Riviera Reporter
Riviera Reporter
THE FRENCH RIVIERA'S ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWS MAGAZINE
THE FRENCH RIVIERA'S ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWS MAGAZINE

Homes and Houses: Mougins villa of artist Ziva

Ziva's Villa

She is a true artist, and hides behind the exotic name of Ziva. After eight creative and rewarding years living in a stunning Mougins villa, this international woman of mystery is ready to move on, and her home is for sale.

Her fantasy-like paintings will be moving with her, intensely personal works that she has so far refused to exhibit or sell.

So what do we know of Ziva, who, when asked of the influences on her work, answers simply “Everything. Everybody.”? She was born in Toronto in 1976, and studied at the St Andrew’s art school in that great city. She experimented with several painting techniques and different styles before reaching her true artistic essence.

In the past Ziva has painted only for herself and a close circle of friends, but there are hints that she may soon reveal all to the general public.

“Dreams shape my art, and make it limitless,” says Ziva, who, as well as being a Mougins resident, has called London her home. “My art encompasses all human situations, feelings and experiences. My inspiration lies far beyond this world.”

Mougins has been Ziva’s principal home in recent years, as she adores the wonderful climate, sea and paysage of the French Riviera.

“I will miss the villa because I have been held captive by its romantic style, the fountains and a landscaped garden with scented and colourful flowers and shrubs. It has a unique atmosphere that is both serene and inspirational. Special things have happened here.

“It has a wonderful setting, with views of the woodlands and Cannes Mougins Golf Club. Mougins itself is a proper old French village of immense charm.”

Ziva is not just an artist and dreamer. Her practical side came to the fore when she remodelled her home completely, redecorated, changed all the bathrooms and designed and landscaped the garden, moulding it to her artistic vision.

She planted 15 olive trees and hundreds of bushes, roses and flowers. Fountains and paving were added to give a final touch of magic to an impressive and beautiful home.

Although Ziva plans to spend most of her time in London, she cannot resist the thought of keeping a patch of the Côte d’Azur for her own enjoyment, and is casting her artistic eye over a seafront property.

The artist’s villa is approached along the gated lane of an exclusive domaine, the driveway sweeping up to the house. Once inside, the hallway opens into a large lobby and wide, curving stairs, which lead up to several of the bedrooms, all en-suite.

Ziva's Villa, Hallway

From the double height lobby we can proceed into the dining room and on to the spacious veranda, which allows enjoyment of the spectacular gardens in all weather at all hours of the day. Nestling in the gardens is the fine pool and pool house.

Ziva's Villa, Pool

A corridor leads to a grand salon with fireplace, with terraces beyond. There is also a library and several bedrooms on the ground floor, one of which is now used as an office.

Ziva's Villa, Salon

The main house has 4/5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a sitting room, dining room/conservatory, library and an office. It also features a 50m2 apartment for the gardien. There is also a permit to build an additional house of 500m2 in the spacious grounds.

For more details about this splendid property, on the market now (summer 2015) for a whisker over €4 million, contact Suzanna de Boer at Leggett Immobilier on 07 54 06 27 34 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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