Simply Abu Dhabi XXVI

2 0 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he Mas de Notre-Dame de Vie is the impressive house where Pablo Picasso lived and worked from 1961 till his death in 1973. Today, thanks to a substantial restoration, this unique estate is in exceptional condition, offering an incomparable sense of wellbeing and the ultimate in home comforts, in a spot that oozes history. For decades, the Côte d’Azur has been the favourite place of royalty, the international upper-class, world stars, artists and bohemians, to live and spend their vacations. The Mediterranean climate is perfect, the scenery is enchanting, and the villages and towns breathe charm and savoir vivre. Life along the most beautiful coastline of France, and possibly the world, is laid- back and lavish. The influx of old and new money, combined with the desire to relax and enjoy oneself, has resulted in beautiful estates, palaces and modernistic villas along France’s southern coast. Life on the Côte is good – better than good. One of the most spectacular and famous houses on the Côte d’Azur is the Mas de Notre-Dame de Vie in Mougins. This impressive, traditional Provencal bastide was the last homeof no other than Pablo Picasso. The greatest modernist artist the world has ever known, according to many, bought the Mas de Notre-Dame de Vie in 1961, and he would live there until his death, at the age of 91, in 1973. On this secluded estate, he found the tranquillity and inspiration for the numerous works of art Picasso produced here. The house contained hundreds of millions worth of paintings, drawings, etchings and sculptures. Picasso would often work until late in the evening or at night, and sleep during the day. In order to be able to dedicate himself to his work at all times and without distraction, he started by adding a large studio with terrace to the 24 rooms the bastide had at the time. He transformed the old bastide into his dream home, gradually extending the property over the years. The estate is somewhat remote, set on a hillside, just below the old chapel of Notre-Dame de Vie. According to the experts, Picasso consciously sought seclusion, and lived a hermit’s life here. Today, the Mas de Notre-Dame de Vie offers no less than 1,709 sqm of floor space, 1,225 sqm of which in the main house. The bastide is surrounded by 8 acres of lovely, landscaped grounds, with a professional tennis court, a beautiful overflow MasdeNotreDamedeVie THE HOUSE THAT WAS PABLO PICASSO'S HOME FROM 1961-1973