When you think of Audrey Hepburn, your mind probably drifts to that iconic little black dress, a long cigarette holder, and the glittering lights of Hollywood. But here’s what most people don’t know — the woman who defined elegance on screen spent the most meaningful chapter of her life far from the cameras, tucked away in a quiet Swiss village.
The Audrey Hepburn house, known as La Paisible, was her sanctuary for nearly three decades. Purchased in 1963, this stunning 18th-century villa in the tiny village of Tolochenaz became the place where Hepburn traded red carpets for rose gardens, and premieres for peaceful mornings by Lake Geneva. It wasn’t just a house. It was her home — the place where she raised her sons, hosted intimate gatherings, tended to her beloved flowers, and ultimately spent her final days.
Now, for the first time in over two decades, this extraordinary property is on the market. Listed through Knight Frank at 19 million CHF (approximately $21 million USD), the 12-bedroom Swiss villa sits on roughly four acres of manicured parkland, just a 30-minute drive from Geneva. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history wrapped in Swiss serenity.
Architectural History and Design of the Audrey Hepburn House
18th-Century Farmhouse Origins
La Paisible isn’t your typical celebrity mega-mansion. It doesn’t scream wealth or excess. Instead, it whispers history, charm, and understated elegance — much like Hepburn herself.
The property dates back to the 18th century, when it was originally built as a farmhouse. Over the centuries, it evolved and expanded, but it never lost that rustic, grounded character that makes it so special. When Hepburn moved in, she didn’t gut the place and start over. Instead, she embraced its heritage and added her own personal touches.
One of the most notable additions during Hepburn’s time was the rose garden, reportedly stocked with plants gifted by her close friend and legendary fashion designer, Hubert de Givenchy. Hepburn was a passionate gardener, and the grounds of La Paisible reflected her love for nature and beauty. Century-old trees dot the landscape, and rolling lawns stretch out in every direction, creating a sense of space and tranquility that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Today, the property spans approximately 10,800 square feet of living space, with 12 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. It sits on a generous plot of roughly 4 acres (1.62 hectares) of parkland, giving it a sense of grandeur without feeling ostentatious. The architecture blends traditional Swiss farmhouse elements with more refined touches, creating a home that feels both historic and livable.
Layout Highlights
To give you a clearer picture of what this remarkable property offers, here’s a breakdown of its key features:
FeatureDescriptionHepburn Connection
Bedrooms: 12 bedrooms, including a primary suite with beautiful east-facing light, family quarters where Hepburn raised her sons Sean and Luca, and guest rooms for visiting friends
Gardens 4 acres of parkland with century-old trees, rolling lawns, and rose gardens, Hepburn’s daily walking grounds, and her beloved gardening sanctuary.
Swimming Pool: 50-foot heated outdoor pool. Used for summer gatherings and family relaxation
Parking 2 garages plus space for up to 15 vehicles. Accommodated guests during Hepburn’s intimate entertaining events
Bathrooms: 8 full bathrooms throughout the property. Updated during post-Hepburn renovations for modern comfort
Location: Tolochenaz village, 30 minutes from Geneva, near Lake Geneva. Chosen by Hepburn for its privacy, beauty, and proximity to cosmopolitan Geneva
After Hepburn’s passing in 1993, the property was eventually sold in 2001 to the Beaujolin family. The new owners, who had six children of their own, undertook thoughtful renovations to bring the home into the 21st century. These updates included relocating the kitchen, modernizing the bathrooms, and upgrading the electrical systems throughout the property. Importantly, the Beaujolins were careful to preserve the home’s character and soul, ensuring that Hepburn’s legacy remained intact even as the property was updated for contemporary living.
Inside the Audrey Hepburn House: A Room-by-Room Journey
Ground Floor Living Spaces
Step through the front door of La Paisible, and you’re immediately struck by the atmosphere. This isn’t a museum or a showpiece — it’s a home. The ground floor is designed for living, gathering, and making memories.
The kitchen, which was relocated during the Beaujolin family’s renovations, is now positioned as the heart of the home. It’s a spacious, functional space designed for family cooking and casual meals — exactly the kind of kitchen Hepburn herself would have loved. Hepburn was famously passionate about cooking, often preparing simple Italian dishes for her family and friends. The current kitchen honors that spirit while offering all the modern conveniences a contemporary family would expect.
The entertaining areas on the ground floor are genuinely impressive. The current owners have hosted events for over 150 guests, including weddings, making it clear that La Paisible is as much a venue as it is a home. The rooms flow naturally into one another, creating a sense of openness and warmth that makes even large gatherings feel intimate.
The owners have described the home’s atmosphere as profoundly serene. There’s a quality to La Paisible that’s hard to put into words — a sense of calm that seems to seep from the very walls. Perhaps it’s the centuries of history. Perhaps it’s the Swiss countryside setting. Or perhaps it’s the lingering spirit of a woman who valued peace above all else.
