Villa Belle Époque is just 12 kilometers from Cairo’s center in Maadi, a Nile-side suburb whose name means ‘ferry-boats’. Since its founding in 1907 along the river’s east bank, this meticulously planned quarter was and remains synonymous with privilege. It was here that wealthy, cosmopolitan Cairenes built their stately residences and filled their sprawling gardens with a stunning array of exotic plants and trees.

Now home to over a dozen embassies, and much of the capital’s multi-cultural expatriate community, Maadi is a relaxed, sophisticated and sought-after area of the capital.