Mountains are earth’s undecaying monuments,” according to the American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. Those
majestic peaks have always held a great fascination for me. In the winter months, I’m irresistibly drawn to the mountains for skiing, leaving behind my hometown in flat northern Germany where snow is infrequent.
One of the places I’ve always loved going was St. Moritz, and I still do. It’s one of the most challenging ski areas I know. The Swiss town enjoys a well-earned reputation as a luxury international resort, and not just in the wintertime. Another favorite destination is Gstaad, particularly because many of my friends own chalets there. And every year after Christmas, I go to Kitzbühel to celebrate New Year s. I also enjoy skiing holidays in the Austrian Alps with my children and our friends. Spending time together in a cabin in front of an open fire is one of our favorite traditions.
The real estate market in mountain regions like Kitzbühel is defined as much by the high prices as by the distinctive alpine architecture there. Due to the high price of land, exclusive properties in the double-digit million range are not uncommon. The premium segment is experiencing strong demand and attracting wealthy buyers from all over the world. In the Kitzbühel district, for example, the average cost of a condominium is over € 8,000 per square meter. However, if you’re interested in buying, it’s well worth looking at the suburbs and the villages a little further away from the better-known resorts. Venture outside Gstaad – to Rougemont and Gsteig, for example – and you’ll find apartments and houses priced significantly lower than in the town. Here’s something you should be aware of, though: Anyone wishing to purchase real estate in Switzerland must comply with the Swiss Lex Koller law, which states that foreigners in some cantons may only purchase a property as a second home under certain conditions.
But no matter which mountain region you prefer, in Europe or elsewhere, I’m confident this “Icons from the Mountains” issue will inspire you to take a breath of mountain air yourself. I hope you enjoy reading and discovering!
Sincerely,
Christian Völkers
Mountain hi(gh)!
Rarely has a region experienced such a revival as the mountain landscapes on our beautiful planet. Hotels and restaurants are suddenly open year-round and no longer bound by seasons. Whether almost fairy-tale green and in full bloom in summer or romantically snow-covered in winter, the mountain world exerts a magical allure on us. Therefore, we have focused this issue on people and products that have their origins here and whose values and impact have been shaped by the mountains. Our cover features an iconic shot by the famous photographer Annie Leibovitz, who photographed Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1997 in the ski resort of Sun Valley, Idaho. The politician, actor and bodybuilder grew up in the small village of Thal near Graz, Austria. On the occasion of the release of the mammoth photography book “Arnold,” author Dian Hanson reflects exclusively in GG on their unique collaboration. Her feature on one of the most well-known people of our time also highlights some aspects that were new to me about the larger-than-life personality whom I had the opportunity to meet the last time many years ago at his then restaurant Schatzi on Main in L.A. In our Watch Special, we introduce some of the most valuable timepieces that have become highly coveted luxury goods, thanks in particular to traditional and precise Swiss craftsmanship. And finally, we take you, dear reader, to Namibia where Markus Friesacher, owner of the Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur, has created a unique lodge that focuses on sustainability.
Enjoy your read!
Michaela Cordes
A huge thanks to the jewelers Becker and Cabochon for their wonderful help in creating our Watch Special. The Baignoire de Cartier (available from Wempe, far right) is my favorite. An ideal Christmas gift for “Arnold” fans: the Art Edition from Taschen.
PHOTOS:
Bernd Ebsen
The shoot for our Watch Special (page 48) took place in a photo studio in Hamburg with a view of the water. Still life photographer Bernd Ebsen worked his magic in a darkened room illuminated by multiple spotlights. During the meticulous shoot, particular care had to be taken not to scratch the valuable timepieces. For the backdrop, the photographer had prepared different materials (various types of rock and sand) to simulate the Swiss Alps, where all the watches were made.
Sven Müller
Sven Müller is Head of Sales at Engel & Völkers Kitzbühel and a Private Office Advisor. He’s responsible for the sale of the traditional Tyrolean house in Jochberg village (For Sale section, page 70). “Nothing else here even comes close,” he says, adding: “A property like this comes onto the market only once in about every ten years, and the fact that we have the chance to sell it is fantastic.”
Dian Hanson
Dian Hanson is an author and publisher for TASCHEN and lives in Los Angeles. In the course of her long career, she has published more than 50 books. Dian spent ten years working with Arnold Schwarzenegger on the book “Arnold,” a mamoth project during the course of which a special friendship developed (Cover story, page 30).
Costas Dambassinas
The spectacular Villa Les Tourelles on Lake Geneva (For Sale section, page 76) is being offered for sale by the Director of Engel & Völkers Geneva, Costas Dambassinas, MRICS. The marathon runner and London School of Economics graduate began his career in the real estate industry in Switzerland in 2010.
Goodbye Standby
Smart and intelligent use of energy with the JUNG HOME SCHUKO ® Socket Energy.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
PLAYGROUND
14 COOL CITY An exclusive ski resort with small-town charm, Aspen is a very sought-after winter sports destination.
16 HOUSE From sofas to armchairs to exquisite textiles: Interior inspiration for a cozy time at home.
18 INTERVIEW Guido Terreni, CEO of Swiss brand Parmigiani Fleurier, on the high art of watchmaking.
20 ENGEL & VÖLKERS NEWS Trends in the global real estate market. Special focus: top resorts from Gstaad to Whistler.
22 WOMAN Banish winter blues with these strong apricot hues.
24 MAN Gray accents perfectly underscore that less is more.
26 BOOKS Three great reads to draw you into the mountains.
194 PERSONAL Fine dining in the middle of a Norwegian fjord.
AT HOME
30 ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Author Dian Hanson on the multitalented icon and collaborating on the book “Arnold.”
New Home
FOR SALE AD SECTION
70 NEW HOME A traditional Tyrolean house near Kitzbühel tells a story that goes back generations. 76 NEW HOME In a class of its own: Villa Les Tourelles is a stunning Swiss property on the banks of Lake Geneva.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Villas, mansions & office space – beautiful real estate worldwide.
A preface to the new issue.
38 HAJAR ALI The self-taught artist employs AI to create architectural spaces drawn from her imagination. 48 WATCH SPECIAL The world’s most precious timepieces are crafted in Switzerland – and have been for centuries. 58 GMUNDNER LODGE The enterprising Austrian ceramics company now runs a sustainable luxury lodge in Namibia.
Names, addresses and manufacturers. 193
PLAYGROUND
Perfect powder in a vast landscape: Aspen, in Colorado, is known as one of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts. COOL
Champagne Snow
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the skiing resort Aspen is a sublime winter sports haven that effortlessly blends international sophistication with small-town charm.
WORDS: Merle Wilkening ILLUSTRATIONS: Asia Orlando
Aspen has it all!
1 INSTITUTION The elegant Hotel Jerome has been a town landmark since it opened in 1889.
2 VARIETY Cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice fishing, snowshoe trails: Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy the winter season in Aspen!
3 COZY EATERY The romantic atmosphere at the French Alpine Bistro is perfect for enjoying its cheese fondue, onion soup or crêpes suzette.
4 HEAD TURNERS Western spirit meets fashion in the handmade cowboy boots from Texan label Miron Crosby.
hen the winter months come around, Aspen in the U.S. state of Colorado is transformed into a snowy white wonderland. Thanks to its 300 days of sunshine per year, the conditions for outdoor activities are perfect, summer and winter alike. Where skiers now swoosh down endless slopes into the little town center that stands at around 2,400 meters above sea level, the Native American tribe of the Ute people once had a summer hunting camp – until settlers came to Aspen looking for silver. In the 19th century, the mining boom in one of the richest silver mines in the world brought money rushing into the little town – until the government stopped promoting the purchase of silver.
It was skiing that drew a line under the quiet years that followed the end of mining. The Aspen Skiing Corporation, which later became the Aspen Skiing Company, was founded in the late 1940s and opened what was then the longest chair lift in the world in Aspen Mountain. Then, in 1950, the little town hosted the first Alpine World Ski Championships to be held outside Europe. Today Aspen boasts four ski areas: the challenging Aspen Mountain with its breathtaking view, Buttermilk (ideal for beginners and families), Aspen Highlands (with steep terrain more suitable for advanced skiers) and Snowmass (which is bigger than the other three mountains together). Ajax, as the locals call Aspen Mountain, can be accessed straight from the town center with the Silver Queen Gondola.
