VILLA OLGA

Villa Olga: The Belle Époque Soul of the Gambetta District

(8 rue Caffarelli, 06000 Nice)

At the junction of boulevards Grosso and Gambetta, Villa Olga has stood since 1897 with its light-stone façade adorned with sgraffito friezes and garnet balustrades. Built for Baron Valéry-Gabriel Henrion on land acquired by Mathilde Clément, this “villa-building” is attributed to Polish-born architect Adam Dettloff, a key figure of Belle Époque resort architecture in Nice. As early as 1898, the municipal directory lists the building as one of the first elegant addresses of the newly developed Caffarelli subdivision.

An Italianate Eclectic Jewel

Spanning three main levels and an attic floor, Villa Olga combines carefully cut stonework, rustic rusticated joints, and a glazed bow-window on the south side. Beneath the pavilion-style roof, a painted frieze unfolds with Italian-inspired scrolls and chimeras, while the brackets and railings bear the signature of master blacksmith Ange Agnel. Inside, a vestibule beneath a glass canopy leads to a winding staircase, whose walls feature remarkable japonisme-style scenes with birds and bamboo — among the best-preserved orientalist interiors in Nice.

A Walkable Life in the Heart of Nice

Nestled in a private landscaped garden, the residence enjoys a convenient central location: less than a 10-minute walk from Forum Beach, Avenue Jean-Médecin, and the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral. The Alsace-Lorraine tram station and Nice-Ville train station are both within 800 meters. This vibrant yet residential urban setting appeals to both local professionals and sun-seeking pied-à-terre buyers.

A Preserved Heritage Condominium

Originally designed with one apartment per floor, Villa Olga now comprises around 30 units, ranging from cozy studios to spacious four-room apartments, many of which retain original cornices, ceiling rosettes, and parquet flooring. The building is listed in Nice’s local urban plan (entry 324), has benefited from regular façade maintenance, and holds a national registration — a sign of professional and lasting management.

Living or Investing in Villa Olga

• Historical charm: stone façades, polychrome décor, rare japonisme staircase
• Central address: shops, transport, and beaches within ten minutes
• Sustainable value: protected heritage status, strong rental demand in the Gambetta area

Whether you're seeking a character-filled primary residence, a Belle Époque pied-à-terre, or a high-demand rental investment, Villa Olga offers architectural elegance, urban comfort, and heritage security — a true gem of the French Riviera.