I am an international civil servant and my job led me to settle in Geneva. The house is ideally located for easy access. It is just 10 kilometres from the airport and 15 kilometres from my workplace, which is in the city centre, so I can get there by bike. However, this property in particular was a case of love at first sight. I was attracted by the possibility of transforming this property, consisting of three buildings, into a reception venue. Having lived in several countries, I was looking for a place with this potential, to embody my openness to the world.
The property boasts views stretching from Mont Blanc to the Jura. It opens onto an inner courtyard surrounding three separate buildings: a manor house; a small cottage, once the kitchen and now converted into a loft apartment; and a huge barn with a monumental cathedral roof structure which is 14 metres high, which is now partly used for events and exhibitions. Among the highlights is the main staircase with its hand-curved banister, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and one of the key features of the house. Some of the windows are original, as are some panes that still bear 17th-century markings. The fireplaces, with their very rare wooden frames - also found at Maison Tavel in Geneva - also bear witness to exceptional craftsmanship. During the restoration, we found old wallpapers, some of which were framed and called "windows of memory".
Sessius 1622 est un hôtel de charme installé dans le château des Cologny, l’une des propriétés historiques les plus remarquables du Pays de Gex. La maison est aussi un espace de dialogue entre l’ancien et le contemporain : outre les éléments patrimoniaux, on y trouve des interventions modernes, telles que des salles de bain en béton ciré italien et des pièces de mobilier ou d’art contemporain issues de collaborations avec des artisans d'art renommés. We opened it up "to the world” in 2023 and its history continues to live on through our family, all those who have contributed to its rebirth - artists and artisans - and today's personal or professional travellers. Having lived in several countries, these experiences have shaped our vision of the world and our approach to hospitality. The house contains a collection of art and drawings from all over the world, a direct reflection of this international life.
It is a heritage dating back four centuries, transformed into a lively, welcoming and culturally rich place. The house contains works of contemporary art, some of which are rare and unique: lamps designed by renowned architects including Carlo Scarpa, carpets from Afghanistan and Iran, animist art, American pixel art from the 1980s, and collections of prints from the Futurism movement. Each room features works by both emerging and established artists, some of whom have collaborated with Gucci or taken part in the Venice Biennale. Sessius 1622 offers a gastronomic experience in collaboration with internationally-renowned chefs who are our guests in residence. We also organise cookery classes, vernissages and cultural events throughout the year.
The "Auberge de Grilly", in the heart of the village, is a must, nestling in a peaceful, leafy setting. The restaurant serves refined, creative cuisine inspired by the seasons. Also in Grilly, the "Fromagerie Michelin" offers a selection of more than 350 cheeses, carefully chosen and matured to reflect the seasonal nature of their production. At the very heart of the cheese dairy is the "Restaurant des Bergers", serving home-cooked food, tasty fondues, Malakoffs and other cheese specialities.
Seminars and meetings can be held in an 80 m² workroom, equipped with a screen, video projector and audiovisual equipment with space for up to 70 people. The venue has a home chef and offers catering on request. On-site accommodation consists of 7 bedrooms divided between the main house and a separate loft apartment.
ref 252637
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