Today tourism is the main motor driving the local economy. As one of the most popular and expensive ski areas in North America, Aspen attracts sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers from all over the world. The exclusive resort with a population of around 7,000 residents
also attracts a lot of celebrities – especially around Christmas and New Years. They’re drawn by the prospect of world-class culture in the mountains and roughly 80 restaurants and bars – from fine dining at Bosq all the way to hearty fare after a day on the slopes.
In the winter, strings of lights twinkle above Main Street, the heart of this mountain community, where luxury brands and little boutiques populate the brick buildings on either side. Some of these testify to the silver mining city’s rich history. The three-story Wheeler Opera House, for instance, was built in 1889 and remains the town’s artistic hub to this day thanks to a packed program of concerts, dance and comedy shows. Guided tours of the building are available via the Aspen Historical Society. Then there’s Hotel Jerome, which is now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and opened in the same year as the opera house. The Little Nell, a five-star ski-in/ski-out hotel at the foot of Aspen Mountain, is another luxurious icon, and high society gathers on the patio of its Ajax Tavern for apres-ski. The French-American menu features truffle fries, oysters and champagne. Perhaps that’s why the ultra soft, fluffy snow here in the Rocky Mountains is called Champagne Powder.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Institute
Hotel Jerome
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Art Museum
Wheeler Opera House
Buttermilk
WEIGHTLESS Sitting on the Balaao sofa from Bretz is like reclining on a cloud – or on fully inflated balloons. Actually, the name comes from the Portuguese word for balloon. The collection includes a swivel chair and is available in different types of fabric.
PURE For many breaths of fresh air: The Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde from Dyson uses HEPA-13 and activated carbon filters to remove ultrafine particles, odors and gases from the air. It even works in spaces up to 100 square meters in area.
Bye-bye, Winter Blues
Interior inspiration – handpicked for your home!
TRANSFORMATIONAL The German brand Freifrau is known for its comfortable seating furniture, often combined with a feminine aesthetic. It also uses women’s names for its collections. Amelie, a model designed by Birgit Hoffmann and Christoph Kahleyss, was the first Freifrau chair, and it’s still a mainstay of the collection. What’s so special about it? Each chair is a one-off production that you can personalize by choosing your preferred fabric and frame.
LIVELY Designer Alex Proba emphasizes texture, expressive forms and strong colors. The Proba Home collection reflects her characteristic design language and turns it into structured objects such as patterned carpets and cushions. Sketches of abstract geometric shapes thus become textiles and home furnishings with depth.
DELICATE Savoir-vivre for the home: The Love of Life collection from CARLUCCI takes you on a journey to the Mediterranean coast of France. Soft surfaces and subtle textures in delicate shades of sage, reed and lavender call to mind a day spent on the Côte d’Azur. The fabric patterns take inspiration from light reflecting on water. As the name suggests, the EcoProtect series has a green focus. The environmentally friendly high-end textiles are made of biological and recycled materials.
High Art
Under CEO Guido Terreni, the Swiss watch brand Parmigiani Fleurier is intensifying its commitment to purist sophistication.
Do watches tick differently in Switzerland? They certainly do! They have a soul, a heart, and emotions. They transcend mere functionality, and a lot of love goes into making them. The people who craft our timepieces here dedicate their lives to the intricate universe contained within just a few centimeters. Within these tiny dimensions we express our passion and maintain a style that is consistent with the values of the brand.
Your watchmaking facility is in Val-de-Travers and the placename Fleurier is part of your brand name. How important to you are the provenance of your products and the location of your production center?
Our founder Michel Parmigiani was born in Couvet, a village just a few kilometers from Fleurier. He has been an observer of nature since he lived in this valley as a child, interpreting how the beauty of nature can be translated into the design and mechanism of watches. Watchmaking here has centuries of tradition and is part of the culture of the region. Respecting the craft and the heritage of the brand is very important to us.
What customers are your watches aimed at? Connoisseurs. They are designed for discerning individuals who appreciate and understand luxury, who are looking for a brand that offers a more personalized choice. Our products epitomize the pinnacle of watchmaking, but their style is subtle, not extravagant. Customers who purchase Parmigiani Fleurier appreciate this and are familiar with the industry.
The first milestone under your leadership was the Tonda PF collection, which marked the 25th anniversary of your watchmaking center. What are your plans for the future? The Tonda PF was unveiled in 2021. Two years is not a long time in the watch industry. Our hope is that the enduring and timeless design will elevate the watch to an iconic status. Time will tell whether we succeed. But we have no intention of being a mono-product brand and naturally continue to produce lots of innovative ideas.
The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Steel Platinum is Terreni’s favorite watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.
Ski resorts are now popular all year round
Today, ski chalets have transcended their seasonal limitations, serving as versatile retreats throughout the year. These properties now function as both primary and secondary residences, catering to a multitude of purposes beyond the confines of winter. For investors, especially in the premium segment, this means a steady income with no seasonal fluctuation.
One of the main sales arguments for ski properties has always been their proximity to excellent winter sports venues. Over the past years, however, people’s needs have changed considerably. Today, buyers are not only drawn to snow-covered slopes, they are looking for a way to connect more intimately with nature, to enjoy the idyllic mountain scenery and participate in the wealth of recreation offered there, not just during the winter but all year round. Summer activities include golfing, hiking and mountain biking, along with numerous cultural events and culinary highlights that abound regardless of the season. The pandemic dramatically changed our view of nature too. People now appreciate the outdoors far more as a place to go to unwind and recharge their batteries. As a result, the boundaries between primary and secondary places of residence have blurred further. The flexibility created by remote work has also contributed to this trend. People’s expectations of what a property should offer have naturally changed accordingly. Properties with extra rooms that can be turned into office space, for instance, are now particularly attractive. Good accessibility is a requirement too. In the luxury segment in particular, demand is far outstripping supply, especially for free-standing chalets on a hillside or with views of the mountains. In 2020, the asking price for the most expensive chalet offered for sale by Engel & Völkers in the famous Swiss ski resort St. Moritz was €47.6 million. By 2022, the price for comparable chalets in top locations had increased to €72 million. St. Moritz, Gstaad and Davos in Switzerland, Kitzbühel in Austria and Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayeur in Italy repeatedly rank among the ten most exclusive ski resorts.
But Europe’s Alpine regions are not the only places where this development can be observed. The U.S. and Europe take turns occupying the top spots in the most exclusive ski resort rankings, and will continue to do so.
It’s hardly a secret that some of the most valuable ski properties are located in Colorado, in the U.S. In the Engel & Völkers Ski Ranking for 2022/23, Aspen took the prize for most exclusive ski area worldwide, closely followed by Vail. The exclusivity of these locations is reflected in the top prices they fetch per square meter: €76,000 for an apartment or chalet. The average purchase price is €10 million. At €72,000, square-meter prices in Vail are slightly lower: Here, Vail Village and neighboring Beaver Creek Village are among the most sought-after locations.
We have observed similar developments in Canada too. Whistler, in British Columbia, ranks among the top ski resorts worldwide, but there is also lots to do in Whistler year round. Some of the golf courses there offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Green Lake, Lost Lake and Atla Lake are wonderful places to spend a lazy summer, but hiking and biking in the mountains is also an attractive option once the snow melts. Whistler is of course also close to metropolitan Vancouver and to the Pacific Ocean, making it ideal for commuters, winter sports fans and nature lovers.
Summer in the mountains is an endlessly attractive proposition, but the cold season also has its charms, drawing ski and winter sports enthusiasts to the scenic, snow-covered slopes. For those who prefer taking it easy, there’s always the spectacular Hahnenkamm Race on the famous Streif downhill course in Kitzbü hel – world-class racing that is truly something to look forward to.
Luxury properties in ski resorts are still very much in demand. In Aspen, the price per square meter has now reached €76,000.
THE 10 BIGGEST SKI RESORTS WORLDWIDE
1 LES TROIS VALLÉES, FR (600 KM)
2 LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, FR/CH (580 KM)
3 4 VALLÉES, CH (412 KM)
4 VIA LATTEA, IT/FR (400 KM)
5 MATTERHORN, CH/IT (322 KM)
6 LES SYBELLES, FR (310 KM)
7 SKI ARLBERG, AT (302 KM)
8 TIGNES/ VAL D’ISÈRE, FR (300 KM)
9/10 SKIWELT WILDER KAISER–BRIXENTAL, AT AND SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM LEOGANG FIEBERBRUNN, AT (EACH 270 KM)
Skiresort Service International is the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts. It lists the world’s 6,143 resorts according to size, or rather the total length of their slopes, but also includes details such as difficulty, elevation, prices and the number of ski lifts: www.skiresort.de
E&V, THE PLACE TO BE(E)
Florian Hofer has been with Engel & Völkers for 17 years. His forte is bringing together the best of the mountains and the sea, summer and winter. In Kitzbühel or Port d’Andratx, the Licence Partner for the Alpine Region Tyrol & Zell am See and the Balearics is always happy to share his expertise. His passion for skiing has taken him all the way from Japan to Alaska, but for Florian, Tyrol beats everywhere else hands down.
FOLLOW ME ON
@engelvoelkers.global @evamericas
Since May 2022, there have been around 100,000 bees living on the roof of the E&V headquarters building in Hamburg. By promoting biodiversity together with the startup PLACE4BEES, we are making an active contribution to protecting the environment. The proceeds from the sale of the delicious honey the bees produce are donated to our E&V Charity. Be(e) inspired! Help the bees help us by giving them a home.
The Caribbean, Mexico and Central America are currently going through a period of dynamic growth. As a result, this part of the world has become extremely attractive for prospective buyers. Engel & Völkers is represented throughout the region with 10 shops and a whole lot of passion. This year, the most expensive real estate sold was in Los Cabos, in Baja California. A further travel tip for a very special island experience: Explore St. Vincent and the Grenadines and you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful scenery you can imagine!
Orange Crush
The new year is full of promise and energy. Get inspired by this happy color!
1 ITALIAN DESIGN Make a strong, feminine statement with the double-breasted coat and matching sequined pants from Luisa Spagnoli, price on request. 2 WHIMSICAL The “Look At Me Mirror” automatically makes you smile. By Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design via Coming Soon NY, approx. € 545. 3 HEAD TURNER Three-seater “Cosy Jewel“ from designer Ulrike Krages will turn your living room into a velvety comfort zone.
UK5 Urban Collections, from € 7,813. 4 CRAFTSMANSHIP Old-established German jeweler Brahmfeld & Gutruf has been producing beautiful things since 1743. Tasseled earrings with handpicked mandarin garnets. Price on request.
5 FLAVORFUL A few drops of “Orange Whisper“ syrup made from Mallorcan oranges will improve any aperitivo. Via Laux Deli, approx. € 9. 6 DOLCE VITA The “Sicilian Mandarin Orange“
vase fashioned from stacked ceramic fruit creates a sunny holiday feeling all year round. Thehouseful, approx. € 185. 7 GET A FEEL FOR ART Wall hanging “Angel Forever Swirl Bespoke“ from Alfie’s Fuzzy Friends for Objects with Narratives is made to touch as well as admire, € 3,570. 8 FANCY FOOTWORK These eye-catching mules from Bottega Veneta are made from padded intreccio leather. Via Unger-Fashion.com, € 1,100.
Shades of Gray
Elegant, with a hint of metallic. Gray highlights have a great way of never losing their appeal.
1 TIMELESS Prepare for cooler days with this structured suit by Giorgio Armani. From the Fall/ Winter collection 2023/2024, price on request.
2 DECORATIVE How about a tie-pin to round off your look? Complete with a logo plaque from Dolce & Gabbana, approx. € 325. 3 ILLUMINATING Homage to the Eternal City: The hanging lamp “Cupolone Gray Quarantacinque“ by Seletti recreates the dome of St. Peter’s in the Vatican.
€ 647. 4 EXPERIMENTAL Cotton rag paper dyed with ink, torn by hand and sculpted to create the 3D artwork “Slalom.” From the Moss & Lam Edgescapes collection, via Holly Hunt, price on request.
5 ELEGANT This stained ash side table is only one of the functional home accessories designed by Jaime Hayon for Cassina. Réaction Poétique collection, from around € 547. 6 SOPHISTICATED Ebony chopsticks with platinum heads will guaran-
tee a luxurious meal. L’Objet, € 195. 7 MOTIVATIONAL The chrome-toned weights set “Magnus No. 2” features wood and cream-colored leather detail. Giobagnara via Mr. Porter, € 4,598.
8 FUTURISTIC 3D-printed “Foliate Double Leaf” silver ring from Ross Lovegrove, approx. € 745.
9 UNIQUE Sound and shape are united in the minimalist design of the “Beosound A9“ speakers from Bang & Olufsen, € 3,599.
Berg
A jagged landscape, crevices and peaks, stretching as far as the eye can see, so high they salute the clouds. German photographer Uli Wiesmeier has devoted himself to his fascination with the mountains for more than 40 years. Born in the shadow of the Zugspitze, he now lives in South Tyrol at an altitude of 1,360 meters. This volume is the most important photo project of his career to date. Together with author Stefan König, who lives on the northern edge of the Alps, he has created a book illustrated with breathtaking photography that interprets compound (German) words starting with “Berg,” or mountain, from mountain cable cars to mountain lakes.
Uli Wiesmeier & Stefan König, Knesebeck, € 75
The Alps 1900
A look back in time to a century when the clocks ticked to a different rhythm, a nostalgic journey to a world with none of the innovations of the modern era: This XXL book documents the timeless natural beauty of the Alps by bringing together photochromes, photographs, colorized postcards, posters and travel brochures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Accompanied by literary quotes from travel writers, the reader takes in Mont Blanc, the Dolomites and the Matterhorn as they journey through France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Slovenia. As French historian Jules Michelet put it back in 1868: “Nothing compares to the Alps.”
Agnès Couzy & Sabine Arqué, Taschen, € 150
Mountain Escapes
There are plenty of good reasons for booking a place to stay in the mountains. The most important of all is the view – down into the valley, with a panorama over to the foothills. On more than 250 pages, author Martin N. Kunz presents a selection of exceptional places to stay. The photographs capture some very different locations in spectacular settings: From an eco-resort with chalets hidden in the snow all the way to wellness temples hewn out of the rock and lodges perched on the crater’s edge. And if you get itchy feet as you turn the pages and want to book right away, the practical QR codes will take you straight to the accommodation’s website.
Martin N. Kunz, TeNeues, $ 73
Brilliant Achievements from Glashütte
Founded in the watchmaking stronghold of Saxony in 1927, Tutima has been represented by its own manufacture in Glashütte since 2008 and continues to cultivate the brand’s rich heritage with high-quality timepieces.
Tutima’s good name has been a trusted guarantee of fine watchmaking for over ninety years. In an era when watches were worn only in pockets, Tutima’s visionary founder Dr Ernst Kurtz saw the future in wristwatches, which he serially manufactured for the first time in Germany. He gave his best examples the name “Tutima”, derived from the Latin word tutus, which means “safe” or “protected”. As the first watch
with a Tempostopp (flyback) function, the Tutima Pilot’s Chronograph from the 1940s became a legend. During the decades of divided Germany, Tutima transferred its production to Lower Saxony, where it raised another milestone with the debut of the Tutima NATO Chronograph in 1984. The historical successes continue today with four watch lines: first and foremost, the exquisite manufacture
calibre models Patria, Tempostopp, and the queen of complications, the Minute Repeater Hommage; robust titanium mission watches such as the M2 and the M2 Seven Seas, which is pressure-tested to fifty atmospheres; pilot’s watches such as the Grand Flieger; and, last but not least, the Saxon One family with distinctive chronographs and three-handed watches “made in Glashütte”.
HEAVYWEIGHT
Perhaps it’s the fresh air or the broader perspective – you’ll find some notable personalities and companies that have a mountain heritage. From Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born in an Austrian village, to the crafters of luxurious, handmade Swiss watches.
From Austria to Washington, D. C.: Arnold Schwarzenegger in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 2009.
“I
love working in Japan,” says Arnold, here artistically balancing kettles for an ad for Nissin Cup Noodles in 1989.
Dream Big!
World-champion bodybuilder, highest-paid Hollywood star and governor of California –Arnold Schwarzenegger is a superstar unlike any other. Dian Hanson talks exclusively in GG about working very closely with the extraordinary icon over a ten-year period for the new book “Arnold.”
As told to Michaela Cordes Photos:
TASCHEN
The film crew of “Conan the Barbarian” in 1983, preparing to film the scene of Conan’s crucifixion.
