_International Property Digest: Properties near Switzerland's Best Schools
Switzerland remains a consistent focus for international buyers for several reasons. There’s the physical beauty of peaceful lakes and Alpine peaks (more peaks over 4,000 metres than any other European country), excellent transport connections by rail, air and road, and a longstanding reputation for financial probity and political stability.
For many buyers, a further critical reason to choose Switzerland is the superb international schools that come with an outstanding A+ global reputation.
Switzerland has four official languages and 26 different cantons, each with separate educational options and tax rules. The majority of Knight Frank’s clients focus on schools in the French-speaking area around Lake Geneva.
International School of Geneva Campus at Chêne-Bougeries
One of three campuses for this expansive international school, Chêne-Bougeries is on the left bank of Lake Geneva in a family-friendly, safe and leafy neighbourhood where detached villas sit in generous gardens. The country environment belies the proximity of Geneva – only 10 to 15 minutes away by car – while the lack of any lake views keeps property prices more grounded.
Property for sale: Beauvallon CHF 2,290,000 to CHF 5,890,000
Above: The exterior of Beauvallon apartments
With an emphasis on wellness and a prized location close to Geneva city centre yet in a park in Chêne-Bougeries, Beauvallon offers the best of every world. One to four-bedroom contemporary and generously-sized apartments finished to the highest international standards share an indoor pool and fitness centre, concierge and cutting-edge security and home automation systems.
International School of Geneva Campus at Les Châtaigneraie.
On the opposite bank of Lake Geneva in popular Founex heading towards Nyon in Canton Vaud, Les Châts as it is popularly known is the second campus for The International School of Geneva. Geneva is a little more distant, typically 20 minutes by train, and it is possible to find homes with wonderful Alpine and lake views here.
Property for sale: A contemporary home in Coppet CHF 5,500,000
Above: Exterior of villa in Coppet with lakeside views
A light, contemporary villa with four-bedrooms and views over neighbouring vineyards in the village of Coppet, close to the lake below Les Châts. The large lower ground level provides good family space including a games room, gym and wine store.
La Rosey in Rolle
Carry on around the lake to Rolle past Nyon and you arrive at the world-famous Institut Le Rosey where fortunate students split their year between the lake campus and a second mountain base in Gstaad. Plenty of attractive small villages perch on the edge of the Jura Hills close to Rolle, providing exceptional views down towards the lake.
Property for sale: Waterfront villa with wonderful views CHF 25,000,000
Above: Waterfront villa with private pool
Fourteen minutes east of Institut Le Rosey in a wonderful waterfront location this charming and characterful three-bedroom home in Saint-Prex offers true lakeside-living. The delightful setting includes a private mooring and a large, leafy, private garden.
St George’s School near Montreux
Travel further around the lake and you reach St George’s International School in Clarens, a 12-acre site within ten minutes of Montreux. There is a good choice of homes nearby including some within an easy walk of the school gates. Plus points for Clarens include close proximity to year-round Alpine resorts, property prices that are more affordable than Geneva just 50 minutes away and a steeper topography which results in wonderful lake views.
Property for sale: A nine-bedroom Clarens home. CHF 14,800,000
Above: Aerial view of Clarens home
Idyllic views across Lake Geneva to the Alps and a large gently sloping terraced garden, professionally maintained, are among the charms of this nine-bedroom house. It’s the perfect example of a prime property in the exclusive Bosquets de Julie area of Clarens close to the International School. With a separate three-bedroom guest house and expansive room sizes, the elegant mansion is ideal for entertaining while the large grounds, swimming pool and swift access to the motorway make it a comfortable and efficient family home.
Villars and Verbier
A noticeable recent trend has been for parents with children at these international schools who do not wish to relocate full-time to Switzerland, to buy a smaller property, often in the Alps. They view it as a prudent Swiss franc investment and as a convenient second home and winter skiing base to visit their children in term time.
Villars and Verbier are two of the main destinations. Villars is a true year-round mountain resort with 800 pupils at three prestigious schools: Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, La Garenne and Aiglon College while Verbier’s excellent reputation for serious snow sport and high-quality hospitality is a perennial favourite.
In central Villars next to Beau Soleil College, 20 newly-built apartments in Hedonia Alpine Residences provide an excellent mountain base. Behind an attractive wood and stone façade, homes have fireplaces, balconies, private storage and expansive windows offering wonderful southwest mountain views. Prices start from CHF 1,350,000 for two, three and four bedrooms.
For further advice on Swiss international school and properties for sale contact Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Head of Knight Frank’s Swiss Network.