Posted Mon Feb 22 16:31:00 UTC 2010

For decades, some of Locarno’s long time residents have complained about the deconstruction of all these splendid and rich ornamented liberty style villas in Locarno and its neighbouring communities. Ticino, the southern most canton of Switzerland bordering with Italy and famous for its beautiful lakes Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, is also famous for its traditional and Mediterranean influenced architecture. It is this very special mixture between Ticino’s lifestyle where alpine scenery meets Italian Mediterranean influenced way of life and architecture.

Wealthy and old-established traders built their residences along historic routes used by dealers travelling from south to north. Bellinzona, Ticino’s capital and UNESCO world heritage site, is a historical city poised as a gateway to the Alpine passes of St. Gotthard, San Bernardino and Lucomagno (Lukmanier) used by dealers from around the world. In fact, this strategic position made the cash tills ring because of the toll what was paid by dealers travelling on these historic routes.

Great examples of these old liberty style villas still can be seen these days, but more and more had to make way for new developments and residences. Unfortunately, this is characteristic for our times where investors and ROI is driving decisions and many of these grand villas where built on enormous plots right within the city which became very sought-after for investors to build new living quarter for high profits. However, thanks to a small number of private owners and some investors with the right sense for these beautiful buildings, there are still a number of villas which has been restored in recent years to shine in new splendour more than ever.

Currently, there are a few great examples of such gorgeous residences up for sale by Wetag Consulting. Just recently, a magnificent restored liberty style villa, situated in a very central location within Locarno/Muralto and overlooking Lake Maggiore, hit the market. The villa which was build around 1910 stretches over 3 levels and has been restored with the highest care to its details. Its façade shines in a very powerful yellow in contrast to the white stucco, outlining the different levels and shapes of the house. The interior is a balanced mixture of traditional features like mouldings, panel of ceiling as well as ceiling paintings and modern fixtures to spoil its residents with its modern amenities.

Another one I would like to point out is a fantastic and rare beautiful 19th century villa at the lakefront of Lake Maggiore in Pallanza. The neighbourhood of Pallanza is well-known for its traditional style mansions just like this one. Sited on a flat, park-like garden with approx. 40 meter of lakefront, the stately palazzo is enthroned in this absolutely exclusive position with stunning views onto the lake. After the total renovation in 2006, the villa features a rich ornamented façade in very pleasing colours. The interior is also highlighted by beautiful restored mouldings throughout and period style parquet floors.

These two properties are perfect examples how gorgeous living in such a surrounding could be. We recognize that there is a small movement of people who are looking for these rare gems of old-time atmosphere and who show a high profession to preserve these treasures for future generations.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz