Perhaps you’ve been eyeing up property in the South of France for some time. Or maybe you’ve just come across Parc du Cap and are now weighing up your options. Whatever your journey, our next ‘Day in the Life of’ Parc du Cap resident instalment explores what it’s like to live at Parc du Cap.
We talk to Ian and Lisa Sexton, one of our first residents who own a two-bed apartment. Hailing from West Sussex in the UK, the Sextons have four children aged 14 to 24 and run a long-standing family motor business. Here they discuss how they became residents and some of the best things they love about the development and surrounding areas.
Q. How did you come to buy property on the Côte d’Azur?
First of all we started looking into property in the South of France when the kids were very young. We’ve always liked it there; there’s a real sense of class and we had friends who already owned in the area. Originally, we were lured in by the buzzy beauty of Cannes, however, time and time again we found ourselves gravitating towards Juan-les-Pins. We loved its history, its charm and the overall atmosphere.
When we came to sell our place in Cannes, we spent the next decade looking for something bigger to replace it. Places never quite fitted the bill for us, whether it was the dated nature of the buildings or the location failing to have a special view. Then we heard about Parc du Cap. We hadn’t come across anything else like it on our property hunt. Everything ticked our boxes: the modern finish, the beautiful sea and mountain views, and the 24-hour security and service. And the rest is history.
Q. How do you find living at Parc du Cap?
Parc du Cap really has everything. For starters, the development is modern and far outshines anything else on the Riviera. We didn’t have to do a thing to the place when we bought it. This high spec extends to the facilities – the spa and pools are utterly luxurious and of exceptional quality, and the grounds are extremely well looked after.
Something we didn’t bargain on when we moved in is the ready-made community that comes with living at Parc du Cap. We’ve met such great people; from couples we now regularly play tennis with to new friends we occasionally enjoy shopping trips and dinners with. There is such a genuinely great atmosphere and the location is so central for everything.
Q. What made you buy an apartment rather than a villa?
Initially we had thought about buying a villa, but we’re so pleased we went for our Parc du Cap apartment. The 24-hour security and concierge service are fantastic; we never have to worry about a thing. Recently, we had a situation where the concierge really pulled it out of the bag. Within 24-hours the concierge team had cleaned our apartment and hired sheets for friends of ours staying last-minute, without us. Moreover, the concierge team is always ready to help – especially with suggesting places to visit and nice restaurants to have dinner. It’s little touches like these that really make it special at Parc du Cap.
Q. How do you find travelling to Parc du Cap?
Above all ease of travel for family and friends was an important factor for us. Several airlines fly regularly into Nice airport throughout the year, and at convenient times of the day too. Flights are reasonable and it’s easy to get to the apartment from the airport; we usually hop in an Uber. Now and then we’ve actually driven across from the UK, staying in a lovely little chateau half-way.
Q. When you’re in Cap d’Antibes, what do you like to do?
First of all we both spend time here all-year-round: together and individually with friends, for long weekends as well as extended periods. We love it in the winter as much as the summer, when there’s a real community feel. We enjoy sitting outside in our coats with the sun on our faces or walking along the promenade. Parc du Cap is beautifully positioned for walking. For instance, you can head out the door and turn right down the hill to Juan-les-Pins or go left down the hill to Antibes. They’re both a wonderful choice and while it’s easy to rent a car, it’s nice that so much is accessible by foot.
Sometimes we like to spend a month or two at Parc du Cap, taking a few days to go off into the hills, not just spending time on the coast. There’s so much to explore and see in the area; we had a beautiful time recently in the pretty little town of La Gaude. Locally we love the Hotel Belles Rives for a drink with a view and Le César restaurant at Plage Keller for dinner. We recently discovered a fabulous new Middle Eastern restaurant set in a beautiful Arabic building, called Villa Djunah. The lamb is to die for.
Q. How do your kids feel about your purchase at Parc du Cap?
We’re not the only ones who benefit from being a resident at Parc du Cap; our children frequently use the apartment too. One of our daughters recently celebrated her 21st birthday here with some friends. As parents, it’s always nice to know they’re somewhere safe. One of our sons loves watersports and has done a power boat course. We’ve enjoyed hiring a boat for the day as the sea is always calm. We usually head around the Cap, exploring the Lérins Islands or parking the boat up for lunch. We’ve even discovered little boats that’ll bring pizza, sushi or ice creams direct to your boat.
Q. What would you say to someone considering a Parc du Cap property?
We couldn’t be happier with our apartment on the Cap. The buying process was made easy by the Caudwell staff, and we’ve been well looked after ever since. We bought for longevity and want to use the apartment as much as possible over the coming years. Living at Parc du Cap really is our dream come true.
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