'I visited Swiss home where Charlie Chaplin died – one thing left me gobsmacked'

Top 10 Facts About Charlie Chaplin

On Christmas Day 1977 the world lost a legend when Charlie Chaplin died of a stroke in his sleep. The comedy genius had fame of a magnitude modern stars can only dream of.

His life was not without its controversies though and famously in 1952, the UK born screen star was kicked out of America after over four decades due to alleged communist leanings. Rather than returning to the country of his birth, Charlie and his family decamped to Corsier-sur-Vevey, in Switzerland.

It was here that he died in his mansion in the heart of vineyard country. Members of the family continued to live in the home until 2016 when it was turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work called Chaplin's World.

The house is easily accessible by the very efficient Swiss tram system and as you arrive the first thing that strikes you as you walk through the gates is how modest it is. Yes, it is a big house, far larger than most of us live in, but it is not a sprawling pile. When you consider that Charlie and his fourth and final wife Ooona had eight children it appears just about an adequate size for the large family.

The house has been painstakingly restored to how it was in Charlie's lifetime and they have wax statues of him at various points to give you a feel for how he lived in the space. As you walk through the door you are confronted with the first of these as he is captured in a quicrky pose typical of his beloved big screen characters.

Charlie Chaplin lived in Switzerland for the last two decades of his life (Image: Getty)

His love of family and his homeland is evident throughout. Entering the dining room it is set for dinner and he seemingly insited that the family sit and eat together every night no matter what else they were doing.

Walking through to his library and office his love of reading is apparent and there is a huge nod to his UK roots. In one cabinet is a collection of typical tourist souvenirs he picked up every time he came home for a visit.

Chaplin was born in the Victorian era and this is clear in his furnishings which are all quite classical in style. However it is far from ostentatious. If you didn't know who it's famous resident had been it just looks like a beautifully, yet modestly, decorated home for a large family.

Of course there is a cinema room where Charlie, Oona and the children could watch their multitudes of home movies. Some of these play throughout the house as you tour it giving a heartwarming insight into Charlie's family life.

Charlie's bedroom is as unimposing as the rest of the house. I was surprised to see my own bedroom is around the same size. While his bed (the one he died in) looks extremly comfortable it has none of the granduer you would expect from someone who had his wealth.

Charlie Chaplin's Swiss home is large but not as imposing as you would expect (Image: Fran Winston)

A waxwork of Charlie Chaplin greets you as you enter his home (Image: Fran Winston)

Charlie Chaplins's dining room features a large table which he needed to accommodate his huge family (Image: Fran Winston)

Overall the house is a cosy family home, rather than a flashy showcase for Charie's millions. The grounds surrounding it are just as unassuming. While beautifully maintained and housing a wonderful selection of trees and plants it resembles a well kept park. They are beautifully peaceful to walk through and you can see why Chaplin enjoyed spending time here.

A new addition to the property is a recreation of Charlie's Hollywood studio. Built near the gates of the property this is where you will truly be slack jawed. If you are not already aware of what a pioneer Charlie was you will be after touring this part of the property.

His film sets are faithfully reproduced and there is something truly magical about walking through Easy Street which featured in so many of his films. Waxworks are strategically placed to show classic scenes from iconic pictures such as The Gold Rush and The Kid.

For film fans this is an absolute must to visit. It gives a fascinating insight into the man who pulled himself out of poverty in Victorian London to become one of the most famous men ever to live. Even if you are not a movie buff it is impossible not to leave here with a smile on your face.