Jacopo Mascheroni did it again. The Milan based architect, who has worked in architecture offices of luminaries such as Richard Meier, finished another great example of his fresh, uber-cool and white-minimalistic design. The villa in Brusino-Arsizio, a small village on the shores of Lago di Lugano and only a short drive from world renowned fashion metropolis Milan away, sits on a commanding hillside lot from where the southern part of the lake can be overlooked. The extravagant, polygonal glass pavilion is located wood side, sitting above the partly buried lower level in a very charming north facing location.

This kind of a glass house, what was asked for by the owner who wanted a house with lots of glass and windows, usually comes with privacy concerns. In addition, the hillside position as well as building code setbacks made it very challenging for the architect to deliver a simple, but sexy design he then finalized. In result, with all the tricky given facts being solved, the client got an amazing show property which doesn’t reflect the alpine architecture as otherwise usual. Large walls of glass dominate the top part of the villa which consist the main living area with a large scaled living, a dining area and kitchen. A white-lacquered centre piece consist the staircase leading to the lower level, the night area of the house, as well as all technical infrastructure. A beautiful garden around the pavilion round up this level and makes it a perfect place to entertain guests and family. The lower level offers 3 bedrooms, bathroom, play room and an office. The design is less spectacular than on the living floor, but is also characterized by the architect’s handwriting of clean forms and the use of bright-white materials.

With the use of these materials as well as the simplicity of his work, one can see similarities between his work and the architecture of Richard Meier, where he started his career in 2001. Few years ago, he finished a conversion of an apartment on Lago di Como into an ultra modern loft. Clean lines and forms, white surfaces and indirect lighting are still his preferred design elements and have been developed to perfection like seen in his newest work on Lake Lugano. The luxury villa in Brusino Arsizio is definitely polarizing people with a few which doesn’t like it at all, but with the majority really liking the space he created. The current owner became a huge fan of his work and only leaves with a heavy heart. Mascheroni’s glass pavilion became a much celebrated and multiple internationally published design piece which can now be yours. Click here for more details.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Very late in the afternoon, sitting in my garden, I thought: "Well, let’s count my palm trees."

Palm trees have not exactly been Switzerland’s typical tree and most of you might imagine Switzerland with pine trees rather than palm trees. This is true for the larger part of the country and for the mountains of course, but in Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost Canton, things are different. Probably a hundred years ago the first of the Trachycarpus palm tree (Himalaya Palm) was imported, likely by one of the early gardeners. It found ideal climate and started to grow wild so today hundreds of them grow at the borders of woods. Palm trees grow very slow, so a high palm has a considerable age. Trachicarpus will grow within 50 years to about 15 m.
 

My garden was arranged and laid out in the early 60’s, so many of my palms have their 50years and are at full height. By the way, I wanted to count them and I arrived at 235. Amazing, isn't it?

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

Recently, when I took my bike up to Locarno-Monte Bré, where you enjoy an amazing panoramic view onto Lago Maggiore and the surrounding mountain, I decided to come up with my personal ranking of our portfolios' most amazing view estates. It has been a pretty tough decision.

Ticino is all about property on the lakefront, a close distance to the lake, or a property with a view. It is not surprising that there are more properties with a view than direct lake access. Properties in prime lakefront are the rarest real estate you can find and do not come on the market that often. Most times, these rare properties even get sold off market without being advertised or officially put up for sale.

However, currently there are some amazing view estates on the market and we are proud to have listed some of the most exclusive currently available.
 

I will begin with number 10 to keep up the tension until the end, but before, I wanted to state again that this ranking reflects my own taste and opinion. All properties are nice and worth it to consider should you think about purchasing a property in Ticino. You will not regret it.

Number10 (ref. 1220) - Number ten is a rather unusual designed house nestled in a almost hilltop position high up in Cademario and overlooking the greater Lugano area with Lake Lugano, the city itself as well as the signature mountains Monte Bré and San Salvatore. It is a great place for vacation.
 

Number 9 (ref. 1239) - This one is a very majestic, Mediterranean style villa high above Lugano with fantastic views onto the city and Lake Lugano. Set on a large, south-east facing property within Lugano-Rovello, the villa features great views from almost every room. It is stunning at night too.
 

Number 8 (ref. 1262) - Located in a well-known village of Corona, more than 1000 year old village, high above Lake Lugano and known for being an artists getaway, this property has it all. Besides a great view onto the southern foothills of the Alps and partly Lake Lugano, the villa is the perfect place for sport enthusiasts. One can find not only an indoor pool and squash court, but also a sauna, gym and a putting green in the garden. What else could you need?
 

Number 7 (ref. 1234; ref. 1258) - Number seven is a tie with two fantastic properties. Both have almost the same style and pretty much feature the same view even though not in the same location. The one villa (ref. 1234) is located in the well known community of Vico Morcote and boasts a beautiful view onto Lago di Lugano. A nice pool and its Mediterranean style round up this charming property. The other one (ref. 1258) not only features a great view onto Lake Lugano as well but it comes also with a lakefront lot and the possibility to anchor a boat.
 

