Property renovated for 45 million francs – Karin Aebi Holmes and Jon Holmes show off their new home: This is how the castle residents in Zizers live in luxury

Former residence of Empress Zita

Aebi Holmes learned about the transformation of the castle walls about a year ago when he saw the information board during a cycling tour in Zizers. “I was immediately intrigued,” she says. “Living in a castle – I love the idea!” When she returns home, she obtains more information and visits the property with her husband. The Englishman was also amazed by the historical building.

The castle was the last residence of Empress Zita of Austria (1892–1989). It was built around 1680 by the von Salis family, who lived here until the late 19th century. Later, the property was transformed: since 1899, it had served as a nursing home and nursing home, mainly for retired priests. It has been vacant for several years now.

Library turns into castle residence

When Aebi Holmes first saw the room in which his apartment would later be built, there was little to remind him that nobility had once lived here. The historic property’s best days are long gone. “The huge room that had once been a library looked like a run-down gymnasium,” says Aebi Holmes, showing Blick her new four walls.

But Aebi Holmes, who held a management position at Thyssenkrupp Presta, believed that something could be done with the 3.7 meter high walls and large castle windows filling the room with daylight. Today, the large bookcase in the living room reminds us that there was once a library here. “I read a lot, so it wasn’t a problem to fill in,” says Aebi Holmes. You can tell how much he is in love with his new home.

A wine cellar full of history

The ghost of a castle has yet to make itself felt. “But the atmosphere is very special,” says Aebi Holmes. Many details, other than the room height, remind you that you live inside the historical walls. The renovation work was accompanied by the preservation of the monument. Many things had to be restored to their original state. For example, panels and plaster on walls and ceilings. Also the facade, windows and window sills, shutters, radiators and the fountain in the garden.

The wine cellar also consists of the original natural stone vault from that time. The huge room in the basement is gorgeous. Each new castle resident gets his or her own compartment. There is a large wooden table in the middle of the room; so nothing stands in the way of wine tasting with the neighbors.

A major investor

The renovation of the castle cost a total of 45 million francs and took approximately two years. Among the four investors, there is a well-known name: the current president of HC Davos, Gaudenz Domenig (67). Domenig comes from Tamins, which means he is also from Graubinden, as are two other investors: architect Jon Ritter and real estate entrepreneur Michael Zindel. Only David Trümpler (56) is not from the area but lives in Uster ZH.

According to Trümpler, the renovations did not always go as planned: “We encountered a few surprises during the construction process due to the lack of planning,” he says. The renovation is now almost complete. 23 flats with a total of 150 rooms were created. “And every room is different,” Trümpler says. This was a big challenge.

Flattering prices of royal talent

12 of the apartments are currently occupied, and five will be occupied at the beginning of April. Six houses have not been sold yet. This also includes the largest and most expensive residence worth 4.1 million francs. The 7.5-room apartment has 4-meter-high vaulted ceilings and gilded plasterwork. Smaller apartments cost between 900,000 and 2.6 million francs.

“There was no lack of interest from the beginning,” says Trümpler. However, high prices caused some interested parties to give up. Today, those who are fascinated by the old walls and castle gardens and who make the necessary changes are mostly castle enthusiasts living in residences.