Several years after Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor abdicated as King of England in 1936 in order to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, he became the governor of the Bahamas. As such, the couple bought a Bahamas estate while awaiting the completion of renovations to Government House, the official residence. Named Sigrist House, this luxury estate is one of the most exquisite properties in the islands. And to the delight of Anglophiles and fans of The Crown, it is now listed on the celebrity real estate market with an asking price of $8.5 million. (Image Credit: Sotheby’s)
The Duke of Windsor
History suggests Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince of Wales, King Edward VIII and finally Duke of Windsor was a square peg that could not be forced into a royal round hole. In fact, even as a young boy, he made it clear that he valued his happiness above duty. Yet his choice to abdicate the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson surprised nearly everyone. Even today, his decision still stirs debate.
King Edward VIII reigned for just under a year before leaving England for exile in France with Wallis Simpson, at which time his title was changed to Duke of Windsor. Though he anticipated a return to England, at the behest of his family, the Duke was sent to the Bahamas and assigned the governor’s job in 1940. However, he wasn’t happy there and resigned in March 1945. Eventually, the couple retired to France where they lived until his death. The Duke of Windsor was buried in the Royal Burial Ground in Great Britain.
Peaceful Bahamas Estate
Upon their arrival at the island of New Providence, the Windsors moved into this large Bahamas estate to await renovations to Government House. Located on a ridge just outside Nassau, this luxury home sits on four acres with stunning ocean and bay views.
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British movie producer Frederick Sigrist built the Spanish-colonial home in the 1930’s. The 15,000-square-foot main residence retains its original British character with wood-paneled walls and fireplaces, four of which were imported from English country homes. Mahogany walls were shipped to England for finishing then returned to Nassau for installation. In addition to the main residence with four bedrooms, there is a three-bedroom apartment and two four-bedroom guest houses making it convenient and private for guests wishing to have longer visits.
The lushly planted tropical grounds surround the residences and burst with flower gardens, fruit and coconut trees. The swimming pool and spa have views of the ocean and manicured grounds. Restaurants, shops and a casino are only a short stroll from the estate.
Though its original character remains, the entire property has been updated, modernized and refurbished from the roofs, plumbing and electrical to the artisanal restoration of the wood and ironwork.
Named for its original owner, Sigrist House was the home of Edward, the Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson in 1940. Considered one of the most elegant estates in the Bahamas, this luxury home is now for sale. Priced at $8.5 million, the listing agent is Mark Hussey of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, Nassau.
Courtesy of TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
