Here’s a refined list of 20 celebrities—past and present—who have lived in, owned, or been closely associated with homes in Switzerland. A mix of actors, musicians, athletes, royalty, and thinkers:
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Audrey Hepburn – La Paisible in Tolochenaz (Lake Geneva area), her home for nearly 30 years.
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Tina Turner – Chateau Algonquin on Lake Zürich in Küsnacht; acquired the estate in 2021.
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Roger Federer – Multiple Swiss properties including in Wollerau, Valbella, Herrliberg, and Rapperswil-Jona.
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David Bowie – Lived in Blonay and later Château du Signal above Lausanne.
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Freddie Mercury – Made Montreux his base; his presence remains via Queen’s Mountain Studios and a statue.
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Charlie Chaplin – Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey; now “Chaplin’s World” museum.
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Julie Andrews – Resident of Gstaad; famously called it “the last paradise in a crazy world.”
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Roman Polanski – Established his home in Gstaad.
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David Niven – Lived in Château-d’Oex near Gstaad, often seen skiing locally.
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Sophia Loren – Has lived for decades in Geneva, finding peace and family life there.
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Shania Twain – Resides near Montreux/Lake Geneva; has a train named in her honor.
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Phil Collins – Owns a lakeside residence near Geneva (Vaud region).
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Michael Schumacher – Former F1 champion living in Gland, Switzerland.
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Barbara Hendricks – Acclaimed opera singer living in Clarens near Montreux.
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Ingvar Kamprad – IKEA founder residing near Lausanne in canton Vaud.
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James Blunt – Chalet owner in Verbier; also has a restaurant and ski-lift named after him.
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Yoko Ono – Has lived in Geneva since 1968.
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Queen’s Studio & Legacy – While not a person, Queen’s Mountain Studios in Montreux remains a key celebrity-linked site, tied to Mercury and the band’s legacy.
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Madonna – Regular visitor to Gstaad; reportedly in love with the village’s beauty and tranquility.
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Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor – Each had close ties to Gstaad; both expressed how much they felt “at home” there.
Summary Table: Celebrity Homes in Switzerland
| # | Celebrity | Swiss Connection / Residence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audrey Hepburn | La Paisible, Tolochenaz |
| 2 | Tina Turner | Lake Zürich estate, Küsnacht |
| 3 | Roger Federer | Properties across various Swiss cantons |
| 4 | David Bowie | Château du Signal near Lausanne |
| 5 | Freddie Mercury | Montreux — home, studio, statue |
| 6 | Charlie Chaplin | Manoir de Ban (now museum) |
| 7 | Julie Andrews | Gstaad retreat |
| 8 | Roman Polanski | Home in Gstaad |
| 9 | David Niven | Chalet in Château-d’Oex |
| 10 | Sophia Loren | Residence in Geneva |
| 11 | Shania Twain | Manor near Montreux / Lake Geneva |
| 12 | Phil Collins | House in canton Vaud (around Geneva) |
| 13 | Michael Schumacher | Gland, near Lake Geneva |
| 14 | Barbara Hendricks | Clarens, near Montreux |
| 15 | Ingvar Kamprad | Near Lausanne |
| 16 | James Blunt | Chalet in Verbier, restaurant owner |
| 17 | Yoko Ono | Geneva since 1968 |
| 18 | Queen (band legacy) | Mountain Studios and memorial in Montreux |
| 19 | Madonna | Gstaad regular—often stays or visits |
| 20 | Richard Burton & Taylor | Gstaad connections, emotional attachment |