Historic Country Estate Landgut, Switzerland

The villa and it’s large park (estate) dates back to 1914, when it was built by Rudolf Walder and his wife Berta Walder-Baumann with the architects Müller & Freytag from Zürich. Walder was a manufacturer of silk fabrics. Berta Walder-Baumann was the daughter of the silk trader Kaspar Baumann-Zürrer. The formal architectural garden was designed by landscape architect Ernst Klingelfuss.

The estate has been listed in the historical building register in 1993. Large parts of the interior had not been altered in the past 100 years. That’s why most of the original wallpapers, upholstered walls, curtains, lamps and furniture has endured over time.

The estate, previously used as a single-family home, was adapted and expanded. During the week the estate is being used for seminars and meetings for company guests, while on the weekends the property is being used privately. Furthermore, young scholarship holders in the creative and artistic fields are also given the opportunity to stay.

Every room in the house was carefully studied and developed under the surveillance of the cantonal preservation office. We had to work within a very strict framework in order to comply with the historical building guidelines. Meaning that we had to do an elaborate process/research on the original colors used. 

The commission also asked us to maintain certain wood works and historical floors. Some of the original wallpapers and upholstered walls (mainly on the ground floor of the villa) had to be first protected and then reupholstered. The preservation office also asked us to reuse some of the historical lamps. Even though the historical framework was a given, we still had the freedom to design and develop in style with the art nouveau building. We were also entrusted to furnish the entire property inside and outside. Our involvement entailed also the styling of all rooms.

The main villa with its stately entrance welcomes it’s guest with a hall and large staircase that are now adorned by hand-painted linen wall coverings produced exclusively by the well-known British wallpaper manufacturer de Gournay. 

The design portrays floral vines and birds and emphasize the country lifestyle. A made to measure carpet runner in a crème and raspberry pattern decorates and rounds off the ambiance of the otherwise sober wooden atmosphere.

We were able to restore the dignity and splendor of the estate in a planning and execution period of about 4 years. Our aim was to preserve the authentic historical essence of the estate, giving it an exclusive and timeless aesthetic while accommodating a modern lifestyle and creating moments of joy.

On the ground floor, you'll find a big kitchen with professional cooking gear. The kitchen is all set up with top-notch tools for anyone who enjoys cooking. This culinary haven is not only well-appointed but also designed with the utmost attention to detail, making it a true epicenter for gourmet creations and family gatherings alike.

The majestic villa is divided in two parts (villa and chauffeur house) and has a total of 13 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. In the main villa the master suite with a living room offers a generous bathroom and a spacious bedroom.

The bathrooms were not included in the inventory, but in order to create a harmonious look and in the spirit of the old world charm, we reintroduced custom made concrete tiles for the flooring and art nouveau glazed tiles for the walls.

The special size and shapes of the existing floor tiles were used as a base for the newly manufactured concrete tiles whereas the color scheme was adapted in accordance with the overall guestroom designs.

In the basement there is a large wellness area connected with a steam bath with resting area and a fitness room, which is equipped with a checkroom. The spa area has a calming and rejuvenating character through the clarity of space and the use of natural materials. The accent walls are cladded with a soft beige, structured limestone Crema d’Orcia.