The former Bahamas home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor has gone on the market for $8.5million.
Edward and Wallis Simpson, who married in 1937, spent five years on the Caribbean island after Edward was appointed Governor of the Bahamas in 1940.
On their arrival the couple lived at the sprawling 15,000sq ft Sigrist House, in Nassau, while their official residence, Government House, was redecorated to suit the duchess’s tastes.
Now the stunning island estate, which boasts spectacular views of Goodman’s Bay, is on the market for $8.5million (£6.56million) with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty.
Island home: On their arrival in the Caribbean, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived at the sprawling Sigrist House, in Nassau, pictured, while their official residence, Government House, was redecorated. It is now on the market for $8.5million
Official posting: Edward and Wallis Simpson, who married in 1937, spent five years on the Caribbean island after Edward was appointed Governor of the Bahamas in 1940. Pictured, Edward and Wallis at Government House, Nassau circa. 1942
Spacious living: The main 15,000sq ft residence boasts four large bedrooms, including the one pictured above
A taste of home: The property’s original owner, a British aviation pioneer, had fireplaces flown in from country homes
Cooling off: The main villa boasts large patios that provide the perfect place to relax and unwind out of the sun, pictured
Time for a dip! The main villa boasts a pool and a Jacuzzi, both pictured, as well as a table for dining al fresco
Built in the mid 1930s for British aviation pioneer and movie producer Frederick Sigrist, the villa boasts four spacious bedrooms and large living spaces with 12ft ceilings.
There are also two four-bedroom guesthouses and a three-bedroom apartment on the four-acre estate, giving a total of 15 bedrooms, which are served by 14 bathrooms.
Designed for gracious living in a bygone era, there are expansive patios which are perfect for relaxing away from the intense Caribbean sun.
Classic style: The four bedrooms leave plenty opportunity for the new owner to redecorate to their own tastes
Grandeur: A quick look at this large reception room and you would be forgiven for thinking it was a British country home
Soaking up the views: This light and airy dining space makes the most of the surroundings and is perfect for entertaining
Easy breezy: The four bedrooms in the main villa (one pictured) are designed to maximise air flow on a warm Caribbean day
Family dining: The dining room, pictured, is currently set up to accommodate 10 people but could fit far more
Personal oasis: One of the 14 bathrooms in the property boasts an unusual green bath cut into the wall, pictured
An island escape: This view looking out the door gives a sense of the lush grounds surrounding the main property
Inside, a clever use of internal doors allows for a flexibility to create spaces that are expansive or intimate as needed.
There is also a touch of Britain in the main residence’s four fireplaces, which were each removed from country homes and adapted for the island villa.
Outside there is plenty of space to unwind and entertain. The swimming pool and Jacuzzi over the mature manicured grounds, saltwater canals, and distant Atlantic Ocean, while the fruit and coconut trees combine to create the feeling of your own tropical paradise.
The estate agent adds: ‘The estate is an island of serenity, a perfect place to enjoy all that Nassau has to offer in an idyllic historical setting.’