Built in 1907 by Caen architect Georges Pichereau, the villa stands on the site of the former Coteau farm, once owned by Gustave Flaubert's family. With its half-timbered manor house appearance, imperial roofs, and flat tiles typical of the Pays d'Auge region, the building reflects a subtle blend of regional architecture and aristocratic prestige.
The first owner, Baron Henri de Rothschild, had it built as a second home before selling it a decade later to Ralph Beaver Strassburger, a wealthy publisher and businessman who had fallen in love with Deauville. It was Strassburger who gave the villa its name and personality.
A lover of light and space, the American magnate made extensive changes to the interior: curtains were removed to let in daylight, the staircase was repainted white, beige-pink carpet was laid, and yellow silk fabrics with green stripes were hung. He also knocked down a partition wall to create a huge reception room, the ideal setting for his lavish parties.
