When we think of medieval castles, our minds often travel to Scotland, England or Wales. But with more than 500 chateaus, Switzerland is prime territory for those searching for breathtaking views of nature, architectural romance and adventure … or perhaps a home with all of the above.
The elegant three-story, seven-bedroom Chateau de Bochat property is minutes from the center of the Swiss city of Lausanne. With spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps and a location near a major city, the Chateau provides an invitation to dream of castles and kings while maintaining a connection to modern amenities, including restaurants and shopping and excellent Swiss schools and universities.
The area in which the chateau is located is in driving distance to France, as well as to famed Swiss and French ski resorts. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
Lausanne also is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and the official Olympic Museum, which opened in 1993. The area is in driving distance to France, as well as to famed Swiss and French ski resorts.
In Switzerland, as in other parts of Europe, medieval castles generally were homes for nobility. They were built not just for status but to serve as protective sentries watching over territories, local residents and key trade routes—in this case, through the valleys of the rugged Alps.
Homes in this region were built not just for status but to serve as protective sentries watching over territories, local residents and key trade routes—in this case, through the valleys of the rugged Alps. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
While the specific provenance of the Chateau de Bochat is unclear, what is known is that it was built at the beginning of the 15th Century in the town of Paudex, now a suburb of Lausanne, and maintained through the years by several families before falling into disrepair. It was restored to elegance and comfort in the early 1900s but requires modernization. The property sits on 3.5 park-like acres (14,000 square meters). The price is available upon request.
The potential is grand. The ground floor has a generous living room with a period fireplace, elegant dining room, kitchen, bathroom and multipurpose spaces. Most have views of Lake Geneva.
The well-kept manor has been restored to elegance and comfort in the early 1900s but requires modernization. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
Upstairs is a primary bedroom with a balcony overlooking the lake, four additional bedrooms and a bathroom. The top floor contains the attic and two bedrooms, a third bathroom, and several empty spaces that could be repurposed as offices, game rooms, or studios.
A heated swimming pool, a pool house and an annex complete the wooded park of this spectacular property. Two additional building plots with stunning views are part of the property but separated from the castle by a small road.
Two additional building plots with stunning views are part of the property but separated from the castle by a small road. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
The purchase of historic chateaus can be the realm of adventurers since medieval castles often need renewal. But Chateau de Bochat is a unique opportunity for those who love history and elegance and would be proud to contribute to preserving civilization’s historic heritage.
And then there’s that view.
Aurore Lucido of FGP Swiss & Alps is the listing agent.
