The Secret Love Story Audrey Hepburn Never Told You About: A Romance with Robert Wolders

Audrey Hepburn, an icon of grace and elegance, spent the final chapter of her life in the picturesque Swiss village of Tolochenaz, far removed from the Hollywood spotlight. For three decades, she found solace in her home, La Paisible, and in a love story that often went unnoticed. These elements—her villa, the quiet village, and her personal relationships—offer a deeper glimpse into the private world of one of cinema’s most cherished figures.

La Paisible: A Haven of Tranquility

La Paisible, translating to “peaceful place,” was aptly named. Purchased in 1963, this 18th-century farmhouse became Hepburn’s refuge until her passing in 1993. Nestled on a 40-acre estate near Lake Geneva, the property offered a serene backdrop to Hepburn’s life. With 12 bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and sweeping views of the Swiss countryside, the villa was a retreat from the relentless public attention she had endured throughout her career. Its grounds included lush gardens, a sparkling pool, and rows of white rose bushes gifted by her longtime friend and fashion designer, Hubert de Givenchy.

La Paisible became synonymous with the quieter, simpler life Hepburn sought. Her connection to the villa ran so deep that after her passing, it was passed down to her two sons, Sean and Luca, before eventually changing ownership in 2001. By early 2025, it was listed for sale again, its heritage carefully preserved by the current owners. The enduring charm of La Paisible reflects Hepburn’s timeless desire for peace and privacy.

Tolochenaz: A Village She Made Her Own

Hepburn’s choice of Tolochenaz, a quaint village about half an hour from Geneva, further symbolized her retreat from stardom. Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and quiet streets, Tolochenaz offered Hepburn the anonymity and serenity she craved. Here, she raised her two sons—Sean from her marriage to actor Mel Ferrer, and Luca from her union with Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti—away from the pressures of celebrity life.

Even after her passing, the village maintained its connection to Hepburn’s memory. A visit to Tolochenaz today reveals ivy-covered walls and gardens reminiscent of Hepburn’s La Paisible, and her grave in the local cemetery is a quiet testament to her enduring presence in the community. For Hepburn, Tolochenaz was more than a place; it was a symbol of the home and peace she worked so hard to find.

A Love Story Few Knew About

One of the lesser-known aspects of Hepburn’s life in Switzerland was her romantic relationship with Dutch actor and businessman Robert Wolders. The two met in the late 1970s, after Hepburn’s second marriage had ended. Though never married, their relationship lasted until her death, marking her happiest years. In interviews, Hepburn referred to Wolders as her great love, expressing no desire to formalize their bond with a legal document. “Why mess with a good thing?” she once remarked, highlighting the quiet, enduring nature of their partnership.

Their years together at La Paisible were filled with stability and mutual support. Wolders would later recall that Hepburn, after two challenging marriages, found true contentment in their relationship. Unlike the turbulence of her past relationships, this chapter of her life was defined by quiet joy and companionship, far from the public eye.

Finding Peace in the Swiss Countryside

Audrey Hepburn’s life in Switzerland was a stark contrast to the glamour and attention of her earlier years. She shifted her focus to family, gardening, and humanitarian work, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and devoting her time to helping children around the world. Tolochenaz and La Paisible were the backdrop to this transformation, allowing her to live out her final decades in the serenity she longed for.

Through her villa, the village she called home, and her cherished partnership with Robert Wolders, Audrey Hepburn’s Swiss life paints a picture of a woman who found beauty not just on the screen, but in simplicity, love, and the quiet rhythms of rural living. In many ways, this chapter of her story is as inspiring and graceful as the films that made her a legend.