“I was surprised to learn how critical Arnold was of his own imperfections.”
DIAN HANSON
“Arnold still has a country boy’s love for animals and told me: ‘I am still an Austrian in many ways ...’”
DIAN HANSON
The colorful career of the son of a policeman from a small village in the Austrian Alps – world-champion bodybuilder, Hollywood star and governor of California – is the topic of a monumental, two-volume set of photography books (“Arnold,” a limited edition of 1,447). Dian Hanson, the author of the mammoth project, recalls the most memorable moments with Arnold Schwarzenegger and how the many interviews conducted over ten years led to a very special friendship.
“It all began in 2012 with an email from Benedikt Taschen, founder of the publishing house TASCHEN; also my boss. He asked me to meet him that same day in the roof garden of his Beverly Hills bookstore, keeping the reason a mystery. We arrived and sat down. He had a devilish look, so I knew a surprise was coming, and it quickly appeared: Arnold Schwarzenegger! The great man sat down next to me and Benedikt began to explain: He intended to publish a large coffee-table book on Arnold’s life and many careers.
“At first, I was a bit surprised that he had chosen me to author the book, but not entirely, because Benedikt knew that I trained with weights, and had been doing so for 30 years. He didn’t realize, however, that it was Arnold who inspired my interest in bodybuilding.
“In 1981, when I was working for OUI magazine, I proposed covering the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding contest, knowing that Arnold was promoting it. Back in 1977, when his movie “Pumping Iron” came out, everyone was suddenly interested in muscles and fitness. Men were emulating Arnold, and women were intrigued by Arnold. I remember pushing my way through the crowd to get a photograph with him. He was obliging, if not eager, but still radiated charisma and gave me a smile. What struck me when standing so close was his flawless skin, the most beautiful skin I have ever seen on a man. I would be turning 30 in less than a month, and if this was what weight training did for you … I joined New York’s first women’s bodybuilding gym when I returned home – and I’ve been training ever since.
“Over the following years, I watched Arnold’s film career take off; I saw “Conan the Barbarian” and the Terminator films like everyone else, but for me personally, Arnold’s
biggest impact was what he did for fitness.
“As a young woman living in New York City, I’d often felt vulnerable, but as I built muscle I grew physically and psychologically confident. One night I heard two men walking behind me, apparently planning an attack, until one said, “Forget it! Look at her muscles. She’ll kick the sh*t out of us!” Arnold saved me by showing me how to save myself. In one of our early interviews for the book, he told me his goal had always been to create a world where there were more gyms than supermarkets, and he’s come pretty close.
“It took longer to convince Hollywood than the public. In the beginning he was told, ‘Nobody cares about muscles anymore – that went out with John Wayne. Now men are defined by intellect and sensitivity.’ They couldn’t see past the muscles – and the heavy Austrian accent – to realize that Arnold also had the intellect.
“But back to the meeting on the roof. The decision was made to do the book, starting in a year, because Arnold was writing his autobiography. I didn’t want to wait a year, though, so I started researching images as soon as I returned to my office and collecting all the magazines that ever featured Arnold Schwarzenegger. Eleven months later, he agreed to meet at his house for our first interview.
“An assistant ushered me in, telling me straight away that Arnold didn’t have much time, just a couple of hours. But no sooner had Arnold made his entrance than he began telling stories. He’s a brilliant storyteller, a brilliant performer, acting everything out, complete with sound effects, and always jokes. His assistants kept cutting in, looking at their watches, saying, ‘Arnold, Arnold, we have to go.’ He waved them away – ‘Not yet’ –and kept going. When I finally got up to leave, I saw we had been talking for five hours.
“Over our ten years working together, Arnold told of his triumphs in detail, and revealed his troubled childhood more slowly. In the Netflix documentary he shared these painful memories with the world. He talked about being the second son, born at the end of World War II when no one in Austria could afford a second son, and growing up in a village where everyone seemed defeated, hopeless. He said he never fit in, always wanted a bigger life. His elder brother was his father’s favorite, and the little money the family put aside bought a new toy for his brother at Christmas, while Arnold received the broken toy from the year before. They had no running water in the house, and had to haul it for their weekly bath, filling the tub in the middle of the kitchen. Everyone bathed in the same water: first the mother, then the
Left: Arnold Schwarzenegger photographed for the New York Times in 2021 at his home with his miniature donkey Lulu. Above: “Arnold” – the book cover shows a Polaroid by Andy Warhol.
father, then the older brother and finally, Arnold.
“Today, Arnold speaks openly about the fact that his father often came home drunk and was a very hard man to please, and that his parents never attended his bodybuilding contests. He talks less about his mother, but she was the one who held the family together. In the difficult post-war years, she went from farm to farm begging for food to feed her children. Arnold’s mother was a pillar of strength in his life, an inspiration for his strength. We think of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a hyper-masculine figure, but throughout his life, he has surrounded himself with strong women. In an early magazine interview, he said: ‘The woman who is a ten for me might be a five for another man’, adding by way of explanation, ‘because what attracts me most is a woman’s intelligence and what I can learn from her. Her appearance is secondary.’
“He proved this as governor, when he appointed more women to his cabinet than any California governor before him. He hired women with personalities as strong as his own, especially those who could joke and banter while doing their jobs. As an example, he surprised everyone by hiring Susan Kennedy (no relation to his wife, Maria) as chief of staff. She was a tough lesbian Democrat intimidating to most men in the state capitol, but Arnold governed with her side by side, treating her as his equal. Though they belonged to opposite political parties Arnold won her respect and she won his, because they fought together to tackle the state’s problems. Plus, she smoked cigars with him; always important!
“His ex-wife Maria was a strong woman, and Heather Milligan, his partner of many years now, is strong too. A physical therapist who runs a successful clinic, she’s supportive but independent, a complete woman and not a Hollywood trophy.
“This background helped Arnold and me became friends very quickly. We laughed and joked through that first long interview at his house, and after our second interview, he said: ‘Dian, you don’t have to just come over here for interviews, you can come over just to hang out.’ That was the greatest compliment imaginable.
“And I suppose the second greatest compliment came when we presented these fabulous new TASCHEN books to an audience of 1,000 in the Geffen Theater – the biggest, grandest, most beautiful theater in Los Angeles – at the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. Just before we went onstage, Arnold said: ‘I haven’t prepared for this at all. You know me better than anyone, better than I know myself. I can talk, and you just lead me
where you want me to go.’ Heather, who was sitting next to him, laughed, and said: ‘Arnold is never happier than when a group of women is leading him.’ All the performance fears melted away. We went onstage and talked and joked just like we did in his home and instead of seeing a stiff interview the audience took part in something warm and personal.
“And Arnold was right that I know him. Over the years I’ve become an Arnold scholar, reading all his interviews, going back to the beginning in 1967. As any editor knows, there are books where, as you get to know your subject better and better, you end up liking them less and less. With the “Arnold” project it was exactly the opposite. The more I learned about Arnold, the more I appreciated who he is, and what he’s done.
“His most endearing qualities are his openness, self-knowledge and self-reflection. He’s not afraid to look at any part of himself, though he says he’s not too happy looking at his abdominal muscles at age 76. Something I understand at 71. Arnold’s greatest vulnerability is physical: the congenital heart defect that is his Achilles’ heel. So far, he has had open heart surgery three times: in 1997, 2018 and 2020 to replace faulty heart valves. So many want to believe it comes from taking steroids as a bodybuilder, but the same heart defect killed his grandmother and his mother. Tragically, after his first surgery Arnold tried to convince his mother to have surgery too, but she refused and died just a year later. The knowledge that he will have to undergo further surgeries, because these heart valves must be replaced every ten years, helps keep him in touch with his mortality, and reminds him to enjoy every minute of life.
“Arnold is good at enjoying life, too. He says he’s always filled with joy, but admitted that when he first came to America he thought only of himself and achieving his goals. This changed around the time he turned 30, when he started using his strength to help those who were weaker. He was invited to the University of Wisconsin after making “Pumping Iron” to teach weight training to intellectually challenged people, to see if it helped their health and confidence. He said at the end of the day he experienced a feeling he had never had before, an unfamiliar joy – the joy of helping others. He started working with the Special Olympics, and in 1990 his friend and president, George Bush, Sr., appointed him Chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. In the book, there’s a photo of him at a prison coaching convicts in weight training: He’d heard committed weight trainers had better prison records and wanted to help there too.
