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The Peaceful Place: Inside Audrey Hepburn's Swiss Villa 'La Paisible' That Just Hit The Market For $21 Million

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As of December 20, 2025, the world is once again captivated by the private life of Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn, as her cherished Swiss estate, "La Paisible," was recently listed for sale, offering a rare glimpse into the star's final, most peaceful decades. This 18th-century farmhouse, nestled in the quiet village of Tolochenaz, Switzerland, was more than just a house; it was the "peaceful place" (the literal translation of *La Paisible*) where the actress retreated from the spotlight, raised her family, and dedicated herself to philanthropy until her death in 1993. The momentous listing of this Grade-II listed mansion, which served as Hepburn’s sanctuary for nearly 30 years, has generated significant buzz among luxury real estate enthusiasts and devoted fans alike. Current reports indicate the sprawling property is on the market for approximately 19 million Swiss francs, translating to around $20.8 million USD, confirming its status as one of the most significant celebrity homes to be listed in recent memory.

The Life and Legacy of Audrey Hepburn: A Brief Biography

Audrey Kathleen Hepburn-Ruston (later simply Audrey Hepburn) remains one of the most enduring figures in film, fashion, and humanitarian work.
  • Full Name: Audrey Kathleen Hepburn-Ruston
  • Born: May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium
  • Died: January 20, 1993, in Tolochenaz, Switzerland
  • Nationality: Belgian-born British
  • Parents: Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Baroness Ella van Heemstra
  • Early Life: Spent her childhood in Belgium, England, and the Netherlands, enduring the hardships of the German occupation during World War II, a period that profoundly shaped her future humanitarian outlook.
  • Career Highlights: Achieved international stardom with *Roman Holiday* (1953), followed by iconic roles in *Sabrina* (1954), *Breakfast at Tiffany's* (1961), and *My Fair Lady* (1964). She is one of the few EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award).
  • Marriages: Mel Ferrer (1954–1968) and Andrea Dotti (1969–1982).
  • Children: Sean Hepburn Ferrer (with Mel Ferrer) and Luca Dotti (with Andrea Dotti).
  • Final Role: Spent her later years dedicated to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) as a Goodwill Ambassador.
Hepburn’s decision to leave the hectic pace of Hollywood and Rome for the quiet serenity of Switzerland marked a shift from global superstar to dedicated mother and humanitarian. Her homes, therefore, are a physical reflection of her life's different chapters, but none are as synonymous with her personal peace as *La Paisible*.

La Paisible: Audrey Hepburn’s Swiss Retreat in Tolochenaz

The estate known as *La Paisible* is located in Tolochenaz, a small, picturesque village on the shores of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Hepburn moved into the 18th-century farmhouse in 1963 with her first husband, Mel Ferrer, and it remained her primary residence until her death. The property’s name, meaning "the peaceful place," perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere Hepburn sought and found there. It was here she raised her two sons, Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti, and where she cultivated her famous rose gardens. She is also buried in the village’s small graveyard, solidifying her connection to the area.

Inside the Tranquil French-Country Aesthetic

The villa itself is a testament to comfortable, family-focused living, eschewing the ostentation one might expect from a Hollywood legend. The interiors embrace a relaxed, French-country aesthetic, designed for warmth and spaciousness. Key architectural and design features include:
  • Size and Scale: The estate spans a substantial area, featuring a main residence with 12 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms.
  • Materials: The home boasts beautiful terracotta floors, five cozy fireplaces, and elegant oak parquet flooring throughout.
  • Personal Touch: Hepburn’s personal style was evident in the decor. Her living room famously featured sunshine-yellow sofas, creating a "feel-good aesthetic" that was ahead of its time. Her bedroom, too, embodied a sophisticated coastal elegance.
  • Grounds: The expansive grounds include an outdoor swimming pool, a pool house, a garage, and the famous rose gardens that Hepburn tended to personally.
The current owners, Katharina and Jean-Marc Beaujolin, purchased the villa in 2001 from Hepburn’s sons and have meticulously maintained and renovated the property while preserving its historic charm and original atmosphere.

The Recent Listing and Other Significant Residences

The reappearance of *La Paisible* on the global real estate market is a major event. The current owners, who have held the property for nearly 24 years, have listed it with Knight Frank for a price that reflects its historical significance and modern-day luxury. The listing highlights the timeless architecture and the unparalleled tranquility of the location, which remains a highly sought-after feature among Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). For fans and investors, this is an opportunity to acquire a piece of cinematic and humanitarian history—a home that was truly a sanctuary for one of the world's most beloved figures.

Audrey’s Former Los Angeles Hideaway

While *La Paisible* is her most famous and final home, Audrey Hepburn also maintained residences in other global hubs during her career. In a separate, yet equally significant listing, her former Los Angeles hideaway in Brentwood was recently put on the market for $10.9 million. This historic Brentwood property, which Hepburn rented during her time in Hollywood, offers a contrasting view of her life—a mid-century modern aesthetic suited to the California lifestyle. The LA home features a luxurious upstairs primary suite complete with dual spa-like bathrooms and massive walk-in closets, showcasing the more glamorous side of her early career.

The Roman Years

Between her time in Hollywood and her final settlement in Switzerland, Hepburn also spent significant time in Italy, living in Rome with her second husband, Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti. This period, following her success in *Roman Holiday*, cemented her status as a global citizen, but it was the quietude of Tolochenaz that ultimately called her home. The listing of *La Paisible* serves as a poignant reminder of Audrey Hepburn's enduring desire for a normal, peaceful life away from the relentless scrutiny of fame. The estate, with its rolling gardens and French-country charm, remains a powerful symbol of the elegance, grace, and tranquility she embodied both on and off the screen.

Entities and Topical Authority Keywords: Tolochenaz, La Paisible, Switzerland, Lake Geneva, Vaud, French-country aesthetic, Grade-II listed mansion, Katharina Beaujolin, Jean-Marc Beaujolin, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Luca Dotti, Mel Ferrer, Andrea Dotti, UNICEF, Hollywood icon, Brentwood property, terracotta floors, oak parquet, luxury real estate, cinematic history.

The Peaceful Place: Inside Audrey Hepburn's Swiss Villa 'La Paisible' That Just Hit the Market for $21 Million
audrey hepburn house
audrey hepburn house

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