Ticino, Switzerland’s southern-most canton and influenced by the lifestyle of its bordering neighbour Italy, is known for its Dolce Vita and just a different beat of life than most of the northern areas such as greater Zurich or Geneva. The very relaxed and almost sub-tropical atmosphere and climate lured many foreigners to Ticino to either spend their vacation on one of the beautiful lakes or even relocate to Lugano, Locarno or Ascona and set up their first residence in these sought-after areas. Among many nationalities to be found in Ticino with Germans, Italians, Dutch, Scandinavians, Brazilians and Russians being one of the biggest groups, there are also quite a few Americans who call Ticino their new home.

On Wednesday June 1st, TASIS, The American School in Switzerland, and the American Woman of Ticino (AWOT) invited American citizens, their families, friends, and all people interested on Swiss-American relations to attend this rare occasion to meet with Mr. Beyer and his team for an informal Q&A in the historic halls of TASIS.

It's no secret that it’s not as easy as it seems to become a legal citizen as an owner of an American passport. By the way, the same counts for all non EU citizens. However, it’s not impossible. There are a few hurdles that have to be taken. These difficulties and how to solve them has been the reason for many of Americans living in Ticino attending the town hall meeting. A selected group of the American embassy, along with the US Ambassador to Switzerland, Donald S. Beyer Jr., did answer questions by American families touching various topics. The Ambassador opened the meeting with an overview about the work of the US Embassy and how they can assist their follow citizen on certain problems, ranging from visa to tax issues and all administrative problems. Furthermore, he informed us about the Swiss-American relations after all the tensions caused by the financial sector and the worldwide turbulences. The following Q&A has become an unconstrained question and answer session. The most important topics for Americans living in Switzerland seemed to be visa related issues as well as problems with taxes and some of the latest banking issues.

Maurice Elst, co-owner of Wetag, and I were delighted to be able to join the event. Wetag Consulting maintains a close relationship to TASIS.

We believe and could experience already, that with our very international background of work, being the chosen exclusive affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate and The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World for Ticino, we are able to service foreigners and assist on their search for a home in Ticino. TASIS, being a private school, also has quite an elite clientele with many High Net Worth Individuals having their kids enjoying high quality education in one of Switzerland’s most reputable schools. Some of the families have some very special real estate needs which we are keen to help with based on our reputation, network, and year long experience in the luxury field of the real estate market. TASIS is located in one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods of Ticino where sumptuous villas and estates can be found. Wetag is happy to have some of these incredible properties listed. There are many very exclusive mansions we are marketing on a discreet basis, so should you have interest to get to know more about the possibility to call one of these estates your home, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

The mobility with natural gas is considered an excellent alternative to conventional fuels. Compared to gasoline and diesel it is more ecological and economical and also offers the same standards in security.

Natural gas is a great way to get a more sustainable mobility, and is therefore less polluting. It is definitely more environmentally friendly than other fuels, economical and safe to use. The cars currently on the market with natural gas propulsion have an extra tank for gasoline in order to guarantee a supply of emergency, given that the current network of distributors of gas is not too widespread.

Switzerland counts more than 95 supply stations and the network is continually expanding. In Ticino, the first natural gas supply station was installed in 2005 in Bioggio, Malcantone, while the supply points in Mendrisio an Viganello are in operation since 2007. One can save up to 30% less per km compared to regular petrol.

And here is the deal: in Ticino, hybrid vehicles pay only 50% in circulation taxes.

Major car manufacturers, such as VW, Mercedes, Opel and Fiat, to name a few, currently offer a wide range of standard bifuel models, natural gas and gasoline, which can cover all consumer needs . What are you waiting for? Buying a natural gas vehicle is a “green” choice. I am considering it…

Posted by:  Maria Eitouni

Very early in the morning, in my garden, I say: Finally, spring has come.

The region of the Italian lakes is undoubtedly one of the world’s great places for garden lovers. Innumerate are the famous splendid parks, planned and laid out since the 16th century by early Italian and later often by English architects, all of them attracted by the saying: Stick a stone in the soil, and it will bloom. 
 

