Have you ever wondered where the world’s most powerful fashion moguls go when they need to escape the noise of the runway? If you follow the rugged, breathtaking coastline of northern France, you will find the answer. Nestled atop the jagged cliffs of Dinard, the François-Henri Pinault house, famously known as Villa Greystones, stands as a testament to understated luxury and historical preservation.
This isn’t just another billionaire’s mansion; it is a sanctuary. For François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of the luxury group Kering, this Brittany retreat represents a deep connection to his French roots. It is a place where the salt air of the English Channel meets the refined elegance of high fashion.
A Brief History of Villa Greystones
The story of the François-Henri Pinault house doesn’t begin with the billionaire. In fact, Villa Greystones has a rich history that dates back over a century. It was initially built during a time when Dinard was becoming the “Cannes of the North,” a popular destination for the British aristocracy and wealthy French families.
The Anglo-Norman Roots
Built in the early 20th century, the villa was designed in the Anglo-Norman style. This architectural choice was very popular in the region at the time, characterized by its use of local stone, steep roofs, and a look that felt both sturdy and welcoming. It was intended to be a summer retreat—a place to enjoy the sea air and escape the heat of the city.
The name “Greystones” is quite literal. The luxury house was constructed using the grey granite found in the region, allowing it to blend almost seamlessly into the rocky cliffs of the Pinault Cove. Over the decades, the house changed hands and saw various degrees of upkeep, but its structural integrity and prime location remained its greatest assets.
The Pinault Transformation
When François-Henri Pinault acquired the estate, he didn’t just want to move in; he tried to restore it to its former glory while adding 21st-century luxuries. This wasn’t a “tear-down” project. Instead, it was a meticulous renovation that respected the original Villa Greystones’ history.
He brought in top-tier architects and designers to ensure that every new addition felt like it had always been there. The goal was to maintain the weathered elegance of the facade while completely modernizing the building’s interior. Today, it stands as a perfect marriage of historical charm and modern engineering.
Historical Timeline of Villa Greystones
To give you a better idea of how this estate evolved, let’s look at the key milestones in its history:
EraKey EventDescription
1920s Original Construction Built as a luxury summer retreat in the Anglo-Norman style for the elite.
Mid-20th Century Golden Age of Dinard. The villa hosted various European socialites during Dinard’s peak as a resort town.
In the early 2000s, Pinault Acquisition: François-Henri Pinault purchased the estate as a primary family retreat.
2010s – Present Modern Upgrades Extensive renovations including eco-friendly tech, art galleries, and infinity pools.
Location: Why Brittany for François-Henri Pinault’s House
If you were to look at a map of France, you would find Dinard sitting right across the water from the famous walled city of Saint-Malo. This area is known as the Emerald Coast, and for good reason. The water has a stunning green tint, and the cliffs are covered in lush vegetation.
The Privacy of Pinault Cove
One of the biggest draws of the François-Henri Pinault house is its sheer privacy. The villa is perched on a point that locals often refer to as part of the “Pinault Cove.” Because it sits on a cliffside, it is naturally protected from prying eyes. You can’t just walk up to the front door; the estate is gated and heavily secured, ensuring that the family can enjoy their time without interruption.
Proximity to Luxury and Nature
While the house feels secluded, it is actually well-positioned. It is just a short hop away from the Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo Airport, making it easy for Pinault to fly in from Paris or London on a private jet.
The local culture also suits his lifestyle perfectly. The region is famous for its world-class seafood, sailing culture, and historic architecture. It’s a place where you can enjoy a five-star meal in a nearby village or take a yacht out into the English Channel within minutes of leaving your front door. It’s the ultimate “quiet luxury” location.
Architectural Marvels of Villa Greystones
When you first lay eyes on the François-Henri Pinault house architecture, the word that comes to mind is permanent. This isn’t a glass box that will look dated in ten years. It is a fortress of style.
The Iconic Grey Stone Facade
The exterior of Villa Greystones is its most defining feature. The use of heavy, grey granite gives the house a sense of gravity and history. These stones have been weathered by decades of sea spray, giving them a unique patina that cannot be replicated with modern materials.
The roof is made of dark slate, a classic French choice that complements the grey walls perfectly. Large, expansive terraces have been carved into the cliffside, providing multiple levels of outdoor living space. These terraces are designed to handle the occasionally harsh Brittany weather while offering unobstructed views of the ocean.
A Focus on Scale and Sustainability
The sheer size of the estate is mind-blowing. We are talking about over 10 bedrooms and grounds that span roughly 20 acres. Despite this massive footprint, Pinault has made a concerted effort to incorporate sustainable features.
During the most recent renovations, the house was fitted with eco-friendly upgrades. This includes advanced insulation to handle coastal chill, discreetly placed solar panels to avoid ruining the aesthetic, and a landscaping plan that uses native plants. This ensures the garden thrives without needing excessive water or chemicals. It is a “green” mansion in every sense of the word.
The Infinity Pool Overlook
Perhaps the most photographed (from a distance) feature of the François-Henri Pinault house is the infinity pool. It is positioned at the very edge of the cliff. When you are swimming in it, the water seems to merge directly with the English Channel below. It is a feat of modern engineering that adds a touch of resort-style luxury to the historic stone estate.
