Lily Safra House is one of the most talked-about luxury homes in the world. When people hear about a house worth $750 million, their jaws drop. And when they find out it belonged to Lily Safra, a billionaire known for her kindness and love for art, they get even more curious. The Lily Safra House, also known as Villa Leopolda, sits high above the sparkling blue waters of the French Riviera and has a story as grand as its price tag. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of Lily Safra, her legendary house, and the lifestyle that made her a true icon.
Who is Lily Safra?
Lily Safra was more than just a billionaire; she was a symbol of elegance, generosity, and resilience. Born Lily Watkins in Porto Alegre, Brazil, she grew up in a family that valued hard work and ambition. Over the years, Lily married four times, with each marriage shaping her life in different ways. Her marriage to Edmond Safra, a famous banker, was especially important. Together, they built a fortune and became known for their incredible acts of charity.
But Lily wasn’t just about money. She loved art, supported medical research, and helped people in need all over the world. She owned a fleet of luxury cars, private jets, and even a yacht. Her real estate portfolio stretched across continents, with homes in New York, London, Monaco, Geneva, and, of course, the famous Lily Safra House on the French Riviera. At the time of her passing in 2022, her net worth was estimated at $1.3 billion.
She was often seen at charity events, and her donations changed lives. Her art collection was legendary, and she wasn’t afraid to auction off her treasures to help others. She lived a life most people can only dream of, but she always remembered to give back.
| Full Name | Lily Watkins Safra |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1934 |
| Place of Birth | Porto Alegre, Brazil |
| Date of Death | July 9, 2022 |
| Place of Death | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Brazilian-Monegasque |
| Occupation | Philanthropist, Socialite |
| Net Worth | $1.3 Billion (2022) |
| Spouses | Mario Cohen, Alfredo Monteverde, Samuel Bendahan, Edmond Safra |
| Children | Four |
| Main Homes | Villefranche-sur-Mer (Villa Leopolda), Monaco, Geneva, London, New York |
| Yacht | Yes |
| Private Jets | Yes |
| Luxury Cars | Multiple |
| Private Islands | Not publicly listed |
| Art Collection | Extensive, world-class |
Where Did Lily Safra Live Now?
Before her passing, Lily Safra split her time between some of the world’s most glamorous locations. But her heart was always drawn to the French Riviera, where the Lily Safra House—Villa Leopolda—stands as a symbol of timeless luxury. She also enjoyed homes in Monaco, Geneva, London, and New York, each filled with priceless art and memories.
Lily Safra House: A Detailed Overview
The Lily Safra House, officially called Villa Leopolda, is more than just a house—it’s a legend. Perched on the hills of Villefranche-sur-Mer, this estate is often called the most beautiful villa in the world. And with a price tag of $750 million, it’s also one of the most expensive.
1. Where Is Lily Safra House?
Villa Leopolda is located at Avenue Léopold II, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. This spot is famous for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling hills of the French Riviera. The area is a playground for the rich and famous, with luxury yachts bobbing in the harbor and sun-drenched beaches just a short drive away.
The estate itself covers about 18 to 20 acres, filled with lush gardens, olive groves, and lemon trees. It’s a private paradise, hidden behind tall gates and surrounded by nature. From the villa, you can see the coastline stretching for miles, with the sunlight dancing on the water. It’s no wonder so many movies have been filmed here, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief”.
2. Features of Lily Safra House
House Design and Style
Villa Leopolda is a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture. Built between 1929 and 1931 by American architect Ogden Codman Jr., the villa blends classic French elegance with Mediterranean charm. The outside is grand, with white walls, high arches, and sweeping terraces that look out over the sea. The gardens are so beautiful that they’re said to need more than 50 gardeners to keep them perfect.
Area and Layout
The main house has 19 deluxe bedrooms, each with its own fancy bathroom. There are huge salons with crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and hand-painted ceilings. The grand staircase is fit for royalty, and the ballrooms are made for glamorous parties. There’s a library, a music room, a private cinema, and even a wine cellar stocked with rare vintages.
Gardens and Grounds
The gardens at Lily Safra House are among the most beautiful in Europe. They’re filled with olive trees, cypress, lemon orchards, and rare flowers from around the world. There are fountains, sculptures, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The estate even has a commercial-sized greenhouse, a helipad, and a guest house that’s bigger than most people’s mansions.
Art and Decor
Inside, the villa is filled with antique furniture, Renaissance paintings, and modern art. Every room has its own style, but all are designed to impress. The décor is a mix of European aristocratic taste, with Persian carpets, Italian furniture, and rare artifacts. It’s like walking through a living museum.
Security and Privacy
Because of its high-profile owners, Villa Leopolda is also one of the most secure homes in the world. Security teams, high walls, and advanced technology keep the estate safe and private. Only a select few ever get to see inside.
Lily Safra’s Real Estate Portfolio
Lily Safra’s love for beautiful homes wasn’t limited to the French Riviera. Over the years, she owned and sold some of the world’s most exclusive properties.
Monaco Penthouse: Lily and Edmond Safra lived in a stunning penthouse in Monaco, where Edmond sadly passed away in 1999. The building was famous for its luxury and security.
Geneva Mansion: She had a grand home in Geneva, Switzerland, where she spent much of her later years.
London Mansion: Lily owned a six-story mansion in London, worth over $40 million. She was often seen in London’s high society circles.
New York Residences: In New York, Lily owned a penthouse at 820 Fifth Avenue, which she sold for about $20 million, and a 4,500-square-foot apartment at 838 Fifth Avenue with an 800-square-foot terrace overlooking Central Park. She also had other luxury apartments in the city, some of which she gifted to family members.
Other Properties: Lily was rumored to have homes in Paris and other major cities, though she kept her personal life private.
Her real estate choices always reflected her taste for elegance and comfort. Each home was filled with art, fine furniture, and memories of family and friends.
Conclusion
Lily Safra House isn’t just a home—it’s a symbol of a life lived at the highest level. With its $750 million price tag, stunning Belle Époque design, and world-famous gardens, Villa Leopolda stands as a monument to luxury and history. But what truly sets it apart is the woman who called it home. Lily Safra used her fortune not just for herself, but to help others, support the arts, and make the world a better place. Her story, and her house, will inspire people for generations to come.
FAQs
Did Lily Safra get an inheritance?
Yes, Lily Safra received significant inheritances during her life. She first inherited a substantial fortune from her second husband, Alfredo Monteverde, after his suicide in 1969. With the help of Edmond Safra, her future husband, she secured control over Monteverde’s assets, including a major stake in the Brazilian appliance company Ponto Frio, which she later sold for $340 million. Her most notable inheritance, however, came after the death of her fourth husband, Edmond Safra, in 1999. Edmond, a billionaire banker, left the majority of his wealth to charity but also bequeathed Lily enough assets to make her a billionaire, with reports indicating she received around $800 million.
How did Lily Safra make her money?
Lily Safra’s wealth was primarily accumulated through inheritance from her marriages:
Alfredo Monteverde: After his death in 1969, she inherited his fortune, including a major stake in Ponto Frio, a leading Brazilian appliance retailer. She later sold this stake for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Edmond Safra: Her fourth husband, Edmond Safra, was a globally influential banker. Upon his death in 1999, Lily inherited a substantial portion of his estate, which made her one of the world’s wealthiest widows.
Additional Wealth: Lily was also known for her art collection and real estate holdings, but the foundation of her fortune was through these two inheritances. She was highly active in philanthropy, chairing the Edmond J. Safra Foundation and donating large sums to medical, educational, and humanitarian causes.
What happened to Edmond Safra?
Edmond Safra, a prominent banker and founder of Republic National Bank of New York, died tragically in a fire at his Monaco penthouse on December 3, 1999. The fire was determined to be arson, set by his nurse, Ted Maher, who intended to stage a rescue and gain Safra’s favor but lost control of the situation. Both Edmond Safra and one of his nurses died from smoke inhalation, as Safra, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, refused to leave a secure bathroom during the fire.
Ted Maher was convicted of arson and sentenced to ten years in prison. The circumstances surrounding Safra’s death attracted intense media scrutiny and conspiracy theories, but the official account points to Maher’s failed attempt at heroism as the cause.
