Holiday home Casa Navegna

In Minusio, the small, cosy neighbouring village of Locarno, just a few metres from the lakeshore, an archetype of modernism is hidden among the lush Mediterranean vegetation. In 1929, the Swiss architect Ernst Bechstein was commissioned to design an extraordinary holiday home with a spacious, romantic garden for his friend Walter Bucher – a wool manufacturer and intellectual from Monte Verità – which was intended to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of Lake Maggiore and provide space solely for the pleasures of life.

Casa Navegna combines various modernist characteristics – from the functional form and flat roof to the sculptural plaster of the façade and the use of traditional materials, such as the significant columns made of regional granite. Huge windows open out onto the garden and the lake, while the rear of the house with its small windows guarantees maximum privacy. The pergola, which Bechstein borrowed from Ticino architecture, is a particularly striking element.

In 2005, the house was brought back to its original state together with the local architecture firm baserga mozzetti, freed from the alterations of the 1970s and taken into the present with a modern twist – an organically shaped, aluminium-covered bedroom on the roof, reminiscent of a landed UFO, and yet far from being alien, it fits harmoniously into the style.

To this day, the property reflects its former flair and combines architecture, art and joie de vivre. The journey through time also continues inside: numerous original design classics meet a variety of art and an extensive collection of books. The holiday home, which is now run by the fourth generation, has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a modern kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, an office and a library, as well as an artist’s studio in the garden. Outside, a blossoming garden full of hidden niches, original stone tables and a small pool opens up. There are terraces and seating areas everywhere to spend relaxing hours in nature – all the way up to the roof terrace with impressive views of the lake and the Ticino mountains.

What to do

Swimming in the lake or having fun in the small pool, stand-up paddling (two boards are available in the house), hiking in the nearby mountains, walking and cycling paths along the lake (bike hire nearby), tennis courts and golf courses, Wellness at Termali Salini & Spa, day trip by boat to Isola Madre, various festivals and events in Locarno and Ascona, visits to museums and galleries, skiing in winter in the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Splügen or Bosco Gurin ski areas.

Why we like this house

An impressive immersion in an inspiring era.

This house is great for

Families, friends and couples of friends, architecture, design, art and nature lovers, well-behaved dogs are also welcome

Sustainability

Public transport: Minusio train station (with direct connections to Lugano and Milan) is a 5-minute walk away, two bus stations (with direct connections to Locarno and Bellinzona) are a 3-minute walk away, e-charging stations in the immediate vicinity

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.

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