Moulin de la Tuilerie

Whispers of romance and exile cling to the stones of Le Moulin de la Tuilerie. This isn’t just an old mill; it’s a love story etched into the French countryside. Le Moulin de la Tuilerie, nestled in the Chevreuse Valley, was more than a weekend escape for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. It was their sanctuary, the only home they truly owned together. Imagine Edward, the former King of England, trading a throne for love, finding solace in this charming 18th-century mill. He and Wallis, his American wife, sought refuge here, far from the scandal that followed their love. Le Moulin de la Tuilerie became their personal haven, a place where they could simply be Edward and Wallis. They transformed the mill into a cozy English country house, a testament to Edward’s longing for home. The renowned garden designer, Russel Page, crafted a beautiful English garden, Edward’s pride and joy. A swimming pool and changing huts added a touch of luxury to their retreat. The outbuildings bustled with activity, converted into guest quarters for their glamorous circle. The old dovecote became an al fresco dining room. The barn, christened “The Orangery,” served as the main living area. Stables were transformed into additional bedrooms and a study. Le Moulin itself, the heart of the property, hosted lively parties and dances, also housing separate sleeping wings for the Duke and Duchess. The touch of interior designer Stéphane Boudin, who later worked with Jackie Kennedy, is evident in the elegant details. After Edward’s death in 1972, Le Moulin de la Tuilerie passed through several hands, falling into disrepair. Nature reclaimed the gardens, and the mill stood silent, a forgotten testament to a remarkable love story. But the story doesn’t end there. The Landmark Trust meticulously restored Le Moulin de la Tuilerie, breathing new life into the former royal retreat. While the lavish décor of the Windsors is gone, echoes of their presence remain. Boudin’s mosaic wall decoration in the Pigeonnier’s sitting room and the Duke’s walled garden still whisper tales of their time here. Today, Le Moulin de la Tuilerie offers a unique experience, a chance to step into a piece of history. It’s a place where the grandeur of royalty meets the tranquility of the French countryside, a testament to a love that defied a kingdom.