Villa Sous le Vent, meaning 'Leeward' in French, is the largest residence ever designed by the prolific American architect Barry Dierks and one of the most prestigious private estates on Cap d'Antibes. Commissioned in 1937 by American socialite Marion Sidney Allen, the villa was constructed on a dramatic rocky promontory on the western shore of the Cap, with commanding views over the Baie des Milliardaires.
The villa combines Dierks' signature restrained modernity with an Italian-influenced Mediterranean style, featuring Marion Allen's initials in wrought iron above the imposing entrance gate. Construction was interrupted by World War II and the house was left incomplete. In 1946, the distinguished French banker Michel David-Weill purchased the property and had it finished, commissioning the celebrated interior designer Henri Samuel to decorate the dining room. David-Weill made the villa a gathering place for the French establishment, notably receiving General Charles de Gaulle there.
The David-Weill family, central figures in French finance through their leadership of the Lazard banking house, have maintained the property as their summer residence for decades. Villa Sous le Vent remains one of the most private and closely guarded estates on the Cap, its remarkable botanical garden and waterfront position making it among the most valuable residential properties in Europe.