Beautiful Andermatt is the best-kept secret of the Swiss Alps, and exciting new developments mean you can now be part of the adventure.
The charming village of Andermatt, perched 1,444m up in the heart of the Swiss Alps, certainly has an awe-inspiring beauty, which is why those in the know are swiftly signing up to own a piece of it. A new development of world-class apartments and bespoke chalets is set against a pristine alpine landscape. Andermatt itself is a year-round destination, with countless leisure and sporting activities on offer.
In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can glide over a glacier and down the magnificent Gemsstock mountain. Visitors and locals can also take advantage of the freeriding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe, trekking, and sledging opportunities available. Work is also under way to connect Andermatt with neighbouring Sedrun to create central Switzerland’s largest ski region. The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun will boast slopes covering more than 120km.
In the summer months, the snow melts away to reveal an eighteen-hole, par 72 championship golf course harmoniously nestled into the surrounding mountain landscape. Fishing, biking, hiking and mountain climbing are just some of the other summer activities on offer.
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Just 90 minutes from Zurich and two hours from Milan or Germany, Andermatt’s lush, green summer landscape and snowcapped winter peaks attract visitors from every corner of the world. Situated along the Glacier Express — the worldfamous mountain railway — Andermatt has long held international appeal. For centuries traders passed through as they ventured across the nearby Gotthard Pass, and JMW Turner fans will recognise the legendary Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) that features in some of his masterpieces. The village has also attracted names such Goethe, Queen Victoria and Elvis Presley. Sean Connery’s James Bond also raced a gleaming Aston Martin in the infamous Goldfinger car chase in the Andermatt region.
For years Andermatt was a well-kept secret, known only to those with inside connections. But that changed in 2005, when it entered a new stage in its history, being opened up by the Swiss government following the withdrawal of the residential Swiss army that had been based in Andermatt since 1895. Egyptian property tycoon Samih Sawiris was asked for advice on how to develop the area for tourism. However, he was so inspired by the beauty of the Urseren Valley that he took on the development as his own project. ‘When I was invited to consult the Andermatt team, I didn’t expect to come across a long-forgotten destination with such potential,’ explains Sawiris. ‘The prospect of transforming this village into one of the Alps’ hidden gems is incredibly exciting.’
The development has much to offer. In addition to the ski arena — which is expected to draw ambitious skiers and families alike — it will offer a wealth of accommodation, which will not be extended beyond its agreed scope, retaining its village feel.
Upon completion, the Andermatt development will feature six new four- and five-star hotels and around 500 new apartments. Properties range from spacious one-bedroom suites and elegant family apartments to exclusive penthouses and duplex lofts. More than 30 architects designed the individual buildings, carefully combining the best in modern architecture with the charming character of a traditional Swiss village. Elegant use of indigenous materials such as wood, stone and glass set modern accents of ‘alpine chic’ in the smart, harmoniously integrated resort.
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There is also the opportunity to purchase one of 25 bespoke chalet properties. Keen golfer? Have your chalet set next to the course. Or how about a chalet with views of the River Reuss? It’s all possible. Buyers work in collaboration with the architect to create a personal home away from home. Thanks to careful planning, the village centre is completely free of cars and all key sites are just a short stroll away. Cars, while of course welcome, are housed in underground parking facilities.
An attractive investment
Andermatt presents one of those rare opportunities to own a piece of the inimitable Swiss
Alps. And, since the development will never be expanded beyond its current scope, buyers can rest assured that the breathtaking beauty of the developer’s original vision will be preserved. Andermatt Swiss Alps is a secure property investment in a new tourist destination with very promising prospects. Sustainable design with an uncompromising focus on quality is at the heart of the Andermatt vision, so naturally supply is limited. For investors, the development has been perfectly configured for best returns. And above all, the entire project has exemption from Lex Koller — the regulations that limit the purchase of Swiss real estate by foreign investors (involving an expensive and lengthy approval process) — so international investors in Andermatt, and only in Andermatt, can purchase and resell real estate without restrictions.
Gotthard residences
Construction has started on Andermatt’s newest addition, which promises the advantages of your own private apartment without giving up exclusive hotel service. This concept of ‘hotel serviced apartments’ is offered by the new Gotthard Residences. Around 100 units — all freehold — are being built in a free-standing residence building. Regardless of your choice of property – including practical studios, spacious family-sized apartments and luxury penthouses — the interior will be finished to the highest standards.
These Gotthard Residences will be built together with a new four-star hotel. The hotel, in a separate wing, includes 180 rooms and suites as well as two restaurants, an inviting hotel bar with an open fireplace, and an event and conference facility. Also fully accessible to residence owners is the fitness and wellness centre, with its sauna, steam bath, therapy rooms and 25m indoor pool. Owners can also take advantage of hotel services, including housekeeping and the concierge. Of course, all owners will enjoy a variety of discounts, not only in the adjacent hotel but also in all the resort’s hotel
restaurants, the fitness and wellness centre, the golf course and the ski slopes.
For those who wish to generate rental income when not using the property, owners have the option of renting out their unit through the hotel operator. Bolstered by marketing efforts, higher occupancy rates can be achieved, resulting in higher returns. The Gotthard Residences and hotel are being built with the BESIX Group as a joint venture partner of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG.