Number 6 (ref. 133) - Here comes one of our premium estates. Situated in one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods of Ascona, this stately villa is set in a commanding position above Ascona. The park-like property captivates not only by its huge property of more than 3 acres but also by its Mediterranean influenced architecture, amazing view onto Lake Maggiore, the opposite lake side and a sumptuous indoor pool. By the way, the property is home to a very special guest: a roe deer family calls the lushly green lawns their own and regularly visits the property. This is a rare spectacle these days so if your kids don’t know anymore what wild animals are than this is the chance to have them experience it.
 

Number 5 (ref. 1255) - Now halfway, I have a very special property chosen as my number 5. It would have made it further to the top if it would be finished. Right now it’s not finished but this provides the possible future owner to finalize just as he wants it. Without a doubt, the location is spectacular and boasts unobstructable view onto Lake Lugano and the city in one of Lugano's most expensive neighbourhoods. It is all prepared to become one of Lugano’s major estates. Plenty of levels and a spacious floor plan offer generous living throughout.
 

Number 4 (ref. 1082) - Most would consider it an outsider, but I call it an insider tip. Located in a sloppy hill side position in San Nazzaro, a small village right across Locarno/Ascona, the Bauhaus style villa boasts tremendous views onto Lago Maggiore, the Locarno/Ascona delta as well as a deep insight into Valle Maggio (Maggia valley). Ample open air spaces like terraces and lawns invite to relax and spend the day outdoors. This position enjoys the most sunshine during the summer and while Ascona and Locarno are covered in shade, you still can sip on your wine while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
 

Drum rolls please….now, its time for my top three!
 

Number 3 (ref. 1189) - The contemporary villa sits in a commanding position high above Minusio and overlooking Lake Maggiore. It almost feels like a viewing platform from where you enjoy great views. A very charming feature is the small rustico (stands for old, traditional, small house) which can be used as a guest house. Sun all day long makes this property a perfect match for all sun-hungry people.
 

Number 2 (ref. 1078; ref. 1223) - As it got more and more difficult the closer I got to the top three, I got another tie in place number 2. Here, the two properties almost offer the same location with only a few hundred meters away from each other. Both offer amazing jet liner views onto Lake Maggiore, from the northern end of the lake until far into Italy. Villa with ref. 1078 is a Mediterranean dream estate. Design, colours, materials, all chosen to reflect a Mediterranean feel as best as it can be. The spacious living space with direct access to the garden affords and enjoys an enormous view. The terraced property also features an imposing infinity pool where you can swim while your eyes look at the horizon of the lake in the very south. This estate is truly impressive. The other villa, ref. 1223, comes up with the same amazing views. Located a few meters above the previous mentioned property, you are even a bit closer to the moon and stars. Lavish outdoor spaces are perfect for entertaining guest and to enjoy a mild breeze on the very hot summer days in Ticino. The cream on the top is a chic indoor pool.
 

Finally, my personal number 1 (ref. 1274) - This Mediterranean dream estate boasts the most amazing view you can dream of. Above it all becomes a new meaning at this luxurious villa. Nestled in a commanding, slope hillside position on Monte Bré, the property features amazing jet liner views all the way across Lake Lugano. 820 meter above sea level and only 15 minutes from Lugano city away, you will find the perfect haven to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting of this gorgeous property. Every time I watch the pictures of the view, I get captivated by its spectacular perspective. A real beauty with great potential.
 

I hope you found my selection entertaining. Maybe you want to send me your top ten out of my list. Feel free to do so and of course you are welcome to contact us should you wish to receive more information on one of these properties.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Nicht oft sehe ich eine Liegenschaft, von welcher ich sofort weiss: viel besser geht es nicht.

Dies ist mir vor einigen Tagen wieder geschehen: unser neues Verkaufsobjekt in Lugano-Ruvigliana ist sicher eine der besten Villen im Grossraum Lugano.

Die Aussicht ist die vielgeliebte Sicht auf das Lugano Delta und den Monte San Salvatore, aber im Gegensatz zu den meisten Villen vor Ort ohne jedes störende Nachbargebäude und ohne hässliche Dachlandschaft vor sich. Nur Bäume, See, Berge, und dies in perfekter Süd-Westausrichtung.

Die Villa ist ausserordentlich atmosphärisch und sofort beim Eintreten sind mir die für meinen Geschmack so angenehmen klassischen überhohen Räume - in perfekter Grösse – aufgefallen, und auch auf der superben, teilüberdachten Terrasse hat sich dieses Gefühl wiederholt. Erst später werde ich informiert, dass das Gebäude nach feng-shui Richtlinien komplett umgestaltet worden war, wobei auch grosses Augenmerk auf die biologische Verträglichkeit der Ausbaumaterialien gelegt wurde. Man kann über den Wert von fernöstlichen Einrichtungsprinzipien geteilter Meinung sein, dass der positive Effekt zumindest in diesem Falle augenscheinlich ist, wird kaum jemand bestreiten können. Fast überflüssig zu erwähnen, dass der Zustand der Liegenschaft beinahe neuwertig ist, und nicht nur die gewählten Materialien, sondern auch die grosszügigen Raumverhältnisse (Gästebereich, Angestellten-Appartement) hohen Ansprüchen zu genügen vermögen.

Es ist mir jedes Mal eine Freude, wenn ich sicher sein kann, unseren Kunden in etwa das Beste anbieten zu können, was es überhaupt gibt und zweifellos glücklich wird sein, wer eine solche Liegenschaft sein Eigen nennen wird.

Doch es kommt noch besser: Auch für uns ist es ein seltener Zufall, dass wir im Moment an dieser meistgesuchten aller gesuchten Lagen gleich zwei absolute Topobjekte anbieten können. Dass die Preise dieser Liegenschaften (über 15 aber unter 30 Mio CHF) diesem Umstand Rechnung tragen, ist für diejenigen, die das wirklich ausserordentliche suchen, wohl jederzeit nachvollziehbar. Bitte sollten Sie mehr über diese erstklassigen und einzigartigen Objekte erfahren wollen oder besuchen Sie unsere Internetseite www.wetag.ch.

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

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

A Lugano nel Museo d’Arte si terrà questa esposizione dedicata ad uno dei più grandi fotografi contemporanei: Robert Mapplethorpe (1946 - 1989). Un artista che, per il contenuto erotico talvolta spinto delle sue opere, ha suscitato altrove perplessità, reazioni e scandali, ma che nell’esposizione allestita a Lugano si presenta in una visione depurata dalle punte più aspre e critiche, privilegiando la sua produzione puramente figurativa e il confronto con opere di celebrati artisti del patrimonio universale.

La mostra allestita al Museo d’Arte di Lugano presenta un significativo repertorio di oltre novanta immagini che illustrano la costante ricerca di un’ideale perfezione plastica nel lavoro di Robert Mapplethorpe; ricerca che ha permesso di stabilire un affascinante dialogo tra il fotografo americano e i grandi maestri del Rinascimento, in particolare Michelangelo

Morto a solo 42 anni questo artista nordamericano con il suo lavoro ha contribuito in maniera sostanziale a far includere la fotografia fra le forme d’arte riconosciute. Isabella H. Ielpo, Ufficio Ascona 16.04.2010

Il paese di Muggio è il comune più alto dell’omonima Valle, la quale è la più meridionale del Ticino. Comprende frazioni ancora più elevate e diversi pascoli sulle pendici del Monte Generoso, dove il territorio si estende fino a toccare i 1400 metri di altitudine. È probabile che fosse abitato già prima del XII° secolo da romani.

È patria di numerosi artisti, tra i quali spiccano i nomi di famosi architetti del Neoclassico, come Luigi Fontana e Simone Cantoni. Quest’ultimo lavorò molto a Como, dove si possono ammirare molti suoi palazzi, tra cui la maestosa Villa dell’Olmo.

Nel villaggio e nelle frazioni, tipicamente di montagna, vengono ancora praticate l’agricoltura e le attività alpestri. In passato la fonte d’introito più importante era l’economia alpestre come è attestato dalla presenza di numerose nevere.

Le nevere sono i precursori dei moderni frigoriferi, presenti unicamente in questa parte della Svizzera, paragonabili oggi a delle celle frigorifere.

Nel suolo calcareo del Generoso l’acqua penetra in profondità e non vi sono ruscelli che permettono di raffreddare le cantine. Perciò in passato si sono costruite queste nevere, accanto ad alberi frondosi, in zona ombrosa ma soprattutto nei pressi della stalla e del luogo di lavorazione del latte.

Questi edifici costruiti in muratura a secco, spesso a pianta circolare (diametro interno varia dai 3m a 5m), con tetti a debole pendenze in piode calcaree, provvisti di una ripida scala interna, interrati per circa 2/3 (4-5 m); venivano usati per conservare il latte in un ambiente fresco prima della sua lavorazione, nonché per mantenere al suo interno gli alimenti deperibili durante i periodi più caldi.

Nel corso dell’inverno si procedeva al carico della nevera: la neve, pulita e compatta, veniva gettata attraverso la porta e la bocca di carico; poi compressa e coperta con foglie di faggio. La corona di alberi attorno alla costruzione costituiva un’ulteriore protezione dai raggi solari. Grazie a questi stratagemmi la temperatura all’interno della nevera si manteneva costante attorno agli 8-9 gradi.

Essere proprietario di un pezzo di storia rurale così importante ed affascinante è possibile. Proprio nel comune di Muggio, la Wetag Consulting Sa, ha in vendita un importante palazzo d’epoca in stile neoclassico costruito nel 1870 dall’architetto G. Fortini. Splendidi interni originali tra cui locali alti, camini, soffitti con affreschi di grande valore, pavimenti in mosaico e parquet in stile Luigi XVI, fanno di questa proprietà un oggetto unico nel suo genere. Un altro tassello storico presente sulla proprietà è ben appunto una nevera che rievoca tempi passati ma non dimenticati.

Scritto da Deborah Fontana

Posted By: Team Lugano