Continued on page 66
“What struck me was his flawless skin. The most beautiful skin I had ever seen on a man!”
DIAN HANSON
Halo, taken through the curtain of the California Hall in San Francisco in 1975. Today, this photograph is part of the MoMa collection in New York.
MAGICAL, MYSTICAL, VIRTUAL
Artificial intelligence is also changing our approach to architecture. For Hajar Ali, it is an exciting new tool with endless opportunities. The Singapore-born designer creates desirable, fully equipped living spaces that initially exist only in her mind.
WORDS: Martin Tschechne IMAGES: Hajar Ali
On Instagram, people often ask Hajar Ali which hotel or resort is featured in her pictures –even if the place only exists in her imagination.
“I had to dig deeper until the computer offered me something I hadn’t expected.”
HAJAR ALI
“I will only talk about commercial projects when my clients have made them public.”
HAJAR ALI
As an artist, Ali is self-taught. She didn’t attend a school of architecture or art school but studied at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore.
HAJAR ALI
“I work with architects. My clients are private property owners or property developers.”
She was the first woman to cross the Rub al-Khali, the desert between Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Yemen – a thousand kilometers of sand and scorching heat.
Born in 1979, she has marketed international luxury hotels, traded digital currency on the stock market, visited the fronts during the war in Afghanistan and established an adventure travel agency in Patagonia. Hajar Ali is also a member of the Mensa high-IQ society and the acting editor of the organization’s newsletter in her home country of Singapore. When Covid came along, however, it placed constraints on her curiosity.
But not entirely. Quarantined in her home office, she chose to enter the virtual world of artificial intelligence. When she first began experimenting with AI, Hajar Ali experienced what many people do when they start exploring the vast depths of global knowledge, where programs and algorithms assume control and humans willingly step
aside and simply let things happen. And she was amazed. The creative opportunities on offer seemed limitless, and so she decided to make the most of them.
Her first creations displayed the dynamic impulses of a free-associative system, but they were also somewhat surrealistic, with people, spaces and structures, all happily intertwined, creating a vibrant and colorful tapestry. Something of a cross between Max Ernst and a console game. But Ali didn’t allow herself to be drawn into the adventure to the extent that she was swept away. She realized very quickly that “Artificial intelligence is shaped by the information humans feed it. It has no will of its own and lacks the capacity to form its own concepts.”
Yet it was precisely this potential that made AI such a valuable tool for her creative endeavors. Not that it didn’t take work on her part. “I had to dig deeper until the computer offered me something I hadn’t expected,” she says. Ali is convinced that, while artificial intelligence is the product of a huge, amorphous mass of data, images, texts and formulas, it is also a reflection of the natural intelligence of the person who uses and masters it – a person who is quite willing to go with the flow, but then proceeds to evaluate and sort what they find, and then gives new instructions. Interestingly, as she has to admit: “You have to do some tough negotiating to get
“You have to do some tough negotiating to get AI to align its output with your specific objectives.”
ALI
HAJAR
Inside and outside in harmony: Ali’s images condense dreams into awe-inspiring architectures.
AI to align its output with your specific objectives.”
This is how her magical spaces take shape. With the gesture of a storyteller, she invites her Instagram audience to sink into silky-soft cushions, take a seat in an open loggia or retreat to the safety of a grotto, while at the same time enjoying the sight of flowing water, a majestic jungle or a shimmering plain. The rugged outline of a jagged mountain range appears in the distant haze. The heat of the day gives way to the blue coolness of the night. A black concert grand stands against the backdrop of a chalk cliff. Clouds are reflected in the surface of a pool, flames flicker from a sacrificial bowl. Sometimes, something sacred drifts toward the viewer.
AI programs like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion provide a rich database for such narratives – but the more relentlessly Hajar Ali negotiates, the clearer her signature and purpose emerge. Her images distill the essence of her dreams, condensing them into awe-inspiring architectures that are reminiscent of sacred spaces, yet at the same time familiar, with a sense of déjà vu.
Haven’t we been here before? Is this the place we came from? Is this where our journey ends? In the blink of an eye, the system through which we normally perceive and organize information falters. What horizons are opening up here? How can a body of water float above the floor of a rocky ravine? Is this what architect Frank Lloyd Wright had in mind when he built his famous Fallingwater house in the Pennsylvania woods? And who since the Russian revolutionary artist El Lissitzky with his cantilevered Cloud Iron Towers has defied the laws of gravity so brazenly?
Hajar Ali shrugs it off. When asked about her role model in architecture, she answers quickly and decisively: Zaha Hadid. But her respect for the architect who died in 2016 is not based on the latter’s pioneering achievements in the world of construction. No, Ali admires Hadid, who was born in Iraq and became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004, for the single-mindedness with which she championed the jagged vectors and sweeping curves of her designs. Hadid’s background in mathematics undoubtedly played a significant role, but the word “fearlessness” also comes to mind when describing her mindset.
Ali recognizes herself in this, for she is a self-taught artist. She never attended a school of architecture or art school but studied at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore. So she understands complex systems analyses and goal-oriented planning, has studied the French post-structuralists Foucault, Baudrillard and Deleuze, has read
Theodor Adorno and the writings of the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, and constantly refers to the work of the Palestinian-born American academic Edward Said, whose influential concept of Orientalism offers a trenchant critique of the enduring legacy of colonialism: a cold, condescending attitude on the part of the West towards the cultures of Asia and the Orient. Hajar Ali is a practicing Muslim.
Recently, she strategically relocated from her home to Dubai, to be closer to the practitioners – those individuals who engage in the practical act of building in the aftermath of all the discourse, analysis and deconstruction. She now sees herself and her visions as an integral part of the architectural design process, as she pores over floor and building plans, takes cues from the lines of sight and position of walls, and inputs everything into her AI iteration loops.
“The results are very different to what I share on social media,” she admits. But they contribute to the architectural future she wants to help shape – one that is more sustainable, more courageous and at the same time more spiritual than what the market offers today. New shapes, new materials, a new community. And she has certainly seen enough luxury hotels to have also mastered the art of persuasion.
Ali is very reluctant to discuss the implementation of her visions. So far, she has only disclosed that the fashion designer Diane Goldstein has asked her to develop the concept for a boutique in Los Angeles. She will only talk about other commercial projects once her clients have made them public. But she does say this: “The people who really appreciate the potential of artificial intelligence in building technology are the Qataris. The speed at which they are building is extraordinary.”
Almost a hundred years ago, Rosita Forbes, a British woman, became the first Western woman to cross the Sahara. Contemporaries were amazed and enthusiastic, although some were outraged. A few years later, she described her encounters with courageous women from all over the world in her report “Women Called Wild.” The title itself implies an individual bravely challenging conventional clichés.
“Womancalledwild” is also the name of the internet domain where Hajar Ali can be reached and where she showcases her work. Because when Ali sends AI on its journey to develop habitable spaces, her aim is to provide an alternative to Western Orientalism. It’s about the self-confidence of her own culture. About women’s rights. About respect.
Would you like to know more?
Swiss Delicacies
Since the 16th century when the reformer John Calvin prohibited the wearing of jewelry in Geneva, Switzerland has been synonymous with the fine art of watchmaking. The region’s master goldsmiths are respected today as the avante-garde of an ever-growing industry. Last year 700 companies exported precious timepieces from the Alpine country worth nearly 25 billion Swiss francs – a new record.
The Tank Must Black is a legend. In 1918, Louis Cartier is said to have presented it to U.S. General John Pershing in gratitude for the liberation of France from the Germans. The rectangular shape, which was novel at the time, was inspired by the Americans’ armored cars and has proved popular with both men and women. The new model impresses with a black lacquered dial, a quartz movement, a stainless-steel case and a black alligator leather strap – and the typical Cartier winding crown inset with a blue spinel cabochon. With its electroplated dial in the color Nero Corsa, Chopard’s Mille Miglia radiates sophistication. Since 1988, the company has not only sponsored the famous Italian classic car race but has also been its official timekeeper. Inspired by the beauty of classic cars, the current Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph shows the date, hours and minutes, small seconds and has a 12-hour counter, a 30-minute counter and a chronograph stop function. Development of the new case, which is made of extremely robust and sustainable Lucent Steel™, took four years. Chopard is one of the few remaining watch and jewelry businesses still under family ownership. Its German co-president, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, attends the rally every year. His sister, Caroline, runs the Chopard jewelry division.
ZENITH
The development of the world’s first automatic, high-frequency chronograph caliber, the El Primero, by the craftsmen from Le Locle in 1969 marked a significant milestone for Swiss watchmaking. The first watch to be fitted with this movement was the Zenith A386. The new Chronomaster Original pays homage to the A386, but with significant enhancements that make it a modern classic in its own right. The updated El Primero retains the unique, modern stylings of its predecessor while offering 21st-century timekeeping from a movement accurate to a tenth of a second. The El Primero 3600 caliber beats at a frequency of five Hz, has a 1/10th of a second chronograph function and a power reserve of 60 hours.
BREITLING
The new Super Chronomat was inspired by the original 1980s model, which was developed for the pilots of the Italian aerobatic team. For the first time, a Chronomat features ceramic inserts on the bezel, chronograph pushers and crown, giving it a bold, modern look. The Super Chronomat B01 44 is powered by a Breitling caliber 01, an in-house chronograph movement certified by the Swiss control body COSC. Company founder Léon Breitling came to prominence as a technical innovator in 1884, and his designs earned him many patents. In 1939, the British Air Ministry placed a large order for aviation watches for pilots of the Royal Air Force. Other armed forces followed. Since then, the Swiss manufacture with the winged B logo has been inextricably linked with aviation.
FRANCK MULLER
From the skies to the sea: The Vanguard Yachting Chronograph has garnered acclaim for its distinctive maritime-inspired design. With its eye-catching, navy blue dial and alligator leather strap, it is not just a design statement but a technical one. The Geneva-based watch manufacturer, founded in 1991, is one of the industry’s most successful newcomers. In the 1980s, Italo-Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller (born in 1958) began challenging conservative haute horlogerie with world-first technical innovations and groundbreaking designs. The curved tonneau shape of his cases and the striking arched numerals have become his trademark.
OMEGA
The first Speedmaster landed on the moon in 1969 with the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission. Since then, the watch has become one of the traditional Swiss company’s most famous products. The new Speedmaster 38 features a cool, clear ice-blue design. The heart of the timepiece is the coaxial escapement, hailed as a technical revolution in watchmaking when it was introduced in 1999. Less stress on the movement’s moving parts means less lubrication, greater precision and a more stable power reserve rate. In addition to the 3330 coaxial caliber and 52 hours power reserve, this model features a stainless-steel case. The inner part of the bezel shows a Tachymeter scale; the outer area is set with diamonds. An attractive extra – the seahorse medallion on the caseback.
IWC
The perpetual calendar is one of the most advanced and complex functions in watchmaking. In the early 1980s, head IWC watchmaker Kurt Klaus succeeded in translating the Gregorian calendar with its many irregularities into a mechanical program for a wristwatch. Now, for the first time, the complication has been integrated into a caliber family 82 manufacture movement. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 uses three subdials to display the date, month and day of the week. The moon phase display is so precise that it deviates from the actual orbit of the Earth’s satellite by just one day every 577.5 years.
EBEL
The small town of La Chaux-de-Fonds at the heart of the Swiss watch industry is also the birthplace of the world-famous architect Le Corbusier. The Ebel manufacture is now located in one of the buildings he designed, the Villa Schwob in the town center. Alice Lévy, who co-founded the company in 1911, was one of the first successful women in the world of Swiss watchmaking. In 1977, Ebel introduced its Sport Classic line for men and women, which marked the beginning of the sport chic category. The Sport Classic Lady, produced in a limited edition of 200, is the luxury version of this successful model. The case and the iconic wave link bracelet are two-tone. The bezel around the stainless-steel case is made of 18-karat yellow gold and set with 47 diamonds. The blue lapis lazuli dial is adorned with Roman numerals and eight diamonds – 0.358 carats. Inside the case, which is water-resistant to five bar, a Swiss quartz movement guarantees precision.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE
At her coronation in 1953, the British Queen Elizabeth II wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 on her wrist. In the past, noble ladies were the first to wear wristwatches, while men preferred long pocket watches with chains. Edmond Jaeger and Jacques-David LeCoultre recognized the potential of wristwatches, and in 1900 began developing extremely small calibers that were particularly suitable for ladies’ watches. The Rendez-Vous models have faithfully upheld the brand’s feminine-inspired tradition since 2012.
BLANCPAIN
Seventy years ago, the world’s oldest watch brand, established in 1735, produced one of the first modern diving watches. They called it the Fifty Fathoms to celebrate its water pressure resistance of 50 nautical fathoms, which is equivalent to a depth of 91 meters. Popular marine explorer JacquesYves Cousteau was responsible for making it the company’s most famous product. The wide luminous indexes and hands, high water resistance rating, anti-magnetic movement and rotating bezel quickly established the model as a new standard for diving watches. This Fifty Fathoms Automatique 45 mm features an extremely light and robust bracelet made of titanium, the innovative aerospace material Blancpain introduced to haute horlogerie in the 1960s.
From the Alps to Namibia
Fascinated by the natural beauty of southwest Africa, an Austrian fine tableware company has embarked on a new adventure - Gmundner Lodge, a sustainable luxury resort near Windhoek.
WORDS: Steffi Kammerer PHOTOS: Gmundner Lodge
“We are committed to making each day a unique, individual experience for our guests.”
MARKUS FRIESACHER
After many hours in a Jeep or on horseback, guests relax in a pool with stunning views off into the distance.
Gmundner Lodge is set in 6,000 hectares of land. With a bit of luck, you can spot antelope from your bed.
“I’m fascinated by Namibia’s cultural diversity and the warm hospitality of the country’s different ethnic groups.”
MARKUS FRIESACHER
For more than 20 years, drawn by the spectacular scenery and the warm, friendly people, he returned again and again, his love growing stronger every time. This is where he felt free! And he missed his visits sorely during lockdown in the first year of the pandemic. That’s when Markus Friesacher took an entrepreneurial leap of faith and decided to open a lodge in Namibia.
Friesacher, a former race car driver, isn’t someone who hesitates for long. In February 2021 he flew to Namibia to scout out a manager, someone who could plan and coordinate the project on site. The hospitality business wasn’t entirely unfamiliar since he hailed from a family of hoteliers. The man people recommended was Pierre Germishuizen, 33, who had operated his own lodge until a short time before. At their first meeting, it took all of ten minutes before Pierre got the job. Friesacher didn’t even want to see his future manager’s resume.
Several hundred wild animals currently inhabit the property, and their number is set to increase to 1,000 or even 1,500. Pierre purchases them at special auctions. “They were all at home here a hundred years ago,” he says. “The livestock farmers chased them away because they ate the grass that was meant for their cattle. We’re returning them now to their natural habitat.” The animals aren’t fed, since this would interfere with the ecosystem. “All they need is water and grass,” Pierre explains.
For its guests, the lodge makes just about any activity possible, from enjoying a sundowner on the highest local peak to a trip across the desert in a hot-air balloon. Or a stint in the ceramics studio, which has its own kiln. This is a specific nod to Markus Friesacher’s other passion.
A suitable property was soon found, 6,000 hectares of land situated just a half hour’s drive from the capital, Windhoek. There were no buildings on it apart from a 100-year-old farmhouse that had once belonged to German settlers. Everything else fell into place quickly: Construction began in June 2021 and six months later, 48 buildings had been completed, just in time for Friesacher to spend his first Christmas at the lodge. In the fall of 2022, Gmundner Lodge – reminiscent of a place in a Karen Blixen novel – officially opened its doors.
A leather paneled circular bar forms the heart of the resort and offers a grand view of the surrounding bushland. Wooden furniture and leather armchairs are arranged around it, and old telescopes and globes have been used as decoration.
In separate buildings, twelve generously apportioned suites await, complete with exquisite details such as a freestanding bathtub on the terrace from which to admire the stunning night sky and recover from the many daytime activities offered, which include horseback riding, electric motocross, helicopter sightseeing, traditional longbow archery – and naturally safaris, for which you don’t even have to leave the extensive premises.
With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to catch glimpses of zebras, antelope or giraffes outside your window. Multiple fences ensure that no lions venture too close to the lodge for comfort.
Three years before he developed the lodge, Friesacher took over central Europe’s biggest ceramics manufacturer Gmundner Keramik, a company based in the Austrian Alps for more than 530 years. Namibia inspired him to come up with not one but two new collections: Africa and San. The San Edition arose from an aid project working with indigenous artists. The Africa Edition with its earth-colored patterns is intended as a tribute to Namibia. In typical Gmundner style, all the pottery is handmade and every piece in the edition requires 60 different hand movements.
Gmundner Lodge is committed to sustainability, a concept dear to Friesacher’s heart. He himself lives with his family on a self-sufficient farm near Salzburg. You won’t find Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot served at his lodge. Instead, guests are treated only to what is sourced from the immediate area. The lodge raises pigs, cows and chickens on its own farm, and apart from fresh eggs, you can look forward to homemade bread and butter. The menu changes every day, and guests and staff eat what the land has to offer. Gmundner Lodge has 50 local people on its staff and has set up a school for the children.
“There’s no other lodge like this in all of Namibia,” says Friesacher. Nobody else operates such a sustainable farm-to-table concept. “We also cooperate with local businesses and use building materials that harmoniously blend in with the natural landscape.” The lodge is powered entirely by solar energy and the water comes from a well that is located right on the premises.
Asked about his plans for the future, Friesacher responds optimistically without giving anything away. “Right now we’re completely tied up with the development and operation of Gmundner Lodge,” he says. “There are no plans in place for further lodges, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”
Would you like to know more?
Gmundner Keramik’s Africa Edition brings a decorative trace of Namibia to tables worldwide.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
To this day he loads up a truck with turkeys and hands them out at a youth center in a poor neighborhood at Thanksgiving and returns with gifts at Christmas. It’s all part of his belief that he has received so many good things in life, he must give back equally.
“Which brings me to the two misconceptions about Arnold Schwarzenegger that I heard over and over while working with him on the book. The first was that he’s a macho egotist. And yes, there certainly is a veneer of that, the first thing you see. But the more I got to know him, the more I saw his self-deprecation, the way he criticizes himself, laughs at himself, and never stops working on himself. That’s how he made it to the top. He became the best bodybuilder because no matter how perfect his body, when he looked in the mirror, he saw the imperfections and had to improve them. He never reached a point in his bodybuilding career, in his acting career, in his political career, where he felt he was the best or knew it all. He always felt there was room for improvement and drove himself to achieve it.
“The second misconception has to do with his politics. He’s a Republican – he won the
governor’s election twice on a Republican ticket – so many people see him as a typical conservative. Others say he sounds much more like a Democrat these days. He is actually a true centrist, a person who sees good and bad on both sides and refuses to follow any party line. In explaining this he told me: ‘I am an American, but I was an Austrian first, and I am still an Austrian in many ways.’ He comes from a culture where protecting the environment and natural resources is taken seriously, where people’s right to health care is taken for granted, where a social system is in place to support the weaker members of society, and that influence is still in him.
“Arnold remains deeply involved in politics, and I asked why he didn’t seek other political positions when he left the governor’s office. He said, ‘Many people get into politics because they really do want to be public servants and improve other people’s lives, but then when they get in there, they realize how much it improves their lives, and what they can do with all that power. You can get addicted to that, and you can’t give it up. You will do anything to get reelected. That isn’t what I wanted.’ Instead, Arnold works for solutions to the world’s problems through his Arnold Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, through the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, and most recently, by creating videos addressing global issues and taking them directly to the public on YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and on Instagram, where he has more followers than the current U.S. president, Joe Biden, the last one, Donald Trump, and all but three world leaders.
“Of course, Arnold continues to make movies. At age 76, he has a hit Netflix action series, puts on bodybuilding and sports competitions around the world, and is now suggesting we start work on a cigar book. You’d think it was more than enough to fill all his time, but the Terminator’s Austrian roots demand a little more.
“Arnold Schwarzenegger still has a country boy’s love of animals. He may live in an exclusive Los Angeles community, but he keeps the farm close – in miniature. He currently has a miniature horse named Whiskey, a miniature donkey named Lulu, and he recently added a miniature pig named Schnellie, for schnell, because it runs so fast. The champion bodybuilder, Hollywood star, ex-governor of the fifth largest economy in the world, and leading climate activist rises early each day to care for his livestock. After cleaning their stalls, he lets them out to play on the manicured lawn, keeping his kitchen door open so they can all join him at the breakfast table for fresh oatmeal cookies.”
Would you like to know more?
PHOTO: MICHAEL MULLER, 2023 / TASCHEN
Continued from page 37
Arnold Schwarzenegger in his home gym with the Capitello Edition of the TASCHEN book “Arnold.” Volume 1 is resting on a custom-made stand created by the Italian furniture designer Gufram – modelled on the Capitello chair by Studio 65 from 1971.
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Cosy chalet in a sensational location: The “Obertalhof” in Jochberg is up for sale with its entire inventory.
A feel-good sanctuary for all seasons: The wood-burning stove in the living room creates no end of cosiness.
Steeped in Tyrolean Tradition
This house tells a story that stretches back generations. The Obertalhof in Jochberg is a rare gem with unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains – at one of the finest addresses on the Kitzbühel property market.
TEXT: Merle Wilkening PHOTOS: Christoph Vögele | Vogography
Traditional wood decorations, natural colours and textures inside reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
Tel. +43 5356 716 15
It is properties like this that preserve and uphold the cultural heritage of the Kitzbühel region. The mountain village of Jochberg is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation in the heart of pristine countryside – yet all just ten kilometres south of the hustle and bustle of Kitzbühel. A truly prime address on the real estate market, this community has established a reputation for itself – not only as one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts with international flair but as a sought-after Alpine destination drawing visitors throughout the year. The “Obertalhof” is set on the sunny side of Jochberg, at the foot of the local mountain known as the “Schützkogel”, on one of the most beautiful panoramic paths in the region with views of both the “Wilder Kaiser” peak and “Hohe Tauern” mountain range.
There are still dozens of traditional farms to be found in the village that are several hundred years old and run by the same families now for generations. The Obertalhof also bears the distinctive mark of a rich history. The original farmhouse was built back in the 17th century in the nearby village of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, then later dismantled beam by beam, expertly refurbished and rebuilt in its current location using the latest building methods and technologies. One special feature is the fact that the grounds, spanning over 1,600 square metres, are surrounded by land with strict building restrictions – meaning that the unobstructed panoramic view is here to stay. The heated cobblestone driveway makes arrivals straightforward, even in the depths of winter.
Local design and furnishing companies
worked closely with the owners to preserve the authentic Tyrolean style and cultural identity of the property. It was constructed almost entirely from wood sourced in the local region, for the most part from remnants of old nearby farms no longer in use. Some load-bearing beams of the farmhouse can be traced as far back as the 15th and 16th century. Such historic features tell a story of times past and generations that once inhabited the house – a dream for anyone interested in old Tyrolean craftsmanship. The ornate weathercock on the roof is considered a traditional hallmark of many buildings around Kitzbühel, symbolising strong links to nature and the rural way of life.
The property hosts some 800 square metres of living space, extending over four levels. A sense of cosy warmth pervades throughout, thanks to several large living and dining areas with open fireplaces and coffered ceilings, as well as parlours finished in antique Swiss stone pine. Two galleries also evoke a sense of space and, together with the mighty exposed roof truss in old wood, an ambience of Alpine charm fills the home. Precious details can be found throughout, including handpicked woods, specially crafted unique pieces and upscale materials such as hand-planed historic floors, marble, clay floors, and heraldic brickwork.
The Obertalhof boasts a total of nine commodious bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom and private balcony or terrace overlooking the Tyrolean mountains. There is also a luxurious private spa complete with a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and gym.
Kitzbühel, Austria Price EUR 25 mill.
Interior approx. 796 m²
E-mail tirol@engelvoelkers.com
Land approx. 1,654 m² E&V ID W-02RP5Q ENGEL & VÖLKERS Kitzbühel (AT)
Shining Star By the Lake
This architectural masterpiece is all the more beautiful thanks to its surroundings. Villa Les Tourelles is set on the banks of Lake Geneva, with landscaped grounds descending to the shoreline. This is Swiss living in an exclusive class of its own. TEXT: Merle Wilkening
Villa Les Tourelles near Geneva is a glorious amalgamation of gleaming silver façade, glass and limestone.
