Grace Kelly has found reassuring sources in a French villa which is on sale for €11.5m.

A stone villa on the French Riviera, which is famous for its history, natural springs and visits from Princess Grace Kelly, is on the market. The cost of the villa is 11.5 million euros ($12.9 million). Known as Les Moulins du Villars, the estate is distinguished by its uniqueness: the land, privacy, restored old stones and a wonderful atmosphere of peace and tranquility," said Peter Illowski of Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty, which is marketing the property.

The estate is located in a nature reserve and has been known for centuries for the mineral water springs that run through its grounds. "Princess Grace Kelly found these springs soothing and spent time at the estate to rejuvenate and improve her health," Illowski said.

The main villa

This former oil mill is nearly 6,000 square feet and dates in part to the 14th century. The house has four floors connected by an elevator and includes two living rooms, a kitchen and back kitchen, a wine cellar, seven bedrooms, an office and a Bollywood-style movie room, according to the ad. One of the villa's most impressive features is a glass water wheel in the middle of the living room, powered by one of the springs, Illowski said. "The owners purchased the property in 2008 after falling in love with the gardens and secluded location," Illowski said. The family, who could not be identified, "spent seven months traveling around the world gathering inspiration for each of the bedrooms, which is why they all look so different.

Le Sanctuaire

Outside the main house is Le Sanctuaire, a dilapidated ruin dating back to Roman times, an ancient flour mill and industrial fur factory. Today it is used as an event space, but it is the oldest building on the grounds and was built of Roman cement, at least 1,700 years ago.

The grounds also include a guest house, pool house, infinity edge pool, fitness studio, tennis court that can serve as a helicopter pad, four-car garage and panoramic views. There are also fruit and citrus trees, cypresses and olive groves, the harvest from which can be turned over to the local mill for processing to produce extra virgin olive oil. But the most unusual feature of the estate is the man-made tunnel that "parallels the flow of the river and meets it at a depth of 50 meters inside the mountain," Illowski explained. "It goes under the mountain and comes out at the entrance to the grounds. This allows the river to be seen from underground and is now being widened for easier access. "