Set on a secluded hillside in Vernate, Residence Orion brings together exclusivity, privacy and refined contemporary architecture in an elevated setting above Lake Lugano. The development comprises only four bespoke residences, Selene, Atlas, Helios, and Gaia, each oriented toward uninterrupted views across the lake and the surrounding mountains, with prices starting at CHF 2,940,000. The setting offers the tranquility of a private retreat immersed in nature, while central Lugano lies around 15 minutes away and Milan remains within easy reach.
Full-height glazing and expansive private outdoor spaces, from panoramic terraces to private gardens, place the landscape at the heart of every home. Each residence includes a private outdoor jacuzzi and controlled direct lift access. With the project still in its construction phase, buyers can personalize materials, finishes and home-automation features ahead of handover.
The development is brought to market by Orion Apex AG, a Swiss boutique developer that provides international clients with discreet, end-to-end support covering relocation, residence permits, tax structuring, financing and the full Swiss purchasing process.
Vernate and Lake Lugano: Privacy Within Reach of the City
Vernate offers the rare balance of a peaceful hillside setting and effortless access to Lugano and the wider region. Surrounded by nature yet well connected to the city’s international infrastructure, services and amenities, it provides an ideal setting for those who value privacy and tranquility without compromising on convenience or connectivity.
A Secluded Setting Above the Lake
Quietly positioned above Lake Lugano, Vernate offers privacy, sweeping panoramic views and a peaceful residential atmosphere, while remaining closely connected to the wider region. Lugano-Agno Airport and Golf Club Lugano are both around 10 minutes away by car while central Lugano can be reached in approximately 15 minutes. Milan Malpensa International Airport is around one hour away, with Milan Linate and Bergamo airports providing further international connections.
Daily essentials are close at hand. A primary school and kindergarten sit around two minutes from the development, while supermarkets and the Magliaso and Agno railway stations are within a 10-minute drive. For international families, the location is further enhanced by its proximity to TASIS, The American School in Switzerland, and Franklin University Switzerland, both approximately 10 minutes away. Together with USI, Università della Svizzera italiana, these institutions contribute to the region’s international outlook and offer outstanding educational opportunities.
Beyond the village, the lake and surrounding landscape offer boating, hiking, and cycling, while Como and Milan are easily accessible by road. The result is a setting that combines Swiss quality of life with an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle and excellent international connectivity.
Switzerland and Ticino’s Property Market: Stability and International Appeal
The Swiss property market entered 2026 on solid footing, with demand remaining particularly resilient for scarce, high-quality residences in prime locations with panoramic lake views. Following the gradual normalization of interest rates, the market has continued to demonstrate its underlying strength, supported by Switzerland’s political and economic stability, high quality of life and attractive fiscal environment. Within Ticino, the Lugano region remains the canton’s principal residential property market, attracting owner-occupiers as well as medium- to long-term investors. International demand also remains an important component of the market, particularly for distinctive properties combining privacy, accessibility and an exceptional setting. Transaction activity reflects this continued interest, with the value of real estate transactions in Ticino reaching approximately CHF 4.5 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.8% compared with the previous year.
Alongside its financial heritage, Lugano has developed a distinctive presence in Bitcoin, blockchain and digital innovation. Through Plan ₿, a joint initiative with Tether, the city supports education, start-up activity and the practical use of digital currencies. More than 400 local businesses have been enabled to accept cryptocurrency payments, while the annual Plan ₿ Forum brings together an international community of entrepreneurs, investors and technology professionals. This activity adds a contemporary dimension to the city’s business landscape, complementing its established financial sector.
The lifestyle remains equally compelling. A mild climate, lakefront promenades and surrounding mountains provide a setting for outdoor living, while boutiques, restaurants and cafés bring vitality to the historic center. The LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana enrich the cultural offering with exhibitions, concerts, theater and dance, placing a varied artistic program within easy reach of daily life.
In this context, location, architectural and construction quality, natural light, views, privacy and generous outdoor spaces are playing an increasingly important role in purchasing decisions. Newly built, low-density developments offering these characteristics remain comparatively scarce around Lake Lugano.
With only four residences, panoramic lake and mountain views and generous private outdoor spaces, Residence Orion has been conceived around precisely these qualities, placing it within a distinctive and limited segment of the Lugano residential market.