Upper Levels and Private Quarters
As you move upstairs, the Audrey Hepburn house reveals its more private side. The primary suite is a beautiful retreat, bathed in soft east-facing light that fills the room each morning. It’s easy to imagine Hepburn waking up here, looking out over her gardens as the sun rose over the Swiss landscape.
The upper levels also include loft spaces that have been used as bedrooms for grandchildren, giving the home a multigenerational, lived-in feel. There’s a warmth to these spaces that you can’t manufacture — it comes from decades of family life, of children growing up, of quiet evenings and lazy Sunday mornings.
Privacy is a key feature of the upper floors. The property’s walls and positioning ensure that the bedrooms feel secluded and peaceful, even when the ground floor is buzzing with activity. And the mountain views from the upper windows are simply breathtaking — a constant reminder that you’re in one of the most beautiful corners of Europe.
The interiors throughout the home evoke a sense of timeless elegance. There’s nothing trendy or flashy here. Instead, you’ll find classic proportions, natural light, quality materials, and a design sensibility that prioritizes comfort and beauty equally. It’s the kind of home that looks as good today as it did 60 years ago — and will look just as good 60 years from now.
Gardens and Outdoor Oasis
If the interior of La Paisible is impressive, the gardens are absolutely extraordinary. This is where the Audrey Hepburn house truly comes alive.
The property’s four acres of parkland are a masterpiece of natural beauty. Rolling lawns stretch out beneath century-old trees, creating a landscape that feels both grand and intimate. The white roses — a nod to Hepburn’s famous love of flowers and her friendship with Givenchy — are a standout feature, adding splashes of color and fragrance throughout the grounds.
Hepburn was a devoted gardener. She spent countless hours in these gardens, planting, pruning, and simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world. For her, gardening wasn’t a hobby — it was a form of meditation, a way to connect with the earth and find peace in the rhythm of the seasons.
The 50-foot heated outdoor pool is another highlight, offering a perfect spot for summer relaxation. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the estate, it feels like a private oasis — a place where you can swim, sunbathe, and forget that the rest of the world exists.
The outdoor spaces at La Paisible are ideal for everything from quiet morning walks to large-scale entertaining. The combination of open lawns, mature trees, and carefully tended gardens creates a setting that’s both versatile and beautiful. It’s no wonder Hepburn chose to spend the best years of her life here.
Life at La Paisible: Hepburn’s Daily Retreat
Family and Quiet Years
For Audrey Hepburn, La Paisible wasn’t just a house — it was the backdrop to the life she truly wanted. While the world knew her as a movie star, the people of Tolochenaz knew her as a neighbor, a mother, and a friend.
After stepping back from acting in the late 1960s, Hepburn devoted herself to family life at La Paisible. She raised her sons, Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti, in the quiet rhythms of the Swiss countryside. Mornings were spent in the garden. Afternoons were for cooking, reading, and walking the dogs. Evenings were for family dinners around the kitchen table. It was a life of beautiful simplicity, and Hepburn cherished every moment of it.
In her later years, Hepburn used La Paisible as her base for her extraordinary work with UNICEF. As a Goodwill Ambassador, she traveled the world advocating for children in need, drawing on her own childhood experiences of war and hunger to raise awareness of some of the most pressing humanitarian crises of the era. But she always came home to La Paisible — to her gardens, her family, and her peace.
On 20 January 1993, Audrey Hepburn passed away at La Pausa, aged 63, surrounded by her loved ones. She was buried in the Tolochenaz village cemetery, just a short walk from the home she loved so dearly. It was a fitting final chapter for a woman who had traveled the world but always found her truest self in this quiet corner of Switzerland.
Post-Hepburn Ownership
After Hepburn’s passing, La Paisible remained in the family for several years before being sold in 2001 to Doris and Jacques Beaujolin. The Beaujolins, who had six children, were drawn to the property’s size, character, and history. They understood the responsibility of owning such a significant home and approached their stewardship with care and respect.
Over the course of their 24 years at La Paisible, the Beaujolins made thoughtful updates to the property. They relocated the kitchen to a more central position, modernized the bathrooms, and upgraded the electrical and plumbing systems. They also hosted numerous events at the property, including weddings for over 150 guests, demonstrating the home’s remarkable versatility.
But the Beaujolins were always mindful of the home’s heritage. They preserved the essential character of La Paisible, ensuring that Hepburn’s spirit remained a living presence in the home. Now, after nearly a quarter century, they’ve decided to pass the torch to a new owner — someone who will appreciate both the history and the potential of this extraordinary property.