The rich nobles and bourgeois from the Italian cities building between 17th and 19th century there sumptuous summer palaces in these regions, for escaping from the heat of the city’s summers (mainly Milan), they were very trained for an extensive arrangement of sculptured gardens, and from the 19th century onwards rich English gentleman, by then having become the leading garden architects of their times, found the region a most attractive alternative to the Cote d’Azur, to enjoy gorgeous summers but also to enjoy mild winter months, and to try to allocate whatever plant from their colonies they could bring here.

For me the three most splendid examples of famous gardens of the region are:

Isola Madre, 16th century gardens, one of  Italy’s oldest botanical garden on nearly 8 ha, transformed in late 18th century in English style.

Isola Bella, 17th century 3 ha absolutely breathtaking Baroque gardens (opened in 1671).

Pallanza, gardens of Villa Taranto on 20 ha, erected in an old property by a Scotsman between 1930-40.

One of the last, but this would not necessarily mean least important, human representatives of this important and enviable culture is your humble writer. Admittedly, his talent and his dedication to the subject is very inferior to the former centuries’ splendid luminaries (and in effect would be close to invisible to them), and admittedly is the size of his own playfield vastly minor to his peer group’s average, and so is its location. In fact there is nothing indicating towards the outer world, that this guy, walking in 23rd of March’s early morning barefooted through his garden, is one of the Famous Gardener’s last species, was there not his inner voice who sang: Oh, what a beauty, my garden. Well, aren’t the lizards descending from the dinosaurs?
 

My dear garden-friends (all the others will have left these lines by now, I hope); with this question we close the circle and find ourselves again in my own garden, early in the morning in March, when spring had arrived. On a granite slate reached by the sun’s first rays, there was already this lizard sunbathing, the grass had started to grow quickly now and will need a first trim in these days, and the magnolias are flowering splendidly. The camellias in colours of red and of an absolutely adorable creamish white still flower on, and my beautiful high growing yellow rose on the façade of the house is all covered with leaves now. The Clematis I grew many meters up into the palm trees for having their attractive violet flowers between the green of the palms, they also start showing leaves. So I take an orange (navel) from the orange tree and while I am peeling and enjoying, I say to the lizard that is still there: For me, you are a dinosaur if you want to be one, don’t worry.

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

It happened to me when the Belgian owner of one of our properties in one of the valleys asked me to come by and talk to him.

I first visited this property with his father, a gifted architect who had the ability to conserve hidden treasures from the past, in a way that seemed effortless, but very difficult to copy.
 

When he approached me the first time, approximately 10 years ago, he had a whole bunch of 300-year-old and 400-year-old houses for sale, which he partially bought and preserved them from destruction. He then took them apart, relocated them a few miles to the right or to the left in an unspoiled position, and rebuilt them in a way everyone would say: They have always been here, oh yeah they haven’t been changed since my great-grandfather’s day…Cool.
 

We sold most of them, except for one, which he kept it for himself. I always considered it the crown-jewel. It is an old monastery, low ceilings, small windows, smallish rooms and lots of atmosphere, but with a twist to it. Some of the rooms were quite spacious actually, the internal decoration comprises a unique collection of all the simple tools of the valley’s 18^th century peasants, the view is marvelous and unspoiled, the garden is mysterious, and above all there is a pool– a feature not commonly expected in this kind of estate.
 

This older architect and his wife– herself a gifted decorator– always said: This is the only property around here that we will keep for our private use.
 

Now their son asked me to sell this home, for a price that is not low, but every time I go there, the property screams: Buy me!
 

At night I think of it, but on the other hand, what shall I do? Heap up properties? I was very pleased when one of my dear friends told me: You know Ueli, it has been quite some time now that I have been thinking of buying a property of yours– it was this very property. He says: It ignites my feelings. I reply: Oh really? And thought to myself: You hit the nail on the head!

