The French call their grand country homes bastides. The word alone is evocative, conjuring up images of an expansive stone estate, immaculately groomed gardens, a table laid with exquisite silverware for dinner and white gloved-staff discreetly pouring Champagne. This exceptional home, in the village of Mougins, is one of the most exceptional bastides in the French Riviera. It has retained its character and charm (the stone fireplace and wooden beams in the living room are a case in point), but the interiors have been given a modern touch – just check out the sleek kitchen and bright furnishings in the bedrooms. There’s a sparkling pool and private tennis court outside, and a boules pitch too. But the place where you’ll really feel like French royalty? The terrace at sunset when the garden is gently lit up and the Mediterranean Sea dazzles on the horizon.