Inside the Luxe Interiors: A Room-by-Room Tour
While few people outside of the Pinault inner circle ever get to see the inside, the details that have emerged paint a picture of a home filled with museum-quality art and bespoke furniture. The Pinault house interiors are a masterclass in “less is more,” where every single item has been chosen with purpose.
The Grand Entrance Hall
As you step through the massive wooden front doors, you are greeted by a grand entrance hall featuring polished marble floors. But don’t expect gold-leafed statues. Instead, the space is likely filled with contemporary art from the Pinault Collection.
The walls are often kept in neutral tones—creams, soft greys, and whites—to allow the artwork to take center stage. The lighting is architectural, designed to highlight specific sculptures or large-scale paintings. It feels more like a private gallery than a traditional mudroom.
Living Spaces and the Main Suite
The main living areas are designed around the view. Huge, floor-to-ceiling windows have been integrated into the stone walls, framing the sea like a living painting.
- The Living Room: Features custom-made sofas from Kering-owned brands and a massive stone fireplace that serves as the heart of the room.
- The Main Suite: This is where the influence of Salma Hayek is most felt. It is rumored to feature artisanal textiles, soft lighting, and a private terrace for morning coffee. The palette is calm and restorative, using high-end linens and natural woods.
- The Kitchen: A chef-grade facility equipped with the latest French appliances. It’s designed for entertaining world leaders and celebrities, but it also has a cozy breakfast nook for family meals.
Standout Interior Features
To help you visualize the level of detail inside this luxury French villa, here are some of the standout features:
- Bespoke Furniture: Many pieces are custom-designed by the creative directors of brands like Bottega Veneta or Gucci.
- Integrated Smart Home Tech: While the house looks old, it is “smart.” Lighting, temperature, and security are all controlled via a central system that is invisible to the eye.
- Guest Wings: The house is divided into wings, providing guests with complete privacy. Each guest room is themed with different art pieces and has its own spa-like ensuite bathroom.
- The Library: A massive collection of art books and historical texts, reflecting Pinault’s passion for learning and culture.
The Gardens and Outdoor Retreats
The outdoor space of the François-Henri Pinault house is just as impressive as the interior. The 20-acre grounds are a mix of manicured perfection and wild, natural beauty.
Manicured Lawns and Wildflower Meadows
Near the luxury house, the gardens are perfectly kept. Think English-style borders mixed with French symmetry. However, as you move further away from the main building toward the edges of the property, the landscape becomes more rugged.
Pinault has allowed parts of the estate to remain as wildflower meadows, which support local biodiversity. It creates a beautiful contrast: the sharp lines of the stone villa against the soft, swaying grasses of the Brittany coast.
Private Beach Access and the Helipad
One of the ultimate “billionaire flexes” is having your own beach. The Villa Greystones estate includes private paths that lead down the cliffside to a secluded stretch of sand. This allows the family to enjoy the ocean without the public ever knowing they are there.
For those arriving from Paris, there is also a discreet helipad. This allows Pinault to travel from a board meeting at Kering headquarters to his garden in Dinard in under 2 hours. It is the ultimate convenience for a man whose time is worth its weight in gold.
Lifestyle at François-Henri Pinault’s Brittany Haven
What is life actually like at the François-Henri Pinault house? It’s a blend of high-society hosting and quiet, salt-of-the-earth living.
Family Gatherings and Yachting
During the summer months, the villa is full of life. It’s a place for family reunions where the Pinault children and grandchildren can run around the vast gardens.
You will often see a luxury yacht docked just off the coast of the property. Yachting is a big part of the lifestyle here. Whether they are sailing toward the Channel Islands or just cruising along the coast to Saint-Malo, the sea is an integral part of their daily routine.
A Focus on Wellness and Privacy
Privacy is the ultimate luxury for the Pinaults. The house is equipped with state-of-the-art security, but it doesn’t feel like a prison. The security is “invisible”—tech-heavy but non-intrusive.
This allows the family to focus on wellness. There are dedicated spaces for yoga, a full gym, and of course, the salt-water infinity pool. It is a place to recharge the batteries before heading back into the high-stress world of global fashion and finance.
Villa Greystones’ Influence on Luxury Design Trends
The François-Henri Pinault house has actually influenced how many people think about modern luxury. We are seeing a shift away from “nouveau riche” gold and glitter toward the “old money” aesthetic that Villa Greystones embodies.
Blending Heritage with Modernism
The lesson we can all take from this house is the importance of respecting history. You don’t have to tear down the old to make room for the new. By using local stone and traditional shapes, then filling the interior with modern art, Pinault has created a timeless look.
If you are looking for luxury villa inspiration, look at how this modran house uses texture. The roughness of the granite against the silk curtains’ smoothness is a design choice anyone can replicate on a smaller scale. It’s about the balance of elements.
Lessons for Your Own Dream Home
You might not have a billionaire’s budget, but you can still take cues from the François-Henri Pinault estate:
- Use Natural Materials: Stone and wood never go out of style.
- Focus on the View: Orient your living spaces toward whatever natural beauty you have outside.
- Invest in Art: A few high-quality pieces of art can define a room better than a hundred cheap decorations.
- Prioritize Privacy: Use landscaping and clever design to create your own “sanctuary.”
Where Does françois-henri pinault Currently Live?
François-Henri Pinault primarily lives in France.
