Historic Hepburn Villa Listed for CHF19M in Swiss Market

A staggering CHF 19 million ($20.8 million) price tag now hangs over one of Switzerland's most culturally significant residences. 'La Paisible,' the legendary 18th-century farmhouse that served as Audrey Hepburn's sanctuary for three decades, has officially hit the market, sending shockwaves through the luxury real estate sector. Located in the scenic village of Tolochenaz, just a 30-minute drive from Geneva airport, this is not merely a property transaction; it is the sale of a piece of cinematic history.

The villa, listed by Knight Frank, commands attention not just for its celebrity pedigree but for its sheer exclusivity in the Swiss market. While the global real estate market grapples with fluctuations, ultra-prime Swiss assets remain a bastion of value. The current owners, Katharina and Jean-Marc Beaujolin, who acquired the estate from Hepburn's sons in 2001, are capitalizing on a market hungry for unique heritage assets. With the listing now live, the sale represents a rare opportunity to own the very walls that shielded a Hollywood icon from the glare of the paparazzi.

The numbers defining this estate are nothing short of impressive. The buyer will acquire a massive 10,800 square feet of living space, comprising 12 bedrooms and eight bathrooms, all situated on a sprawling four-acre lot. This volume of space is a rarity in the densely regulated Swiss property market. The villa boasts a strategic layout that balances grandeur with intimacy; it features a privacy wall surrounded by hedges on one side, ensuring total seclusion, while the other side opens onto vast parkland with commanding views toward the mountains.

Katharina Beaujolin describes the home as exuding an "amazing atmosphere," fitting for a property named 'The Peaceful Place.' For over two decades, the Beaujolins utilized this generous footprint to raise six children, proving the estate's functionality as a family home surpasses its status as a museum piece. "You have very good schools, excellent universities, the lake and the mountains—what else do you want?" Beaujolin remarks, highlighting the property's prime location near the shores of Lake Geneva and the city of Lausanne.

More than 30 years after her death, Audrey Hepburn's presence still permeates the village of Tolochenaz. The screen icon owned La Paisible from 1963 until her passing in 1993, and she remains buried in the local cemetery, cementing her eternal bond with the region. A plaque bearing her name adorns the exterior privacy wall, a subtle monument that continues to draw admirers from across the globe. "It’s actually quite touching... that people still want to see where she lived shows how much she meant to people," says Beaujolin.

While the Beaujolins fell in love with the property for its calm energy, the historical weight of the previous owner was a "fun bonus" that became an integral part of their tenure. Tourists occasionally snap photos, yet the respect for privacy—a hallmark of Swiss culture—remains intact. This sale tests the value of celebrity provenance in the ultra-luxury tier; buying La Paisible is not just purchasing real estate, it is assuming stewardship of a cultural landmark where one of cinema's greatest stars found her true home.

After 24 years of stewardship, the Beaujolins are closing this chapter, driven by the practical need to downsize now that their children have grown. "It’s just the two of us in this big house, and it felt like the right moment to make a change," Katharina Beaujolin admits. This decision places a trophy asset back into play at a time when Switzerland's Lake Geneva region is reinforcing its status as a global haven for the ultra-wealthy.

The sale of La Paisible serves as a barometer for the high-end Swiss market. With a price point of CHF 19 million, it targets a specific demographic of international elite who value privacy, history, and proximity to hubs like Lausanne and Geneva. As the property changes hands, the village of Tolochenaz watches closely. The next owner will not only acquire a luxury villa but will also inherit the responsibility of maintaining the legacy of the "fair lady" who put this quiet Swiss municipality on the global map.