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

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

Was wir immer wieder munkeln und verweisen, scheint NUN ENDLICH OFFIZIELL: 
Das Resultat der Konferenz “Idrovia dal Lago Maggiore a Milano” (Wasserweg vom Lago Maggiore nach Mailand) vom Montag, den 13.September in Arona (IT) ist, dass bis zur (1*)Expo 2015 in Mailand der ganze Wasserweg Lago Maggiore - Mailand (via Fluss Ticino und Naviglio-Grande-Kanal) wieder schiffbar ist. Der italienische Vizeminister für Transport, Roberto Castelli, gibt weiter bekannt, dass er hoffe, dass das Ziel, nicht nur Mailand sondern die durchgehende Verbindung Lago Maggiore - Venedig, ebenfalls erreicht werde. Die totalen Kosten bezifferte er auf 100 Mio Euro, von welchen ein Teil bereits zugesprochen ist.
Ich freue mich außerordentlich, dass ich in Kürze nun endlich die Samstageinkäufe in Mailand per Boot erledigen kann, dass ich meine Gondel für den Karneval in Venedig bereits in Ascona besteigen darf, oder dass ganz einfach herrliche Fluss- und Kanalfahrten durch eine der historisch bedeutsamsten Gegenden Europas wieder möglich gemacht werden. Schiff ahoi.

Posted by:  Ueli Schnorf

Breganzona ist eine kleine, idyllische Gemeinde der Stadt Lugano zugehörig und befindet sich an und auf einem Hügel westlich des Kerngebietes von Lugano. Im Jahre 984 wurde Breganzona, damals noch unter dem Namen Brianzone, erstmals erwähnt. Die Kirche San Sebastiano, welche aus dem Jahre 1579 stammt, ist Breganzonas wichtigste Sehenswürdigkeit. Ansonsten lebt die Gemeinde von der Nähe zu Lugano, der 3. grössten Bankenmetropole der Schweiz sowie wichtigster Wirtschaftsstandort im Tessin. Breganzona ist nur wenige Minuten vom Stadtzentrum Luganos entfernt und bietet somit ruhiges und grosszügiges Wohnen in unmittelbarer Nähe der Stadt.

In Breganzona, direkt am Hang gelegen, mit einem fantastischen Blick auf Lugano und den Lago di Lugano, befindet sich ein interessantes Anwesen, welches 1995 vom lokalen Architekten Sergio Grignoli entworfen wurde. Auf den ersten Blick lässt sich der Einfluss der Architektur Richard Meiers nicht verleugnen wobei nur der obere Teil diese Parallele ziehen lässt. Der untere Teil der Villa spiegelt eher die für das Tessin typische Tessiner Architekturschule wieder. Der untere Bereich, mit seiner grauen Aussenhülle, wirkt trotz seiner Grösse weniger dominant und gibt den Blick auf den oberen Teil des Anwesens frei. Der Betrachter wird von der strahlend weissen Fassade des oberen Teils der Villa in seinen Bann gezogen. Die der Ebene zugewande Seite der Liegenschaft bietet eine grosszügige Verglasung der Wohnräume wodurch eine optimale „Belichtung“ der Innenräume gewährleistet wird. Eine am Wohnraum angrenzende sowie überdachte Terrasse bietet im Sommer ausreichend Beschattung und verhindert somit eine Überhitzung des Inneren. Grosse Säulen verstärken den imposanten Auftritt der Villa gegenüber dem Betrachter. Die der Terrasse vorgelagerte Grünfläche bietet ausserdem genügend Raum für Entspannung, Familienaktivitäten oder um Gäste zu unterhalten. Von jedem Punkt des Anwesens lässt sich der wunderschöne Ausblick auf die Ebene und den See geniessen. Weiss bestimmt auch das Innere der Villa. Edler Steinzeugfussboden sowie klare geometrischen Linien bestimmen das innere Erscheinungsbild und unterstreichen das grosszügige Wohngefühl.

Diese Villa ist sicherlich eine gute Alternative zu den sonst eher traditionell gehaltenen Anwesen im Tessin und bedarf vielleicht einer Person die ein gewisses Verständnis für diese Art der Architektur aufbringt und die Moderne dem Traditionellen vorzieht. Auf Grund der Lage des Anwesens und der in nur wenigen Minuten zu erreichenden Innenstadt von Lugano, ist diese Villa sehr interessant für Familien/Personen die die Ruhe und Distanz zu all dem Trubel einer grösseren Stadt zu schätzen wissen, aber auch nicht auf den grossen Auftritt verzichten wollen.

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

In absoluter Bestlage von Locarno, genauer gesagt im Ortsteil Orselina, dem Balkon über Locarno, verwirklicht die Sanitas Krankenversicherung eine neue und spektakuläre Residenzanlage für gehobenes Wohnen mit traumhaftem Blick auf den wunderschönen Lago Maggiore. Es entstehen grosszügige, moderne Wohneinheiten, welche vom bekannten Tessiner Architekten Michele Arnaboldi entworfen wurden. Seine markante Handschrift lässt sich leicht wiedererkennen, so zeichnen sich alle Residenzen durch grosszügige und Licht durchflutete Grundrisse aus. Die geschickte Anordnung von Balkonen und überdachten Wohnbereichen verbindet das Innere mit Aussen. Es erfolgt keine klare Trennung zwischen diesen Bereichen was gerade in den Sommer- sowie den Übergangsmonaten für höchste Lebensqualität sorgt. Die Raum hohe Verglasung ermöglicht es den Eigentümern den uneingeschränkten Blick auf den Lago Maggiore, die umgebende Bergwelt sowie Locarno zu geniessen.

