Château de la Tour du Mont Boron, Nice: a 19th-century château above the port
The Château de la Tour du Mont Boron is one of the most distinctive historic residences in Nice. Built in the late 19th century on the Mont Boron hill, east of the port, it combines a remarkable tower architecture with exceptional views over the port of Nice and along the coast towards the Cap d'Antibes.
Mont Boron and the Château de l'Anglais
Mont Boron rises between the port of Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. In 1856, the retired British colonel Robert Smith began building his famous Château de l'Anglais on the hill, a residence inspired by the architecture of India, where he had served. His estate included several garden buildings.
A château built from a garden folly
The Château de la Tour du Mont Boron was built between 1885 and 1895 by the Nice architect Sébastien-Marcel Biasini, from one of the garden buildings of the Château de l'Anglais estate.
Its slender silhouette comes from a triple tower built on a cloverleaf plan, topped by a circular turret, with decorative crenellations crowning each section. This unusual design, made of interlocking semi-circles, gives the château its unique character. In 1899, the art critic Henri Laffillée remarked on its fanciful plan, designed with little concern for where the furniture might go.
Marguerite Catusse and her receptions
In 1886, Marguerite Catusse acquired the villa, drawn by its commanding position and its magnificent semi-circular marble loggia. She was the wife of Anatole Catusse, former director of indirect taxes and Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes from 1885 to 1887.
Marguerite Catusse held spectacular receptions at the château, during which she sang opera for her guests.
From the Catusse family to the present day
At the beginning of the 20th century, the property passed to her son Charles, who kept it until the Second World War. It was then bought by Robert Mestres, an artillery captain.
Over the years, the villa was transformed and extended, while keeping its character. It remains one of the most remarkable properties on Mont Boron.
A renovated château with views over Nice
Following an extensive renovation completed in 2015, the château offers around 500 m² of living space on grounds of around 2,500 m², with six en-suite bedrooms, a heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a gym. The interiors feature high-quality materials and furniture.
Its position offers views over the port of Nice and towards the Cap d'Antibes. Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Monaco are all close by.
Living on Mont Boron
Mont Boron is one of the most sought-after residential areas of Nice. It is set on a green hill overlooking the sea, just minutes from the port and the old town, and on the road to Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This makes it an ideal location for a villa combining views, calm and proximity to the city.
