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

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

Im Bergdorf Cavergno im Maggiatal, dort wo die zerklüfteten Granitblöcke am höchsten sind, das Wasser der Maggia am dunkelsten, liegt er - der Wolfsschlund, Gola del lupo. Eine Felsformation, acht Meter tief, das Wasser nur 12 Grad.

Von da springen sie, die Klippenspringer. Angetreten zur European Cliff Diving Championship. Eine Mischung aus Formel 1 ohne Airbag und Basejumping ohne Sicherungsseil. Sie zeigen Salti, Schrauben oder tollkühne Drehungen, bevor sie nach knapp 2 Sekunden und ca. 80 Stundenkilometern mit möglichst wenig Spritzern eintauchen. Die 5 Jurymitglieder, aktive und ehemalige Klippenspringer, bewerten jeden Sprung nach Technik, Präzision und Eleganz. Jeder Athlet muss einen Plichtsprung mit vorgegebenem Schwierigkeitsgrad und zwei Kürsprünge mit frei gewähltem Schwierigkeitsgrad zeigen. Die besten Springer dürfen dann an die Weltmeisterschaft in Mexiko.

By Jeannine Koller - Ascona, 24.06.10 

Posted by: Team Ascona

We are proud to announce another major and exclusive partner of Wetag Consulting’s upcoming golf tournament, the Wetag Consulting – Christie’s Great Estates Trophy, taking place at the beautiful Golf Club Ascona on May 15th 2010. Just recently, Wetag became the exclusive sales affiliate of Andermatt Swiss Alps for southern Switzerland and is honoured to represent this exclusive and exciting new project what is developed by Orascom.

“With Andermatt Swiss Alps, the traditional Swiss holiday village of Andermatt will become an all-year-round destination. A tailor-made range of real estate, hotel and leisure opportunities await you, together with a wide selection of sporting facilities and a “state-of-the-art” infrastructure for cultural events and congresses. Whether as a residential or holiday destination, as a first or second home: Andermatt Swiss Alps is the right address for a balanced lifestyle.”

You are welcome to visit Wetag Consulting’s showroom at the Golf Club Ascona during the week before the golf tournament at the 15th of May and of course on the same day of the tournament.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Ticino with its Lake Maggiore is usually more known for its Mediterranean lifestyle, relaxing atmosphere and a laid back way of life, but one time of the year this is going to change big time. Then, thousands of tourists and music lovers flood the narrow and ancient streets of Locarno with only one direction – Piazza Grande. Once a year, Locarno’s impressive town square is host to one of the most famous festivals in Switzerland – Moon and Stars. Between the 7th and the 17th of July 2010, a very elite group of artists will perform on Piazza Grande with its incomparable atmosphere. It’s a pretty good mix of singers and bands with famous international and local artist of a variety of genres. Pink, ZZ Top, Eros Ramazzotti and Massive Attack only a few to be mentioned. Moon and Stars is a great reason to travel to Ticino to enjoy a great event and get to know the region which has so much more to offer than its beautiful lakes only. Explore beautiful villages, unspoiled countryside, great food, and a one of its kind sophisticated lifestyle. Get some action at Valle Verzasca’s dam where you can do Europe’s highest bungee jump of 220 meter (here they filmed one of the most famous bungee jumps for James Bonds “Goldeneye”) or you take one of the many thrilling mountain bike downhill rides. There is also great shopping. Ascona and Lugano offer a broad selection of nice boutique shops where you will find all current fashion labels. Fox Town, a great outlet fashion mall near the Italian border does offer a great selection of most of the sought-after brands good for some deals. Visit Ticino and spend a great time in the slightly different kind of Switzerland – you will not regret.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz

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

Vendiamo grande proprietà immersa in un contesto verde e soleggiato con bella vista sulla vallata. In questo comune a soli 20 minuti da Locarno/Lago Maggiore vissero personalità quali Max Frisch, Alfred Andersch e Golo Mann (al Museo Onsernonese è aperta una sua esposizione fino al 31 ottobre 2009). Scritto da Manuela Pedrazzini

Am 9. August ist es für Rolf Gérard so weit. Er gehört zu einigen wenigen der Letzten der deutschsprachigen Künstlergilde Asconas. Für ihn naht ein wirklich besonderer Geburtstag - er wird seinen Hundertsten feiern.

Ungewöhnlich: dieses Wort trifft auf ihn völlig zu was seine Tätigkeiten anbelangt: Rolf Gérard ist Maler, Bühnenbildner, Bildhauer, Designer - und Arzt. Zu Gérards Leidenschaften zählen nebst der Kunst und den Frauen auch Havanna-Zigarren. Seit über dreissig Jahren lebt und arbeitet er in Ascona und ist somit Teil der zweiten deutschsprachigen Künstlergeneration, die im ehemaligen Fischer- und Bauerndorf agierte.

Davor war die Zeit, als er bei Picasso zuhause Keramiken brannte oder im Exil als Ambulanz-Arzt während des Krieges in London, wo er sich mit Kokoschka befreundete und danach Venedig mit ihrer Lagune und den kleinen Inseln oder als Bühnenbildner für Opernhäuser wie die New Yorker Metropolitan-Oper, London, Salzburg oder Genf.

Durch seine Jugendliebe Lilli Palmer fand Gérard in Ascona eine neue Heimat - sein Traumort wegen des Lichts, wie er sagt und seinen Freunden unter welchen sich auch Erich Maria Remarque befand und weil es ein Ort ist mit viel Lebensqualität ist.

Seinen Geburtstag feiert er in seinem Museum, der Rolf-Gérard Stiftung mitten in Ascona mit einer Vernissage der neueren Venedig-Bilder.

Uns bleibt nur eines - ihm alles Liebe zum Jubeltag und viel Kraft zum Weitermalen zu wünschen!