Breakfast by the pool or a dip in the lake?
There are plenty of options here. The beautiful grounds also feature an historic bath house.
Opening your eyes here on a morning, you are greeted by a marvellous expanse of shimmering blue water. Just several steps down from the main property, Lake Geneva lies at your feet, with the peaks of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn rising up mightily in the distance. Even from the outside, Villa Les Tourelles near the village of Genthod, less than ten kilometres from the centre of Geneva, is an impressive sight to behold: a spectacular blend of gleaming silver façade, glass and light limestone. With its high windows facing out towards the lake and its angular forms, the house has a sculptural quality set amid its pristine green surroundings. The estate is set over almost 6,000 square metres of land and was built back in 2011 by the award-winning architectural firm SAOTA. Headquartered in Cape Town, this studio is behind top projects realised on six continents.
Just alongside the main entrance with an imposing front door made from embossed stainless steel, a ramp leads down to a large garage. The open plan entrance sets the scene for the grand spaciousness within the villa, leading through to the living spaces: two commodious lounges with window fronts that enjoy sweeping views of the lake and lofty ceilings that give the scenery even more space to impress. One particular highlight in the grand salon is the suspended fireplace, which hangs from the ceiling like a black column. The kitchen extends parallel to the dining room with its long window frontage, while a dividing wall clad with Black Nero Maraquina shields both areas from one another without
comprising the glorious outside view. A bar and guest bathrooms round off this level. A glass lift connects all three levels, leading to the private quarters on the upper floor: two bedrooms and the master suite complete with its own bathroom, which radiates in lemon yellow contrasting with a black marble bathtub overlooking the lake. Walnut wall cladding and discreetly concealed built-in cabinets can be found throughout. The ground floor is currently used as an office, and there is another bedroom featuring a small kitchen and a bathroom with shower. The lower floor of the villa is a dedicated oasis of relaxation, featuring an indoor pool, sauna and hammam. A separate annex with sleeping quarters, a living room, bathroom and sun terrace serves as an incredibly comfortable retreat for guests.
The garden grounds lead down to the waterfront and boast ancient trees, various sun terraces and an outdoor pool. One special gem on the estate is the historic 19th century bath house set directly on the lakefront, which is reminiscent of a fortress with its two towers. The name of the villa, “Les Tourelles”, meaning “little towers” in French, comes from this pavilion.
The property is supplied by six geothermal wells, which serve all hot water and heating on the estate. A large utility room houses all of the estate’s technical installations. Ensuring comfort for inhabitants throughout the year, air cooling is installed inside the villa, in addition to a home automation system. Underground and overground parking offers the convenience of ten parking spaces in total.
Geneva, Switzerland
Price CHF 57 mill. Interior approx. 1,134 m² Land approx. 5,980 m² E&V ID W-02SXCG
Basel
PARKVIEW – Exclusive Freehold Apartments in Beautiful Setting Next to Sprawling Parkland
Basel-Stadt, Switzerland Price from
Once in a Lifetime – Exclusive Villa with Pool and Private Spa Area
Millstatt am See
Superb Architectural Design in Rural Standalone Setting with Second Home Permit
Carinthia, Austria
Land approx. 2,003 m² E&V ID W-02SNKA
Baden-Baden
Villa Menschikoff – An Historic Jewel Nestled Amid the Splendour of Lichtentaler Allee
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Baden-Baden (DE)
Tel. +49 7221 97 08 60
E-mail baden- baden@engelvoelkers.com
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with new legislation from 23.12.2020.
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with new legislation from 23.12.2020.
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Price (minimum offer) EUR 6.8 mill.
Interior approx. 741 m²
Land approx. 52,619 m²
E&V ID W-02SNCX
EuV Wohnen GmbH – Kirchstraße 28 – 23795 Bad Segeberg / Real estate company – Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH
Hamburg, Germany Price
Kröpelin-Altenhagen
Bergisch Gladbach
Exclusive Bauhaus Villa on Prime Raised Plot
Land approx. 1,609 m²
E&V ID W-02RF4N
Das Traditionsunternehmen Haghnazari Teppiche steht seit 1932 für unverwechselbare Qualität und Exklusivität. Unser einzigartiges Teppichsortiment beinhaltet wunderschöne antike Teppiche, moderne Einzelstücke mit traditionellem Muster und preisgekrönte aktuelle Designs.
ADDRESSES
CREDITS
PHOTO: Annie Leibovitz / Trunk Archive
WELCOME
EDITORIAL page 8
JUWELIER BECKER, www.juwelier-becker.com
JUWELIER CABOCHON, www.juweliercabochon.com
PLAYGROUND
COOL CITY page 14
FRENCH ALPINE BISTRO, www.frenchalpinebistro.com
HOTEL JEROME, www.aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome
MIRON CROSBY, www.mironcrosby.com
HOUSE page 16
BRETZ, www.bretz.de
CARLUCCI, https://carlucci.jab.de
DYSON, www.dyson.com
FREIFRAU, www.freifrau.com
PROBA HOME, www.probahome.com
INTERVIEW page 18
GUIDO TERRENI, www.parmigiani.com
ENGEL & VÖLKERS
NEWS page 20
PLACE4BEES, www.place4bees.com
WOMAN page 22
BOTTEGA VENETA, www.bottegaveneta.com
BRAHMFELD & GUTRUF, www.brahmfeld-gutruf.com
FISH DESIGN, www.comingsoonnewyork.com
LAPP & FAO, www.laux-deli.de
LUISA SPAGNOLI, www.luisaspagnoli.com
OBJECTS WITH NARRATIVES, www.objectswithnarratives.com
Translation & Proofreading (Editorial & Real Estate)
Caroline Rott (ES), Susana Silva Ollet (ES), Catherine B. Fischer (FR), Marie-Christine Fischer (FR), Rachel Kretz (EN), Robert Smales (EN), Katja Iseler (IT), Jan Willem Papo (NL), Alex Valk (NL) & Lektornet GmbH
Contributors to this issue
Uta Abendroth, Silke Bender, Martin Berger, Paula Bremer, Alison Du Bovis, Bernd Ebsen, Dian Hanson, Stephen McLuckie, Asia Orlando, Naira Zoe Raike, Martin Tschechne
An annual subscription of four issues costs € 43 in the U.S., € 32 in Europe and € 24 in Germany. Subscriptions will be renewed for a further year unless cancelled in writing six weeks prior to expiry. Reproduction of any content requires written permission from the publisher. Care has been taken to produce this magazine with as much accuracy as possible, but no liability shall be accepted for factual errors, inaccuracies or misprints should they occur. Furthermore, no liability shall be accepted for the accuracy or completeness of property descriptions and specifications as these are not produced in-house. Nor shall liability be accepted for non-availability of properties featured in this magazine.
A commission shall be charged on all properties with the exception of those marked with a "P."
ISSN 0941-5203, GG · No. 1/24 · 36th year
MANAGEMENT
Princess Bettina Wittgenstein
The next issue of GG comes out March 1, 2024 www.gg-magazine.com
Eyeopening Dining
The Iris restaurant in the spectacular Salmon Eye invites guests to embark on a culinary expedition in a Norwegian fjord.
Floating in Norway’s Hardangerfjord, the gleaming silver orb seems almost to hover over the surface of the water. As the name suggests, the design of the Salmon Eye was inspired by the shape of a fisheye. Located just outside the village of Rosendal in the west of Norway, the project was launched in 2019 by Eide Fjordbruk, a certified carbon-neutral salmon producer committed to sustainable and innovative seafood production. The spectacular building was completed in August 2022: The silver sphere has a facade consisting of 9,250 individual steel elements and approx. 1,000 square meters of floor space spread over four levels, one of which is under water.
An electric boat brings visitors to the Salmon Eye, which houses an experience center dedicated to sustainable marine life and the future of aquaculture. The culinary highlight: “Expedition Dining” in the Iris restaurant, where a panoramic view of the fjord, glaciers and mountains provides the backdrop for a six-hour happening with an 18-course menu that focuses on sustainability and the challenges facing the global food system. Danish chef Anika Madsen, previously head chef at Copenhagen’s renowned Fasangården restaurant, shines a spotlight on lesser known ingredients and regional products – including red sea urchins, local seaweed, game and apple wine (set menu from approx. $ 300 per person).
Would you like to know more?
Chef Anika Madsen showcases new ingredients from the sea.