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

More and more Russians choose Ticino - especially greater Locarno on Lago Maggiore and greater Lugano on Lago di Lugano - as their preferred place to life or spend quite some time to vacation. During the Christmas holidays, some Russians have been registered for the first time on the ski slopes in Cardada, located high above Locarno and boasting amazing jetliner views over the southern Alps. Today the Russian community in Ticino counts approx. 1500, and is quickly growing. Local magazines, like Ticino Management dedicate three issues per year specifically to the Russian community, which are concentrated in the more prominent areas of Lugano such as Campione d’Italia, Castagnola, Ruvigliana and Collina d’oro.

Ruvigliana and Castagnola, located on the slopes of Monte Bre, are especially suited for families with children as it is tranquil, close to the city and the schools rank among the best in the Ticino. These neighborhoods also belong to the most prestigious living quarters in the greater Lugano area and quality real estate is very much sought after. Most of the mansions and villas are south-facing, which spoil their residents with spectacular vistas over the city of Lugano, Lake Lugano and the beautiful surroundings.

There are a lot of international families as well that choose to board their children in the American school of Montagnola, Collina d’oro. TASIS is a private school that offers a wide curriculum and a great experience to their alumni , thousands of them have cherished memories of living on the „Hill of Gold“ and return year after year to relive those memories. The Mediterranean dolce vita of Ticino, the southernmost canton of Switzerland, is appealing to people of different cultures and ages.

Posted by:  Maria Eitouni

A few days ago I was strolling through the large rooms of the famous Ex-Helmut Horten Estate, checking if all was perfect (WETAG is managing the property on behalf of the owners who wish to sell). Outside, the gardens were immaculate as always, inside, the room temperature was perfect. I sat in the reception room, turned on the stereo letting the music fill the air though the vast entry hall, feeding the villa with life. Whilst I waited for the next owners’ butler to come in and offer me a drink, my eye wandered to this magical view of Southern Ticino’s rolling hills. I said to myself: “This is unique, really unique.”  I realized that I probably never had a similar property to offer - a true estate: The villa, with a staff apartment house, and a third building consisting of 11 suites and 7 meeting rooms, elegantly set in its own park, all of this furnished with an exquisite taste, ready to move in.

Hey! It could suite a private person in need for a lot of space, that’s how it was thought. But, it could also be a beauty spa in Switzerland or a hedge fund, or even better a company with its headquarters in Switzerland, so many could the purposes be, no other estate compares to it - let alone one where you can move in right away.

I turned off the music, shut the doors and while slowly driving down the private driveway, I thought to myself: Today few people build this way, what a pleasure it must be for the next owner. It truly is a jewel and one of a kind!

 

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

Glanz und Golria - a Swiss lifestyle magazine - in interview with Disco Queen Donna Summers who possibly could imagine to move to Ticino and call Lake Maggiore her home. Many celebs are known to have chosen Switzerland as their main residence. Lake Maggiore together with the Lake Lugano area, in Canton Ticino, the southernmost part of Switzerland rate among their choices. This beautiful Italian region is only 90 minutes from Milan, it is culturally more similar to that of the Italians and offers a milder climate compared to the rest of Switzerland. Lake Lugano scenery is a bit that of Lake Tahoe in California, with a Mediterranean taste to it.

Celebrities and well off foreign citizens enjoy the Swiss stunning nature: the snow, palms, cobalt blue lakes and tranquility are incomparable - let’s not forget that Switzerland is well known to be still a tax heaven. Celebs enjoy the fact that the locals respect their anonymity and are therefore treated like “normal” people.

 

To name a few celebrities in Switzerland that have chosen this paradise like area to call their home: Karolina Kurkova (Czech Model – Lake Lugano), Catarina Valente (German-Italian Singer – Castagnola), Brigitte Nielsen (Morcote – Lake Lugano) and many more.

Posted by:  Maria Eitouni

“Real estate in Switzerland is attractive for tax evaders,” was the article title in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper (30.10.2010).

