CHARMING CHALET
The quintessentially English actor David Niven appeared in more than 100 Hollywood films, but there are now just a few roles he is best remembered for, including playing a jewel thief in the Pink Panther series and Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days.
Niven was the George Clooney of his day – dapper, debonair and deeply adored by a legion of female movie goers.
Born in 1910 to wealthy parents, following a colourful but unpromising career in the army Niven moved to the US to find fame and fortune in Hollywood, which with extraordinary ease for an untrained actor, he achieved.
He had family connections in both the UK and Switzerland and at the height of his fame had homes in Nice, the Alps and London.
In 1980 Niven began showing symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease and following a threeyear battle, including an international search for a cure, he died at his Swiss chalet in Chateaux d’Oex and was buried in the local cemetery. His former Swiss retreat in Switzerland’s Gstaad valley is now for sale.
As well as being where Niven liked to paint and ski, famous guests included Noel Coward, Roger Moore and the Princess of Monaco.
It has six bedrooms over three floors and has been recently refurbished by its Dutch owners, who bought it from the Niven family in 1997. It’s for sale priced £5 million. More details from aylesford.com or 020 7351 2383.