A historic villa in the Boulogne woods of western Paris, which once served as a residence to the former British King Edward VIII and his American wife Wallis Simpson, is set to open as a museum next year. Villa Windsor, a 14-room mansion, will be renovated to coincide with the Paris Olympics. The Paris city council recently signed the villa over to a charitable foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting French heritage, just before King Charles III and the Queen Consort’s first state visit to France.
A Place of Scandal and Celebrity
Set in gardens that stretch to 1.5 hectares, Villa Windsor was where the former king, who scandalized British society after abdicating in 1936, lived out his later life with his wife. Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, and Aristotle Onassis were among the many rich and famous who partied and socialized at 4 route du Champ d’Entraînement, after the then Duke and Duchess of Windsor occupied it in 1953. The couple lived there until they died—the duke in 1972 and the duchess in 1986. In the days before his death, the duke was visited by his niece, Queen Elizabeth II.
From de Gaulle to Al Fayed to a Charitable Foundation
Villa Windsor has a rich history. In 1944, it opened its doors to the exiled General Charles de Gaulle, who moved in with family following the liberation of Paris for two years. In 1998, after the death of the Duchess of Windsor, the lease was taken over by Mohamed Al Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire businessman Four years ago, Mohamed Al Fayed decided to give the villa back to the city of Paris. The Paris city council then leased the villa to a charitable organization committed to preserving and promoting French heritage for 32 years.
A New Lease on Life for Villa Windsor
The villa has never before been open to the public, but that will change after the extensive renovations that will take over a year to complete. The work will include installing a new heating system, as well as measures to ensure that it meets 21st century health and safety standards. The villa will also have a café and a small restaurant on site, and admission will be free. The newly renovated villa will include a museum with a permanent exhibition detailing its history, as well as a venue for events. Luxurious Villa Windsor disposes a spacious dining area, a stunning hall, a library, and gardens spanning one and a half hectares. It is just 10 minutes from the Place de l’Étoile in a beautiful place.