Untaxed money, that foreigners in Switzerland have deposited, will soon be punished with a flat rate withholding tax - just negotiated with England and Germany. The identity of the investor is not revealed (banking secrecy is maintained), but a flat rate tax charge on the deposit account balance, which will be paid to the originating countries’ tax authority. In discussion is a possible tax rate of approximately 25% of their assets.

 

The article postulates that those who are not so overjoyed about this tax will have the opportunity to exchange their assets (or a part thereof) in Swiss real estate. The advantage of real estate is there is no flat-rate charge. Anyone who is not resident in Switzerland, for them, according to the newspaper article, the purchase of a business property, owner occupied property, a (predominantly owner–user) holiday home will be possible. The purchase of non-owner-occupied property is not allowed.

Does this make sense? From our standpoint, we would just like to say this: The data is certainly correct. In our point of view, the simplest solution to this conflict is still to take up residence in Switzerland. Thus the tax problem is mitigated, and in addition, an EU citizen with principal residence in Switzerland can buy what they like without limitation. At the moment the purchase of properties in Switzerland is a highly recommended investment; according to a study recently published in The Economist (21 October) Swiss properties were rated as some of the best values worldwide. 

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

Always more in these times we are asked for our considerations regarding real estate as an investment. In our current email-letter we explain our (positive) thoughts at the moment. The letter is free, if you’re not yet in the subscriber list, do not hesitate to subscribe now. I will not summarize the contents here, but be sure that we do not see investment the way the following story from India tells:  

Any comments are welcome.

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

Ticino is well-known for its Mediterranean influenced lifestyle with year-round mild temperatures, a lush vegetation and Italian like Dolce Vita. The daily life takes place pretty much outdoors where people enjoy sitting on terraces of bars and restaurants, spend their time on the lake or at some of the nice rivers in one or other beautiful valleys and not to forget about the charming and sunny privately terraces or gardens. Over many decades, architecture changed from the Rustic style typically Ticino houses with heavy use of granite stone and smaller window space to a more lighter construction based on new materials, offering a better floor plan with much more sunlight trenched interiors and a great harmony between indoor and outdoor living with both spaces interact with each other.

Lomocubes, a new development in Lugano, Ticino’s largest community and also Switzerland’s third biggest banking centre, impresses with a stunning penthouse unit, offering round about 570sq.m (6100sq.ft) of living and carry the indoor/outdoor theme to extreme. The building which is currently in construction and set to be delivered by 2011/2012 is located in Massagno in a south-east facing, calm and very sunny position. The architecture is highlighted by intelligent use of glass, wood and concrete and where all apartments benefit from an incredible view onto Lago di Lugano. But, the absolutely highlight of the building is its penthouse from where you enjoy amazing vistas over city of Lugano, the lake and the surrounding mountain backdrop. The penthouse offers an unmatched living experience where a more than 130sq.m (1400sq.ft) large patio terrace plays the focal point of the unit. The penthouse features enormous living and entertaining areas, 6 bedrooms, 7 baths and 3 studios just to name a few of its premises. Most of the rooms are situated alongside the huge terrace with easy access from each room and offering very well-lit interiors by daylight. The enormous terrace functioned as outdoor living room, dining or entertaining area. An amazing and apparently hovering glass pool caps it all!
 

This penthouse truly belongs to the finest real estate currently available in greater Lugano area. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to receive more detailed information about this stunning property.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Lugano, being Switzerland’s third largest financial center, has been and still is of strong interest by a variety of an elite international clientele. Over the past years, we have seen families with an international background moving to Lugano, and where we could have been of help to find them a place to live in Ticino. Almost all families, doesn’t matter if they came from the US, UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Asia or any other location in the world, have all shared one important aspect of their search – the possibility to have their kids go to an international school.

