HIRLIMANN MIKE

It is a must go place for people who love history of art and culture. Eileen Gray was not a very well-known figure but her contribution in the modern art is huge. Anybody interested in feminism and queer culture would find the story of her life truly fascinating. This villa is a masterpiece of the 20 century architecture. Don’t miss it if you are on the Côte d’Azur.

Eileen Gray's E-1027 modernist house has recently reopened following a five-year renovation. The work brought it back close to its 1929 original form, after careful research. The house is a marvel of invention and functional design, building on the design principles of Le Corbusier (who lived there for 12 years and built his “Cabanon” next door) but stamped with Gray’s unique style and personality. You can only visit as part of a guided tour taking about a dozen people through on a comprehensive 2-hour visit (tours are given in French or English). These must be booked a long time in advance but the effort is well worth it. Our guide was brilliant and clearly passionate about the site and its colourful history. The visit starts at a ticket office which features a bookshop and (currently) an exhibition of about the restoration work. There’s also a great food truck. It’s a 400m walk along a flat path to get to the house and back. Beyond E-2017, visitors can also visit Le Corbusier’s Cabanon, holiday cabins and studio. Those interested in design, architecture and modernism will love this visit, but the site is so stunning and and the guided tour so well put together that anyone should get something out of the experience. Hot tip: walk down the steps from the car part to Buse Beach for a dip and lunch at Le Cabanon, a beach-side shack serving delicious local sea-food. The beach offers a different view of the house from the water below.

This is the first piece of Architecture I have visited in two years and it did not disappoint. The interior is rich with details and consideration and the story is full of twists and turns. It would have been amazing to have an hour or two to wander around the interior and to study Eileen Grey's thoughtful process and design flair. There was no time to sketch or reflect. We visited in a tour group of twelve which felt like too many for the space. It's not a large building and the rooms are similarly small. We didn't spend much time in the bathroom which was a shame because it looked beautiful. I think access would be difficult for anyone with mobility issues or in a wheelchair. Furthermore it was very hot and the walk across the beach and up stairs might be difficult for some people.

Truly magnificent. E-1027 was built between 1926 and 1929 by the Irish architect, Eileen Gray. All of the furniture was to her design. A modernist masterpiece.

Such a gorgeous piece of architecture! The tour was also really interesting 😊

After years of restauration the villa is finally back to full glory. A terrific guided tour will inform you about the history of this amazing site (and of the other buildings nearby, like the Cabanon from Le Corbusier). It's like visiting the genesis of modern architecture with an important role for Le Corbusier, but starring none other than Eileen Gray. If you're visiting the area, do make a reservation well in advance.

I’ve visited twice now, and the continued progress on the resortation is very encouraging. My guides have been quite good, really bringing the property to life.

Stunning place! Buildings restored saving the authentic feeling of the golden decades. Lovely guide!