Nestled in the serene municipality of Tolochenaz near Lausanne, Switzerland, an enchanting villa that once served as a peaceful retreat for an illustrious film star is now on the market. This idyllic property, famously known as ‘La Paisible’ or ‘peaceful place,’ was home to the beloved Old Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn for the last three decades of her life. Listed for $20.8 million, the villa offers an intimate glimpse into the private sanctuary of a Hollywood icon.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Previous Owner: Audrey Hepburn
Current Owners: Katharina and Jean-Marc Beaujolin
Location: Tolochenaz, Switzerland
Style: 18th Century Farmhouse
Renovations Completed: 2001
La Paisible, an 18th-century farmhouse, is a picturesque estate located approximately a 30-minute drive from Geneva airport. With its storybook-like charm, the 10,800-square-foot villa boasts 21 rooms, including 12 bedrooms and eight bathrooms spread over three floors. The property retains its historical allure with original elements such as terracotta floors, oak parquet, and five period fireplaces. Complementing these are modern upgrades carried out by its current owners, Katharina and Jean-Marc Beaujolin, who purchased the home in 2001.
The Beaujolins have lovingly preserved this estate while modernizing it to suit contemporary needs. Upon acquiring the villa, they relocated the kitchen to a more prominent part of the house and updated several features, including the bathrooms and electrical systems. Although they infused the villa with modern conveniences, the couple ensured that Hepburn’s elegant touch remains palpable within the home. For instance, the kitchen opens up to views of Hepburn’s beloved rose gardens gifted by the Givenchy fashion house, symbolizing the actress’s legacy and her longstanding bond with designer Hubert de Givenchy.
A defining aspect of the villa is its expansive 40-acre property adorned with lush parklands, a 50-foot-long heated swimming pool, and mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains. The breathtaking rose gardens, a gesture of friendship from the fashion house, include a grove planted to celebrate Hepburn’s 60th birthday. With half of the original bushes still thriving, these gardens continue to emanate the grace and beauty Hepburn was renowned for, albeit some rose bushes have succumbed to the passage of time.
The villa embodies the blend of sophistication and tranquility that Hepburn cherished, making it a coveted historical property. Despite owning this piece of Hollywood history, the Beaujolins have decided to sell as they aim to downsize. Katharina shares that while living in such a prominent residence was never intrusive, the subtle fascination of visitors stopping by to view Hepburn’s commemorative plaque was genuinely touching, signifying the actress’s enduring impact even decades after her passing.
This villa is not merely a house but a narrative piece brimming with history and stories of stardom, elegance, and intimate memories. Its presence amidst the beautiful Swiss countryside offers potential occupants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a space that once hosted unforgettable moments of an iconic life, a testament to Audrey Hepburn’s lasting cultural significance. As prospective buyers consider this unique property, they will not only own a home but a part of cinematic history, complete with roses that whisper the legacy of a timeless Hollywood legend.
