“A nominal rent” you say? That’s just one of the many stories Villa du Château could tell. Villa du Château stands as a testament to Parisian history. Though its name might not immediately ring a bell, its walls have housed figures of significant historical importance.
Villa du Château dates back to 1929. The French architect Roger Bouvard designed it. Henri Lillaz was its first owner. He named it “Château Le Bois.”
Now picture this. It’s the mid-20th century. Europe has been ravaged by war. Charles de Gaulle and his family reside here after the Liberation of Paris in 1944. They called Villa du Château home until 1946.
Fast forward to 1953. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor arrive. Following Edward VIII’s abdication, the City of Paris leased the villa to the Windsors. They renamed it Villa Windsor.
The Duchess oversaw a refurbishment by Maison Jansen. The Parisian decorating firm created a lavish interior. Imagine painted ceilings and precious objects. Picture marble and wood paneling.
The French government gave the Windsors some financial leeway. They were exempt from paying income tax. The couple could also buy tax-free goods.
The Duke passed away in 1972. The Duchess remained at Villa du Château until her death in 1986. The villa was returned to the City of Paris.
In the late 1980s Mohamed Al-Fayed signed a fifty-year lease. Al-Fayed renovated the villa. He was then promoted to Officer in the Légion d’honneur in 1989.
Tragedy struck in 1997. Al-Fayed’s son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales, visited the villa. It was the day before their fatal car accident.
Al-Fayed planned an auction of the Windsors’ possessions. The auction eventually took place in 1998 at Sotheby’s New York. The proceeds went to charity.
The Mansart Foundation now manages Villa du Château. They plan to open it to the public in 2025. Restoration work is underway. The aim is to preserve this historic site. Villa du Château has many stories to tell and is ready for visitors.