French Home Once Belonging to King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson Asks €6.5 Million

A centuries-old French estate on the outskirts of Paris that has ties to both British and Hollywood royalty is looking for a new owner.

Dubbed Le Moulin de la Tuilerie—which means “The Mill of Tuilerie”—the estate hit the market earlier this week. It has an asking price of €6.5 million (US$7.27 million).

Formerly an 18th century mill, the 26-acre estate was once home to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, otherwise known as the former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, according to the listing with Vingt Paris.

The couple purchased the home in 1952, around 16 years after Edward abdicated the throne so he could marry Simpson, who had been twice divorced, according to a website for the property.

But the property’s illustrious tale of ownership started before it became a royal residence.

The Windsors bought it from the French fashion illustrator and painter Adrien Étienne, who hosted fellow artists, including Pablo Picasso, at the residence, the website said.

After the sale, the Windsors embarked on a “no-expenses spared” renovation, headed up by interior designer Stéphane Boudin, who went on to decorate the White House for the Kennedys, and entertained the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Maria Callas and Cecil Beaton, according to the listing.

Built from local honey-colored limestone, this country estate comprises six separate properties, a large events space, landscaped grounds and what might be the ultimate royal amenity—a polo field.

In total, the estate can sleep 36 guests across 18 bedrooms, the listing said.

“It is an incredibly romantic place, just 30 minutes from Paris, where the couple spent a great deal of time after they left the U.K.,” Susie Hollands, CEO and founder of Vingt Paris.

"The home has many guest cottages including La Célibataire (or bachelor's quarters) where they would entertain the Windsor set and receive famous friends.” The Duchess sold the estate in 1972, following the Duke’s death, the estate's website said.

 Ref: Property Report