When everyone heads to the countryside in “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” they end up at a gorgeous villa that Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith), has inherited. If the sprawling villa feels like the perfect backdrop for a story set in the early 1900s, that’s because the real Villa Rocabella was built in 1899. It sits on a large piece of land in Le Pradet in the South of France, with direct access to the water. The views are stunning, which you can see in the new “Downton Abbey” movie.
Not only is Domaine Rocabella a stunning structure, but you can also rent the space for your next event or even just a wellness vacation. The 19th-century mansion is pricey, of course, and often rented out as a whole building (for things like movies or big events), but it also plays host to The Roca Cup, a windfoil event on the water. The first of its kind was held just this year, providing even more activities on the grounds.
Because of Domaine Rocabella’s close proximity to water, aquatic activities are highly regarded among guests. You can take out your own windfoil, paddleboard, kite surf, scuba dive, and more. The excursions are available to all guests at Rocabella, along with mindful activities like yoga. But if you’re down for a relaxing time at the villa, you can take in the architecture and decor all over the property. From the gardens to the art on the walls, everything at Rocabella is stunning. Take a look inside the villa in the gallery ahead.
