Nina Droff, edited by Laura Laplaud 09:12, March 25, 2023

The mysterious Villa Windsor, the Parisian residence of some members of the British royal family, in the Bois de Boulogne, will be open to the public. Its opening has been entrusted to the Mansart Foundation, which must do work to make it visitable. Europe 1 tells you the whole story of this architectural jewel.

A former home of British royalty, Villa Windsor, is located in the Bois de Boulogne. Until now, it was not possible to visit it. It will be restored to reopen to the public in 2024. The Council of Paris voted to award Villa Windsor to the Mansart Foundation, which will be responsible for its rehabilitation and management.

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General de Gaulle resided there

Built in the late nineteenth century, this mansion, hidden in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, has had several prestigious occupants, says Albéric de Montgolfier, president of the Mansart Foundation. "From August 1944 until 1946, General de Gaulle and his family lived in this house. In 1953, the former King of England, Edward VIII, and his wife the Duchess of Windsor, moved into Villa Windsor. In 1986, the house was assigned to Mr. Al-Fayed who planned to install his son who was to marry Lady Di."

Open to the public in summer 2024

In this villa, visitors will be able to discover the style of furniture of the 20s and learn more about the art of living of the time. "What is very interesting are the improvements that were made by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, since they asked a great decorator of the time, Eugène Boudin, to decorate this house. No one entered. It will be the first time that we will be able to discover the intimacy of great characters as they lived in this house", continues Albéric de Montgolfier. This landmark of history will be open to the public in the summer of 2024.