Tina Turner’s Final Sanctuary: The One Place She Could Be Left Alone—and Why She Never Left

For decades, Tina Turner captivated the world with her electrifying performances and powerhouse voice. Yet, in her later years, the legendary singer found her greatest peace far from the spotlight—in the tranquil town of Küsnacht, Switzerland. Here, Turner embraced what she called a “completely normal life,” a stark and deliberate contrast to her whirlwind career.

Finding Home on the Shores of Lake Zurich

Tina Turner moved to Switzerland in 1995, settling in Küsnacht, a quaint town of about 13,000 residents nestled on Lake Zurich’s shore. This move coincided with her long-term relationship with German music executive Erwin Bach, whom she married in 2013. Initially renting the Villa Algonquin, the couple purchased the estate for a reported $76 million that same year, the year Turner also became a Swiss citizen—renouncing her U.S. citizenship in the process. At the U.S. Embassy in Bern, she explained her deep connection to Switzerland and lack of plans to return permanently to America, except to visit family.

Privacy, Normalcy, and Community

Away from the frenzy of fame, Turner cherished Switzerland’s respect for privacy and calm demeanor. Neighbors recall seeing her doing everyday things: shopping, standing in line at the post office, exercising outdoors—all without fuss. A bilingual sign outside her home requested visitors not ring the doorbell before noon, underscoring her need for quiet. In a 2021 interview with Tages-Anzeiger, Turner reflected, “The Swiss are incredibly respectful when it comes to other people’s privacy. And they are polite.” This courtesy allowed her the rare freedom to dine anonymously at local spots like Rico’s restaurant, where she delighted in Asian-spiced dishes and fine wine.

Turner’s integration went beyond solitude; she became a valued community member. She donated Christmas lights and sponsored a municipal rescue boat christened “Tina.” The local mayor noted that one reason she chose Switzerland was to enjoy “a completely normal life,” free from the constant scrutiny that fame often brings.

Life’s Simple Joys and Artistic Retreat

Her daily rhythms were marked by simple pleasures: walking by the lake with her unmistakable laugh, tending to her garden, and enjoying quiet moments with Bach. The Villa Algonquin, described as having “cartoon palace energy,” featured ivy-covered walls, lush gardens, and opulent interiors—luxuries balanced by the serenity of country life.

In 2021, the couple expanded their Swiss holdings, purchasing a sprawling estate in nearby Staefa with multiple buildings, a pond, and a boat dock—neighbors to tennis legend Roger Federer. This investment cemented Turner’s commitment to her adopted home.

Facing Health Challenges with Grace

Switzerland was also where Turner managed significant health battles—a stroke in 2013, intestinal cancer in 2016, and a kidney transplant in 2017. It was in this peaceful setting that she passed away on May 24, 2023, at age 83. The understated tributes by neighbors—candles and flowers left at her villa—reflected the discretion she so deeply valued.

A Legacy of Quiet Strength

Though she once owned homes in the U.K., Germany, and the south of France, Zurich remained Turner’s sanctuary, largely because it was where Bach worked and where she found the privacy and peace she craved. Reflecting on her move in a 1997 Larry King interview, she said, “My boyfriend moved there to run the company, and I always wanted to go to Switzerland, and I was very happy.”

Tina Turner’s final decades in Switzerland tell the story of a woman who, after conquering stages worldwide, sought and found the rarest treasure of all—a life of quiet normalcy, grounded in respect, love, and community.