In approximately 12,000-m² landscaped grounds, bordered by an around one-hundred-metre-long beach with a long private jetty, the castle stands in the centre of the property opposite the water’s edge. It is made up of several buildings constructed in a quadrangular layout around a gravelled courtyard, with a keep in the centre and two corner towers. When first built, its moats were probably linked to the lake. Remains of former ramparts and fortification towers surrounding the castle pay witness to its historical character. It is very likely to have been erected by the Counts of Savoy in the late 12th century. It remained a formidable stronghold for a long time, particularly in the confrontations between the Duchy of Savoy and supporters of the reformation from Bern in 1590. The monument was spared by the many conflicts that took place in the region and remains typical of medieval architecture. Following a number of transformations conducted over the centuries, several years ago it was home to a high-quality hotel business. The gardens have been carefully crafted into lawned and wooded spaces. A vast, 7-metre by 15-metre swimming pool and a large jacuzzi standing opposite the lake complete the outdoor amenities.

The castle

The hipped, gabled or pepper-pot roofs, topped by weathervanes on the two towers, are made of flat tiles and fitted with upturned gutters. The facades below, with partially exposed stonework, are punctuated by rectangular windows with mullioned or large paned windows fitted with louvred shutters. Virginia creepers climb over the exposed stonework between the openings. The three-storey castle, also with an attic level, boasts a surface of around 1,500 m² and includes living spaces and reception areas. Most of the bedrooms and living rooms face towards the lake. The keep is topped by a pavilion roof and echoes the layout of the other buildings. On each of its four sides it also has false brattices made of wood with ridge caps. The tall entrance porch is made of pink sandstone.

The ground floor
This level includes four vast lounges, reception and dining rooms as well as a chapel. The architectural features are combined with noble materials: mosaic or cement tiled flooring, sculpted or painted wooden wainscotting, stained glass windows, parquet flooring with inlaid patterns, painted coffered ceilings or sculpted exposed beams, monumental fireplaces, friezes with coats of arms and wood panelling on the walls. The surrounds of the windows are inlaid, boast floral motifs or are formed by pilasters. Several other rooms fulfil the residence’s functional purposes, such as kitchens, lavatories, cold stores, pantries, a linen room, storeroom, wine cellar and workshop. The entrance is via the ground floor of the keep, transformed into a reception room, from where an ashlar staircase, with wrought-iron balustrade climbs to the upper floors.
The first floor
It is made up of an independent apartment as well as six bedrooms of varying sizes, from 25 m² to 70 m², each with an en suite bathroom. It also includes a large reception room that boasts a monumental fireplace, probably dating back to the late 15th century, with column-shaped stone jambs, a braced straight hood adorned with flamboyant neo-Gothic decorations, bellows and spark guards. A study furnished with solid wood elements and four small lounges complete this level. As in the rooms on the ground floor, those on this level combine ashlar stonework and sculpted woodwork.
The second floor
The majority of this wing forms a second, vast, around 210-m² independent apartment. The other parts include ten bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, including one located in the keep. Two of the bedrooms boast saunas, while there are also utility rooms such as a box room and a linen room. As on the lower floors, the restored neo-Gothic style is predominant.
The attic
This well-maintained storey covers the entire surface of this level. There is also a bedroom with an en suite bathroom in the upper part of the keep, with far-ranging views enjoyable from the false brattices.