Norman Foster’s former French Riviera Villa La Voile lists for €29.5 Million, featuring steel arches, a sail-like canopy and mediterranean views

Luxury homes are often distinguished by their place, architecture and relationship with the surrounding scenario. On the French Riviera, Villa La Voile offers these elements together through an unusual combination of steel structures, extensive glazing and open interiors created to make the most of its coastal setting.

Situated on a waterfront hillside in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France, the former residence of renowned architect Norman Foster is currently on the market for €29.5 million. Originally built in the 1950s, the 480-square-metre property was transformed under Foster’s direction between 1998 and 2002.

A 1950s Villa Reimagined by Norman Foster

Foster approached the existing property as an opportunity to rethink how a home could interact with its surroundings. Rather than substituting the original structure completely, the renovation reshaped the home to accommodate the steep hillside and its waterfront position.


The resulting design includes sweeping steel arches, extensive glass facades and a retractable canopy inspired by a sail. This unique feature also gives the property its name: La Voile, which translates from French as “the sail”.

Situated between Nice and Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is popular for its coastal landscape and waterfront residences. La Voile responds to this setting through its several levels, outdoor terraces and expansive windows, which frame views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding pine trees.

The project mirrors Foster’s interest in bringing architecture and engineering together. Visible structural factors form a significant part of the design, while the use of glass and open spaces enables natural light to reach deep into the interiors.

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Seven Levels Connected by Open Spaces

La Voile is organised in seven levels, with reception areas, rooms and terraces following the natural slope of the site. Instead of depending on a conventional layout, the villa uses interconnected spaces and suspended walkways to make a sense of continuity between its different floors.

One of its defining features is a four-level atrium that draws daylight into the centre of the home. Double-height spaces and a glass wall measures seven metres in height further strengthen the link between the interiors and the coastal surroundings. A brise-soleil system helps shield the glass wall from direct sunlight.

The main living area opens towards various parts of the house, with functional spaces arranged in the central volume. This arrangement leaves the central area largely open and unobstructed. Walkways, open rooms and passageways overlook the atrium, offering the interior a unique spatial character.

Terraces, a Rooftop Pool and Additional Accommodation

Outdoor living is a significant part of the property's design. Terraces placed at different levels follow the hillside and offer changing views of the Mediterranean coastline.

A rooftop swimming pool gives another vantage point over the sea, while landscaped grounds follow the contours of the site. The inclusion of elevated terraces and the sloping terrain gives the property a degree of privacy without separating it completely from its waterfront setting.

Along with its reception areas and library, the villa has five bedrooms, a separate apartment and garage facilities. These additional spaces offer accommodation and practical amenities while maintaining the overall design's concentration on open living areas and structural clarity.

The retractable canopy continues to be one of the residence’s most recognisable factors. Its sail-like form references the Mediterranean setting while contributing to the building’s unique architectural identity.

From Norman Foster to Kirsti Paakkanen

La Voile also has a history linked to two notable personalities from architecture and design.

Foster used the property as a private retreat for many years after the renovation was completed. He subsequently sold it to Kirsti Paakkanen, the Finnish entrepreneur popular for revitalising Marimekko, the fashion and design brand recognised for its distinctive prints.

Paakkanen retained the residence for around 20 years before her death in 2021. The property is now being offered for sale via Savills French Riviera, with the listing price reported as €29.5 million.

A Distinctive Example of Riviera Architecture

La Voile includes a hillside location with a design established around light, structure and views. Its steel arches, glass facades, retractable canopy and interconnected interiors distinguish it from more conventional waterfront homes.

With its seven-level layout, four-level atrium, rooftop pool, terraces and Richard Long artwork, the residence brings together architecture, art and its coastal surroundings. Currently, on the market, La Voile gives a glimpse into Foster’s approach to residential design and the transformation of an existing property into a modern waterfront home.

Source: Designboom and Domus