Current Market Listing Details for the Audrey Hepburn House
Price and Specs
La Paisible is currently listed for sale through Knight Frank, one of the world’s leading luxury real estate firms. The asking price is 19 million Swiss Francs, which translates to approximately $21 million USD. For a property of this size, history, and location, it represents a remarkable opportunity in the luxury real estate market.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the listing details:
Listing SpecificationDetails
Asking Price 19 million CHF (~$21 million USD)
Property Size: Approximately 10,800 square feet of living space
Land Size 4 acres (1.62 hectares) of parkland
Bedrooms 12
Bathrooms 8
Location Tolochenaz, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
Proximity 30 minutes from Geneva; near Lake Geneva and Lausanne
Key Amenities: 50-foot heated outdoor pool, 2 garages, parking for 15 vehicles, century-old parkland
Listing Agent Knight Frank (2025 listing)
Previous Sale Sold in 2001 to the Beaujolin family
The property’s location is one of its strongest selling points. Tolochenaz sits in the heart of the Swiss Riviera, one of the most desirable regions in all of Europe. The area is known for its stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, its mild climate, its excellent infrastructure, and its reputation as a haven for privacy-seeking high-net-worth individuals. Geneva’s international airport is just a short drive away, making the property easily accessible from anywhere in the world.
Buyer Appeal
So, who is the ideal buyer for the Audrey Hepburn house? According to the listing agents and the current owners, the property appeals to several distinct groups.
First, large families are looking for a spacious, character-filled home in one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. With 12 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and four acres of grounds, La Paisible is perfectly suited for multigenerational living. The Beaujolins raised six children here, proving that the home works beautifully as a family residence.
Second, celebrities and high-profile individuals are seeking the kind of privacy and discretion that Tolochenaz offers. Switzerland has long been a favorite destination for those who want to live well without living publicly, and La Paisible takes that principle to its logical extreme. The property’s walls, mature trees, and village setting create a cocoon of privacy that’s increasingly rare in today’s world.
Third, there are collectors and history enthusiasts who understand the unique value of owning a property with such a rich and storied past. The current owners have noted what they call the “Hepburn bonus” — the intangible but very real Premium that comes from owning a home associated with one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century. For the right buyer, that connection to Hepburn’s legacy is priceless.
And finally, some investors recognize the long-term value of prime Swiss real estate. Properties in the Lake Geneva region have historically held their value exceptionally well, and a home with the provenance of La Paisible is unlikely to depreciate. If anything, its value will only grow as Hepburn’s legacy continues to captivate new generations.
Why La Paisible Endures as the Iconic Audrey Hepburn House
There are plenty of celebrity homes on the market at any given time. Mansions in Beverly Hills, penthouses in Manhattan, villas on the French Riviera — they come and go with regularity. So what makes La Paisible different? Why does this particular property capture the imagination in a way that so few others do?
The answer, quite simply, is Audrey Hepburn herself.
Hepburn wasn’t just a movie star. She was a symbol of grace, of elegance, of kindness, and of the idea that true beauty comes from within. In a world of excess and spectacle, she chose simplicity. In a culture obsessed with fame, she chose privacy. And in an industry built on artifice, she chose authenticity. La Paisible was the physical embodiment of all those choices.
When you walk through the gardens of La Paisible, you’re not just walking through a beautiful property. You’re walking through the life of a woman who redefined what it meant to be a star. You’re standing where she stood, seeing what she saw, breathing the same Swiss air that she breathed every morning for 30 years. That kind of connection is rare, and it’s what elevates La Paisible from a luxury property to a cultural landmark.
Compared to other celebrity retreats in Switzerland — and there are many, from Charlie Chaplin’s Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey to David Bowie’s former home in Lausanne — La Paisible holds a special place. It’s not the largest or the most expensive. But it’s arguably the most meaningful, because it represents something that transcends real estate: the idea that the best life is a peaceful one.
In the world of luxury villas and celebrity real estate, trends come and go. But the appeal of La Paisible is timeless — just like the woman who made it famous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Audrey Hepburn house? La Paisible is located in Tolochenaz, a small village in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, approximately 30 minutes from Geneva and near the shores of Lake Geneva.
Is the Audrey Hepburn house for sale? Yes. As of 2025, La Paisible is listed for sale through Knight Frank at an asking price of 19 million CHF (approximately $21 million USD).
How big is La Paisible? The property features approximately 10,800 square feet of living space with 12 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, set on roughly 4 acres of parkland.
How long did Audrey Hepburn live at La Paisible? Hepburn purchased the property in 1963 and lived there until her passing in 1993, nearly 30 years.
Who owns La Paisible now? The property has been owned by the Beaujolin family since 2001. They are the current sellers.
Can you visit Audrey Hepburn’s grave near La Pausa? Yes. Audrey Hepburn is buried in the Tolochenaz village cemetery, which is located near the property.
Where Does Audrey Hepburn Currently Live?
Audrey Hepburn passed away in 1993, so she doesn’t “currently live” anywhere in the living sense. Her final resting place is a modest grave in the Cimetière de Tolochenaz, a small cemetery in the Swiss village of Tolochenaz near Lake Geneva.
Audrey Hepburn House photo
