by the renowned Grasse architect Jean Bouchet for Louis Le Sidaner, the son of post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidaner, La Ligne Droite embodies the essence of the Côte d'Azur’s architectural evolution with its modernist design.
Bouchet's architectural vision was to create a structure that harmonizes with the natural topography of the land.
Utilizing the slope of the old agricultural terraces, Bouchet conceived "La Ligne Droite" as an elongated rectangle measuring over 98 feet (30m) in length, climbing the terrain on four stepped levels.
This innovative design is flanked to the north by three superimposed rectilinear staircases, reinforcing the villa’s namesake, “The Straight Line.”
These staircases not only serve a functional purpose but also accentuate the villa's modernist aesthetic.
The villa, which spans an impressive 6400 square feet (594.55 m²), comes with a swimming pool overlooking the sea.
Recognized for its architectural importance, La Ligne Droite was awarded the 20th-century heritage label on November 28, 2000, and subsequently listed as a historic monument on December 10, 2001.
For passionate architects and enthusiasts of modernist architecture, La Ligne Droite presents an exceptional refurbishment opportunity and the Atelier L'Explorer is at your disposal to support you in your renovation, layout and decoration projects.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Neo-Gothic Italian Castle to Restore with 360° Views Near Padua
Villa Serenella offers an unparalleled restoration opportunity within Italy’s Euganean Hills Regional Park, just 30 minutes from Venice and near other major cities like Verona and Bologna.
Villa Serenella, a unique neo-Gothic estate, offers an unparalleled restoration opportunity within Italy’s Euganean Hills Regional Park. Perched atop Monte Merlo Hill near Padua, the property boasts sweeping 360° views and a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
Expanded in the 19th century under renowned musician and opera singer Gaspare Pacchiarotti, it features an eclectic design praised by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage as a rare example of neo-Gothic architecture.
The villa spans five floors with approximately 750 square meters of living space, retaining a solid structure and operational utilities, despite needing full restoration.
The layout is grand, with Gothic arches, crenellated towers, and a stately entrance originally designed for carriages. Beyond the villa, the estate includes two additional towers and a ten-hectare romantic English park, lined with statues and pathways. The grounds are well-maintained, with wells and infrastructure suitable for future development.
Villa Serenella combines privacy with prime accessibility. Surrounded by nature trails, golf clubs, and nearby spa towns, it’s just 15 km (9 miles) from Padua’s urban amenities. For those seeking a blend of historic charm and restoration potential, Villa Serenella presents a rare and captivating investment.
Padua, in the Veneto region, is just 30 minutes from Venice and near other major cities like Verona and Bologna.
One of Italy’s oldest cities, Padua is home to the University of Padua, founded in 1222 and renowned as one of Europe’s oldest universities, where Galileo Galilei once taught. The city is dotted with architectural masterpieces, including the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto’s famous frescoes and the Basilica of Saint Anthony, drawing millions of visitors annually.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
17th Century Baroque Palace To Restore in Perast, Montenegro
Palazzo Zmajevic is a historic property located in the heart of the mediaeval town of Perast, and offers panoramic views over Boka Bay and the islets of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Palazzo Zmajevic is a historic property located in the heart of the mediaeval town of Perast, and offers panoramic views over Boka Bay and the islets of Our Lady of the Rocks.
One of the most beautiful towns on the Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka, Perast was once a Mediterranean maritime hub during the golden age in the Venetian period between 1420 and 1797.
Also known as „Biskupija” (Bishop’s Palace), the historic property was the seat of two bishops, Andrija and Vicko Zmajević.
The former defence tower was built on to in stages and achieved its final Baroque form in 1664 under Andrija Zmajević.
One of the finest examples of a 17th century mansion in Perast, the Montenegro property features frescoes by the well-known Baroque painter Tripo Kokolja.
The Zmajević family are one of the most significant dynasties in Perast, originating from village Vrba of Njeguši and belonging to the kazada (extended family) Perojević.
Today the Palace is in the final phase of an entire and thorough reconstruction with an emphasis on preserving the architectural integrity of this 17th century mansion.
Offering 6081 square feet of interior space, the palazzo is surrounded by terraced gardens and enclosed by robust stone walls.
This ancient luxury palace offers pedigree and prestige with its enviable positioning in the heart of Perast, and captivating views over Boka Bay.
All photos belong to the listing agency.