When King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, they lived at Sigrist House, a grand estate that has now come onto the market, through Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty.

King Edward is one of the shortest-reigning monarchs in British history, reigning for 326 days before he abdicated the throne due to his engagement to Wallis Simpson, as it was deemed politically and socially unacceptable for him to marry someone that has two living ex-husbands.

After his abdication, Edward became the Duke of Windsor. 

The Duke was appointed the Governor of the Bahamas in July of 1940 and arrived in Nassau in August of that same year.

The Duke and Duchess were originally going to live in Government House, which is the official residence of the Governor of the Bahamas.

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Sigrist House in the Bahamas, the residence of Edwards VIII after his abdication and marriage to Wallis  Simpson. Contributed: Damianos Sothebys

However, it was in need of renovation, so the Windsors lived in Sigrist House while the renovation was taking place.

The home was designed to take advantage of the stunning views of Goodman’s Bay, which now overlooks the new Baha Mar Resort and golf course, with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

The estate has a 4 bedroom-suite main residence, two 4 bedroom guesthouses as well as a 3 bedroom apartment.

Inside, the home has unique architectural features and finishes with extensive use of hardwoods and stone.

The great room and office in the home are panelled with white mahogany, which was hand selected in Honduras, taken to England for milling and then reassembled in Nassau.

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Sigrist House in the Bahamas, the residence of Edwards VIII after his abdication and marriage to Wallis  Simpson. Contributed: Damianos Sothebys

The four fireplaces also originated from country homes in Britain. 

Over the last decade, the home has experienced extensive restorations. The roofs have been replaced and the historical wood and ironwork has been lovingly restored.

The gourmet kitchen has been upgraded to modern standards as well as all electrics and plumbing. 

Outside, the estate has a beautiful garden spread over 4 acres, with fruit and coconut trees, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi all with views over the mature manicured grounds, saltwater canals, and distant Atlantic Ocean. 

Available at the guide price of $8,500,000 USD through Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty:

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