Does Coco Chanel Have an Abandoned Mansion?

There has been a long-standing rumor that Coco Chanel, the iconic fashion designer, owned an abandoned mansion in the French countryside. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind this intriguing rumor.

The Beginnings of Coco Chanel

Before delving into the alleged abandoned mansion, let’s first explore who Coco Chanel was and her impact on the fashion industry. Born in Saumur, France in 1883, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was orphaned at a young age and grew up in poverty. However, her talent for sewing and designing clothing eventually led her to open her own boutique in Paris in 1910.

Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing comfortable and practical clothing that were previously only worn by men, such as trousers and blazers. The brand became synonymous with elegance and sophistication and remains one of the most coveted fashion houses in the world today.

The Abandoned Mansion Rumor

Now let’s get back to the topic at hand – did Coco Chanel really have an abandoned mansion? The answer is not exactly clear-cut.

According to some sources, including a book titled “Sleeping with Ghosts: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Arizona’s Haunted Hotels and Inns,” Chanel did indeed own a mansion called “La Pausa” on the French Riviera. However, she reportedly sold it to an American writer named Somerset Maugham in 1928.

After Maugham passed away, La Pausa went through several different owners before being purchased by Emery Reves, a Hungarian publisher and political activist. Reves allegedly hosted many famous guests at La Pausa over the years, including Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo.

However, after Reves’ death in 1981, La Pausa fell into disrepair and was eventually sold to a Russian billionaire who restored it back to its former glory. So while there may have been an abandoned period in the mansion’s history, it is no longer the case.

The Legacy of Coco Chanel

Regardless of whether or not Coco Chanel truly owned an abandoned mansion, her legacy continues to live on today. The brand she built is still a symbol of luxury and sophistication, with designs that continue to influence fashion trends around the world.

Chanel herself passed away in 1971 at the age of 87 but her impact on the fashion industry and women’s clothing cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer who paved the way for future designers and will always be remembered as an icon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may have been some truth to the rumor that Coco Chanel owned an abandoned mansion, it is not accurate to say that she currently does. However, this rumor serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy and impact on both fashion and popular culture.