Lugano is home to the much respected and well-known international school by the name of “TASIS – The American School In Switzerland”. Located in Montagnola, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of Lugano and perched among a spectacular setting of Swiss mountains, the campus commands a fantastic panorama like view of Lake Lugano. The seclusion and beauty of the grounds offer an ideal location for an international yet intimate community, and provide perfect conditions for such a successful and prestigious school like TASIS. The campus combines academic, boarding and recreational facilities that harmonize with each other as well as with the surrounding picturesque landscape.

The school is deeply entrenched with its location and local history. The emphasis on art and history starts with the campus itself. The most stunning campus building is Villa De Nobili which now provides a fascinating setting for a dormitory, classrooms, administrative offices and the dining room. TASIS “Mission Statement” is a fine testament of the schools alignment and its educational mandate. I couldn’t describe it better than the school does itself so please read in the following their Mission Statement:

TASIS – where education lives. Please feel free to contact us for any information in regard to TASIS or if you are looking for a home near the school. We would be happy to assist you on your search for your new home in Lugano.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Lugano – Massagno, is a small municipal in close proximity to the Lugano city centre and located in a hill side position with nice views over Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills as well as the city of Lugano. The city quarter is dominated by residential buildings and profit from the close distance to shopping, restaurants and office facilities in Lugano.

 Lomocubes is one of Lugano’s most prestigious residence developments taking shape. It is a very ambitious building project where great design matches with the highest expectations of today’s living. The buildings distinctive exterior design is a refreshing look within Lugano’s mostly equal-looking and boring residential buildings. 

Construction is on its way and the structure is already going up. Garages and the first two levels are already clearly visible. Marco Fässler of our Lugano office just recently visited the construction site to get a better idea of the developments construction progress. “Standing here on level one (the first apartment level), you already get a great feel of how its going to be once the building is finished and what an awesome view its residents will enjoy.” Fässler further comments: “All apartments not only offer this stunning view onto the Lugano delta, they also blend with a spacious floor plan throughout and high quality finishing’s. The architects chose only the best materials and fittings what will underline the high aspirations of luxury living Lomocubes stands for. It’s also great to see the increasing interest in that project since constructions progresses.

Lomocubes will offer a spacious and stunning penthouse with more than 450 square meters (4,900square.feet) of living, including its own spa and wellness area and a very private and large terrace, boasting magnificent views over the Lugano delta with the city of Lugano and Lago di Lugano. Please contact us for more information.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

In Locarno, or to be exact in Orselina – also called the balcony of Locarno – a new development is going to be constructed. In one of the best hill side positions of Locarno, Sanitas Health Insurance Company is going to realize a new and spectacular residence for up-scale living, boasting a grandiose view onto Lake Maggiore. Well-known Ticino architect Michele Arnaboldi designed these spacious and modern residences. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with sunlight, and the ingenious structure of Balconies and roofed living areas reflect the architect’s hallmarks and combine indoors with outdoor living. There is no clear separation between the interior and the exterior areas what definitely positive affects the living lifestyle not only in summer times. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide the owner with stunning views onto the Lake Maggiore, the surrounding mountains and the city of Locarno.

Wetag Consulting, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates and The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, has been appointed as the exclusive sales agency for “Al Gaggio” and will start soon with the sale in the near future. Peter Albrecht, one of the owners of Wetag Consulting says: “At developments like “Al Gaggio”, it’s very important to us that quality and uniqueness are some of the key facts of such a development and we are very confident that residence “Al Gaggio” fully complied these two criteria’s amongst other things. This is what makes “Al Gaggio” one of the most exclusive, but not the most expansive residences in greater Locarno, if not even in all of Ticino.”

The fresh and modern design of the development beside the developments awesome location, are some of the main arguments to opt in for an apartment or penthouse at residence “Al Gaggio”.

Construction already started and representatives of the principal, building enterprises, Wetag Consulting and many others did celebrate the ground breaking ceremony on July 13, 2010. From there on, progress in construction can be recognized nearly daily and the completion is scheduled for beginning of 2012. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you wish to receive pre-sales information on residence “Al Gaggio” and contact us under info@wetag.ch or call us at +41 (0)91 751 3106.

 

 

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz