Downton Abbey-Inspired Stay in a French Riviera Mansion
The Belle Epoque mansion depicted in the just-released Downton Abbey: A New Era movie is available for 21st-century vacations! You could stay in the 19-bedroom, 21-bathroom Rocabella. Ok, sure, it’s pricey, but it’s definitely a thought starter for queer travelers looking to splurge after a couple of years of not traveling during the pandemic. This is next-level revenge travel.
Built at the turn of the 20th century, the white villa is located on 7.5 acres of manicured gardens and woods that lead to its private 65-foot pool and secluded Mediterranean beach. Located in Le Pradet, between Marseille and Toulon, Rocabella is ideal for a large family vacation, and convenient for exploring Provence and the entire Cote d’Azur. St. Tropez is a 20-minute boat ride away. The mansion rental includes a full staff: butler, concierge, maids, valets, chef de cuisine, drivers, boatmen (the villa comes with a 12-passenger boat), and more.
The estate is completely secure and has 20,000 square feet of interior space. It easily accommodates 40, in 19 bedrooms and 21 bathrooms. “Owned until recently by one of France’s most notable interior designers, the grandly appointed interior and outdoor spaces speak to the tastes and needs of the most discerning travelers,” says Laura Blair, founder of In Villas Veritas. In addition to the mansion, the grounds include two new modern additions: a 5-bedroom guest house and a 3-bedroom cottage. The rental of Rocabella starts at $100,000 a week.
In “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” Violet, Lady Grantham, played by Academy Award-winning actress Maggie Smith, has been left the mansion in the will of an aristocratic former lover. Most of the family come to the estate for days of sunshine and pleasure, as well as a gala “Jazz-Age” party on an exterior terrace where they dance the Charleston and are entertained by a Josephine Baker lookalike.
For more information on how you can book your Downton Abbey-inspired vacationer, contact the In Villas Veritas rental agency.
For womxn travelers looking for a less expensive getaway to Massachusetts, you may want to consider staying at lesbian-owned and operated Downton Valley, an LGBTQ+ owned and operated adults-only inn!