Wetag Consulting Immobiliare, exklusiver Partner von Christie’s Great Estates sowie Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, wurde mit dem Verkauf der Eigentumswohnungen beauftragt und wird demnächst mit diesem beginnen. Peter Albrecht, Eigentümer von Wetag Consulting sagt: „Bei Projekten wie Residenz „Al Gaggio“ ist es uns wichtig, dass Qualität und Einzigartigkeit mit zu den Hauptmerkmalen einer solchen Residenzanlage gehören und wir sind fest davon überzeugt, dass Residenz „Al Gaggio“ unter anderem diese zwei Kriterien voll erfüllt und somit zu den exklusivsten - aber bei Weitem nicht zu den teuersten - Überbauungen im Locarnese, ja sogar im gesamten Tessin zählt.“ Neben einem frischen und modernen Design, zählt natürlich die spektakuläre Lage mit zu den Hauptargumenten sich für eine Wohnung in der Residenz „Al Gaggio“ zu entscheiden.

Mit dem Bau wurde bereits begonnen und am 13. Juli 2010 erfolgte die Grundsteinlegung. Von nun an geht der Rohbau in die Hochbauphase und fast täglich kann man sich von dem Baufortschritt überzeugen. Kontaktieren Sie uns bitte bei Interesse und wir freuen uns, Ihnen bereist vorab Informationen zukommen zu lassen. Contact: <> oder +41 (0)91 751 3106

We are proud to announce the first 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 15 th 2010.

Cap Cana represents a unique lifestyle and is waiting for you to become part of it. In the heart of the Caribbean , you will find the most exclusive gated community and the World’s New Great Destination, Cap Cana. Cap Cana is privileged to have not one but three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses within its beautiful community and has been selected by Jack Nicklaus as one of the 25 destinations worldwide to share the unique distinction of being a Jack Nicklaus Golf Club.

The tropical climate in Cap Cana allows one of the most memorable golf experiences in the Caribbean and the world. Three golf courses (fifty four hotels) designed by Jack Nicklaus and two golf courses (thirty six holes) designed by Gil Hanse.

The Punta Espada Golf Course is the first Nicklaus Signature course in the Dominican Republic in operation since 2006 and home of The Cap Cana Championship a PGA Tour event. Awarded Best Course of the Caribbean and Mexico by Golweek magazine. The second Nickalus Signature course, Las Iguanas, is an 18-hole course surrounded by a series of limestone bluffs. Three of these holes will be bordering the Caribbean Sea. 

Posted by:  Peter Rabitz

Andermatt Swiss Alps, a new upscale development in Andermatt by Samir Sawiris of Orascom, is on its track. The new resort will be positioned on a level with well known alpine ski resorts, offering the same standards and even beyond. Weeks ago, the resort celebrated its ground breaking ceremony and construction has begun. Andermatt is more or less known as a former military facility where many of the male Swiss citizens spent their military service. Exactly, these former military facilities are now used for the development which will feature 4* and 5* hotels, a 18 hole PGA golf course, sport facilities, an new commercial railroad station and a village like residential zone with apartments as well as villas. The developer is also investing in the ski resort what is one of the best free ride paradises in the Swiss Alps. All the current ski areas such as Gemstock, Nätschen, Gütsch, Oberalp and Sedrun will be connected with each other and upgraded in its infrastructure to become a well served and great winter sport destination.
Andermatt is ideally located only a short drive away from Zurich and Milan what makes it really interesting for city dweller and some foreigner who will appreciate the convenient connection of the location by plane, train or car. Representatives of the EREN group (European Real Estate Network), where Wetag Consulting is one of the founding members and has been represented by Ueli Schnorf (CEO of Wetag Consulting) and my humble self, were visiting the headquarter and construction site last Friday, the 23rd of October. We were introduced to the team of Orascom and the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort and got a sneak preview of the whole development, its design and architecture as well as its current state. One of the leading architects of the development, who is counseling the developer on the design selection procedure, showed us all the current 38 designs of the new apartment and hotel buildings. The architecture is overall surprisingly fresh, but still referring to the Swiss architecture of alpine buildings featuring traditional textures and designs, but in a modern context. We also got taken to the actual site where we got a nice overview of the whole development and with the previous presentation we could already imagine how everything will look like once it’s finished - at least we could obtain a sense where all the new facilities will be located and fit into the current surrounding. In my opinion, the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort will be a great addition to current alpine destinations and even more become one of the trend setters for Swiss tourism and activity/leisure destinations in the Alps. Not to forget to mention that it will be much easier to invest in real estate since the ever-present “Lex Koller” law will not apply for the resort. That means, foreigners are allowed to purchase a property without facing all the restrictions.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz

The Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris - CEO of Orascom, a global town developer specializing in planning, building and operating integrated, self-sufficient leisure and residential towns around the world – celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony for Andermatt Resort at the upcoming it-destination Andermatt.

On Saturday, the 26th of September 2009, Sawiris officially launched construction for the new tourism-resort in Andermatt. Phase number one features a luxury hotel, a PGA golf course and all the infrastructure of the resort. The hotel is expected to open its doors in 2013 followed by more luxury hotels, apartments, villas, leisure and sport facilities. Andermatt, already known for some advanced skiing will be developed into a state-of-the-art ski, golf and wellness destination. A former military used area will be transformed into a jewel of alpine heaven featuring fine living and sporting beside of all amenities of a charming alpine village. With its close proximity to Zurich and Milan which are only a 2 hour drive away, Andermatt will become a meeting point for people living on both sides of the Alps. It will feature the luxury and uniqueness like St. Moritz, but on a more affordable level. Important to mention is the fact that interested buyers of apartments and/or villas can purchase their property without being effected by ‘Lex Koller’ law, what regulates the purchase by foreigners.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz