Villa Belza in Biarritz

Villa Belza, a story of grandeur and mystery

The story of Villa Belza begins in 1825, when the farmer Dominique Daguerre acquired a rugged, untamed plot of land known as the “nightingale field.” After several changes of ownership, it was Ange Dufresnay, general manager of the Phénix insurance company, who in 1882 decided to build a residence for his wife. The project was entrusted to architect Alphonse Bertrand, known for his work on the Bellevue casino and the Grammont château in Biarritz. Perched on its rocky promontory, the villa stands out for its bold architecture, blending a neo-medieval keep with a pepper-pot turret. Named “Belza,” which means “black” in Basque, it quickly became the subject of legends, especially of witchcraft and ghosts, further reinforcing its mystical aura.

In the 1920s, the villa became a famous party venue under the name “Château Basque.” Rented by Grégoire Beliankine, brother-in-law of the famous composer Igor Stravinsky, it welcomed the Parisian elite and refugees of the Russian revolution for sumptuous evenings. This glorious past has left an indelible mark, making Villa Belza a mythical site where history meets legend.

Ravaged by two fires during the 20th century, the villa endured a long period of abandonment before being reborn in the 1990s thanks to the passion and efforts of Jean-Marc Galabert, a businessman. With the help of architects Vincent Bastie and Aude Bruguière, he transformed the villa into ten sumptuous apartments.

Since its restoration, Villa Belza has regained its former grandeur. It is now protected under Biarritz's “Architectural, Urban and Landscape Heritage Protection Zone” and underwent a major exterior renovation phase between 2015 and 2018. The villa still resists the assault of the waves and coastal erosion… its myth lives on.

An exceptional apartment in the heart of Villa Belza

Your BARNES Côte Basque agency presents a new addition to its portfolio of apartments for sale in Biarritz: a beautiful apartment in Villa Belza that fits perfectly into this rich history. Located on the 4th floor, it offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains from every room.

Fully renovated, the interior is decorated in a nautical spirit, blending elegance and modernity. The living-dining room opens onto a wide 11 m² terrace, ideal for enjoying sunsets over the Atlantic. The master bedroom, with its marble bathtub and breathtaking ocean view, is a true sanctuary of tranquility. This unique 68.57 m² apartment also features a modern kitchen enhanced with a screen that diffuses light, as well as a cellar and a private parking space in the basement.

Perched on its promontory between the Port Vieux, just a few steps from the Rocher de la Vierge, and the beaches of Biarritz, Villa Belza is one of the most iconic landmarks in the centre of Biarritz.

Are you interested in this property? Don't hesitate to contact our BARNES agency in Biarritz to learn more.

Beyond this exceptional apartment, BARNES Côte Basque supports buyers and investors in the Biarritz luxury real estate market, as well as holidaymakers looking for a high-end vacation rental in Biarritz.

To extend your discovery of Biarritz heritage, also explore our article on surfing in Biarritz, a discipline that shaped the city's identity just steps away from Villa Belza.