This magnificent 9.5-room manor named “La Chance”, possesses around 557 sqm of living space, and was built around 1910 on two large plots totalling 7,969 sqm. The plots will shortly be classified as a green zone, i.e., not suitable for building, so no further development will be possible.

The grounds comprise meadows and a garden partly laid out in terraces that are defined by low walls or boxwood hedges, providing magnificent views of Blonay castle, the lake, and mountains. To the west, a gate leads to a long tree-lined tarmac driveway on the south side which extends to the property entrance, whereas to the east, a wooded cordon delimits the plot and follows the course of the Ognona stream.

Most of the original interior features have been preserved (tiled floors, parquet flooring, wood panelling, doors and windows woodwork, radiators, stained glass windows in the stairwell, windows with rounds of glass or bottle shards, etc.); they form a fine ensemble typical of the first half of the 20th century.

The property and part of the park are listed as grade 3 historic monuments.

The villa is built into the slope and comprises four levels, including a basement and habitable attic space. It is distributed in the following manner:

Ground floor: large entrance hall with fireplace – three adjoining living rooms, one of which has a fireplace and access to the terrace/garden – large, closed kitchen – two guest toilets – storage room.

First floor: landing with built-in cupboards – two toilets – bedroom with direct access to a balcony and en suite bathroom – connecting bedroom with built-in cupboards and access to a heated pergola – connecting bedroom with access to a heated pergola, the terrace and bathroom – bedroom with direct access to a balcony.

Attic: large hall with built-in cupboards – kitchen – bedroom with storage space – bedroom/living room with storage space – bathroom with toilet.

Basement: pantry – technical room – cellar and laundry room with washing machine and direct access to the outside.

An outside garage and courtyard with space for around seven parking place complete this magnificent residence.

HISTORY

The “La Chance” building and its grounds are typical of the architectural style of the first quarter of the 20th century. Built in 1910, the building reflects the “Heimatstil” spirit that was very much in vogue at the time: the exposed stone ground floor, the roofs interplay, the wood-panelling decor, and protruding features such as the entrance porch, balconies and galleries give the facades a picturesque touch.

The villa is the last home of the Hindemiths and is of historical interest due to the exceptional personality of its owner. Born in Germany in 1895, Paul Hindemith was one of the most important figures in twentieth-century music. A composer, instrumentalist and conductor, Hindemith is also the author of world-renowned works on music theory and pedagogy. A leading figure of the musical avant-garde in Germany in the 1920s, the young musician fled Nazism and emigrated to Switzerland in 1938, before pursuing his career in the United States from 1940. He became an American citizen and returned to Switzerland permanently in 1953, settling in the “La Chance” estate. He died in 1963 and is buried in the St-Légier cemetery.

LOCATION

Overlooking Lake Geneva, above Vevey and Montreux, Blonay is 20 minutes from Lausanne by motorway and 30 minutes by train.

Sheltered by its proud 12th-century castle, this residential resort is renowned for the quality of its climate and the charm of its hillsides and forests.

Around the summit of Les Pléiades (1400 metres), sports enthusiasts and hikers will find thousands of possibilities throughout the seasons, including gastronomy, a railway museum, a botanical garden, ski lifts and superb ski slopes.

Blonay opens its heart to you.