Along the shores of Lake Geneva

Geneva’s future residents are faced with one dilemma: to live in the city or not to live in the city.

Here’s some info that’s sure to help you make this difficult choice.

Families that are already living in major cities around the world often opt for the city, so that they can acclimate easily. However, Geneva is becoming more domesticated because although very dynamic and welcoming, the city is not that big. So the idea of living in a beautiful house, just minutes from the city, is becoming more and more appealing.

Geneva’s neighboring villages are little paradises, where life is as sweet as a walk in the park. You won’t have to worry about getting lost in the suburbs because, in Geneva, distances are calculated in minutes. Children can get to school or downtown with ease thanks to its excellent public transportation system that could make more than one megalopolis blush. So, some friendly advice, don’t look around when your BARNES consultant tells you: 'The E bus is only 200 meters away.” You might not be used to taking the bus often, but in the canton of Geneva, buses and trams are as regulated as the Swiss cock-a-doodle-doo, always arriving exactly on the dot.

Cologny

Cologny, a beautiful, coveted town at the end of Lake Geneva, is very popular. Each piece of land is, as they say, worth its weight in gold. Perched on a small hill overlooking the majestic Lake Geneva, Cologny borders Geneva, its Eaux-Vives district, and its beautiful park and rose garden.
 

Villas in Cologny don’t stay on the real estate market for very long. They are only entrusted to internationally-renowned agencies, such as BARNES, with the capability to reach a global clientele of HNWI - High Net Worth Individuals. The most talented architects get very competitive on this mini-mountain. It’s not uncommon for very big and beautiful luxury houses to be demolished in order to make room for enormous new projects for new homeowners interested in a breathtaking view of the lake and mountains in the distance.

For the record, this little village has managed to become the talk of the entire world. For example, the famous Frankenstein was born under the pen of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley in Villa Diodati. But even today, Cologny’s reputation rests on its plethora of extraordinary places: the idyllic setting of the International Institute Notre-Dame du Lac, one of the best elementary schools in the canton of Geneva; the charming Théâtre le Crève-Cœur, where the greats of the theater world come to perform; the Golf Club de Geneva, on Route de la Capite, for intense matches played with fair play and elegance.
 

In the center of the village, chefs Gilles Dupont and Thomas Byrnes are making noise in the world of gastronomy. We could go to Auberge du Lion d’Or for the view, but instead, we go to enjoy its exceptional cuisine. And for something more relaxed, families and friends meet at La Belotte, stationed at the water's edge.

It’s a YES to living in Colony if …

1. It's in a magnificent house with a view of the lake and, obviously, on the hill!
2. Saying 'We're going into town!” and knowing that it's only 2 minutes away still tends to make you laugh
3. It’s your dream to be the king of the hill

Vésenaz

Let's continue our journey on the banks of the lake and stop at Vésenaz, located between Cologny and Collonge-Bellerive. Its chateau is admirable, but more closely resembles a fortified house. This pretty town is very popular for its beautiful family houses, its geographical location, and especially its shops, medical center, schools and ...

It is a completely independent community with high-quality services and renowned health and aesthetic professionals. You won’t need to go into town out of necessity (although Geneva is only 4.9 km away, on an electric bike it’s a breeze), but just for fun. Inhabitants of the neighboring communes - Vandoeuvres, Corsier, Collonges, Cologny - come to Vésenaz to go shopping, and with good reason. The biggest (and best) shops are in the center of the village, like the chic Manor department store, and Migros and Coop for groceries.

Everyone knows it’s nice to live in this little village near the French border. Just like at the foot of the Rockefeller Center in New York, Vésenaz offers its residents a magnificent outdoor skating rink for the end of year festivities. Children rule the village. The Town Hall watches over its future voters with an outdoor playground, and schools like La Passerelle, the school of Vésenaz and Collonge. And for both children and adults to relax, take long walks along the lakeside, sail or take advantage of all the water sports offered by the lake, compete on the tennis courts or take horse riding lessons at the Grand Carousel of Pallanterie.

In Vésenaz, you’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere, a great quality of life, and the intimate spirit of a small village with all the comfort and autonomy of a city. These qualities are attracting future buyers. Real estate investments have always been prosperous in the municipality. And since the 2014 inauguration of the covered passageway that allows border workers to access Geneva without crossing the village, real estate has undergone an additional (and spectacular) boom.

Buy a house in Vésenaz if …

1. Working in finance in Geneva while living in the countryside is your nirvana
2. Whether from your terrace or the Yacht Club, you have one eye on Junior
3. The Thonon bike route was made for the calves of a champion (yours)