Inside Residence Orion: Terraces, Gardens and Tailored Interiors
Each home shares a common specification of refined materials and integrated technology, while its layout and outdoor spaces, including an outdoor jacuzzi with panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains, give it a distinct character. Private cellars of approximately 20 square meters provide additional space for relaxation, storage, or bespoke use. Assigned parking spaces, with EV-charging pre-installation, are sold separately at CHF 80,000 each. Handover is planned between 2028 and spring 2029.
Residences with Panoramic Terraces
Interiors combine generous proportions with a warm, understated aesthetic that flows naturally onto the panoramic terraces. Fitted Italian-designed kitchens, natural stone and fine parquet flooring, wood or bioethanol fireplaces, and integrated home automation for lighting, climate, and security are standard. During construction, purchasers may select appliance brands, stone finishes, sanitaryware, lighting and home-automation configurations.
Residence Orion Selene
Price: CHF 2,940,000
Beds/Baths: 3 beds / 3 baths + private study
Size: 195 sqm
Selene is distinguished by the largest suspended panoramic terrace in the collection, a 48-square-meter space featuring a private outdoor jacuzzi and extending the living areas toward Lake Lugano, the valley and the surrounding mountains. The 5.5-room layout includes a principal suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, a separate private study and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area.
Residence Orion Helios
Price: CHF 2,953,000
Beds/Baths: 3 beds / 3 baths
Size: 163 sqm
Helios offers the largest terrace area, with approximately 115 square meters of private outdoor space across two terraces on two levels. The 70-square-meter main terrace features an outdoor jacuzzi and extends directly from the principal living areas, while a separate 45-square-meter upper terrace provides a more private, elevated, open-sky setting. Inside, the 4.5-room layout includes a principal suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area.
Residences with Gardens
The garden residences offer a more secluded connection to nature, while retaining the same panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The project’s flexible design allows selected units to be combined or enlarged, subject to availability, technical feasibility and the required approvals.
Residence Orion Atlas
Price: CHF 3,655,000
Beds/Baths: 3 beds / 3 baths + private study
Size: 199 sqm
Atlas holds the largest interior in the collection, with a 5.5-room layout featuring an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area alongside a separate study suited to remote work. A principal suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet is also included. A 20-square-meter terrace and a 160-square-meter private garden provide 180 square meters of exterior space. An optional terrace of 97 square meters may be created within the private garden and tailored to the purchaser’s requirements. Integrated home automation supports a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle. The residence is available for use as a secondary residence, subject to Swiss law and individual eligibility.
Residence Orion Gaia
Price: CHF 3,335,000
Beds/Baths: 3 beds / 3 baths
Size: 164 sqm
Gaia commands the largest private outdoor domain within Residence Orion. A 70-square-meter terrace extends from the principal living spaces toward a 163-square-meter private garden, together forming more than 230 square meters of exterior space with a distinctly villa-like character. Its 4.5-room layout features a principal suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. An optional enlargement of approximately 20 square meters may also be developed around the purchaser’s brief.
Residence Orion Villa B
Price: CHF 5,940,000
Beds/Baths: 4 beds / 5 baths + private study or lounge
Size: 290 sqm
Alternatively, Building B can be configured as one exceptional two-level private residence, combining Helios and Gaia into Villa B, thereby creating an exclusive development of just three residences. The two levels are linked by an internal staircase and direct lift access to both floors. A 70-square-meter open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area anchors the lower level, while a double-height opening connects it to a second lounge above and each floor features its own principal suite with an en-suite bathroom and freestanding bathtub. Around 205 square meters of terraces, a 163-square-meter garden, two jacuzzi areas and a 40-square-meter cellar bring the combined private space to an impressive 698 square meters.
A Considered Address Above Lake Lugano
Residence Orion offers a rare combination of privacy, panoramic views, and contemporary design within a low-density setting of only four homes. Its hillside position above Lake Lugano provides the calm of a natural retreat with swift access to Lugano, Milan and international airports, while the opportunity to personalize interiors, or combine and enlarge selected units, allows each residence to be shaped around its owner. Supported by Switzerland’s stable property market and sustained international interest, the development represents a compelling proposition for Swiss and international buyers, with a rare opportunity for secondary residence ownership.
For more information, contact Orion Apex AG
