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Le Corbusier’s pioneering experiments with glass, steel, and concrete vaulted him to become one of the 20th century’s most influential architects. He’s so revered that, in 2016, UNESCO added 17 of his projects to its World Heritage List. Now, a two-story residence by the late French-Swiss modernist is for sale in the South of France. Built in 1931 on a hilltop parcel dotted with cypress and lemon trees, Villa de Mandrot, also called L’Artaude, is available for a little over $2.7 million with Architecture de Collection.
© Photos Marion Sacco © FLC / ADAGP 2025
The living room.
The historic landmark’s original owner was Swiss artist and arts patron Hélène de Mandrot, who commissioned Corbusier to devise the 2,100-square-foot retreat on a plot in the Provençal village of Le Pradet. Her request was simple: two bedrooms, plus four extra beds for guests, and a garden.
The architect responded by blending International style architecture with the local vernacular, using Var stone common among the region’s châteaux to craft an L-shaped residence and integrated courtyard. The home’s oversized windows, multitude of doors, and continuous material palette embodied Corbusier’s philosophy that “the outdoors is also an indoors.”
© Photos Marion Sacco © FLC / ADAGP 2025
Villa de Mandrot, also called L’Artaude, is available for a little over $2.7 million.
The main floor includes the two principal bedrooms as well as the tiled kitchen and fireplace-equipped living room. Downstairs, the garden level holds the former caretaker’s quarters as well as a studio, kitchen, and shower room. Across the terrace is a matching annex comprised of one bedroom and a bath.
© Photos Marion Sacco © FLC / ADAGP 2025
The garden level.
Corbusier himself described the house in a 1931 letter to his mother: “[Mandrot’s] house is marvelous, new, strong, solid, splendidly integrated into the landscape.” Now, a new steward awaits.
Villa de Mandrot is listed for €2.35 million with Architecture de Collection.
Geoffrey Montes is an associate editor at ELLE Decor with a serious love for all things real estate and design. Before that, he worked at Architectural Digest, Galerie, and Preservation magazines, covering everything from jaw-dropping listings to world-famous architects and design events like Salone del Mobile and Homo Faber.