Explore Villa Sophia: A Timeless Transformation by Ina Rinderknecht

Perched atop the verdant hills of Küsnacht, overlooking the serene Lake Zurich, Villa Sophia is a triumph of design and transformation. Set on a 2,751 m² plot, this three-story home, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis, brought to life by the renowned designer Ina Rinderknecht. The project seamlessly intertwines classic elegance with the contemporary tastes of the owners.

As you step into Villa Sophia, the grandeur of Lake Zurich and the magnificent Albis Mountains unfold before you, creating a picturesque tableau. The entrance hall, characterised by double height ceilings and white marble floors, exudes a timeless opulence. Dominating the space is an exquisite porcelain chandelier from Parisian design studio Mydriaz, gracefully suspended above a custom designed ottoman by Ina Rinderknecht. The entire ambiance is a harmonious blend of light oak and cream furnishings, specially crafted for this villa, and echoes the warmth of the oak herringbone parquet flooring used for the living spaces.

The reception room is marked by soft, organic shapes and pastel hues which infuse the space with an airy elegance, evoking a luminous sense of harmony.

In the living room, Italian artist Illaria Franza’s watercolour painting complements the ‘Water Lily’ rug by Ina Rinderknecht and Tai Ping, as well as the delicate Giopato & Coombes chandelier. A symphony of soft pastel rose, and sky-blue hues envelop the room, anchored by a luxurious cream sofa.

The dining room features an organic marble table under the sculptural Moonpapier pendant light by Olga Engel. A canvas by French abstract artist Lucas Talbotier creates a visual axis from the space to the adjacent rooms.

The spacious kitchen includes a new breakfast seating area and leads to the winter garden. This glazed conservatory is immersed in green and earth tones and furnished with a wickerwork dining chairs and rattan pendant lights, making for a dining experience that connects with nature.

The first floor, accessible via a graceful marble staircase, houses three bedrooms, a generous dressing room, and a family lounge, all featuring white built-in wardrobes with light oak details.

The family room welcomes you with an elliptical wooden arch door, complemented by a hanging swing and a generous sectional sofa. Custom-designed sideboards and large mirrors enhance the sense of symmetry and space.

The master bedroom invites with a pale green wild silk headboard and soft grey floral linen wallpaper, alongside a cozy bench from Ina Rinderknecht’s collection. A dressing room, doubling as an office, offers a calming atmosphere.

The bathrooms are adorned with carefully selected marble slabs and pastel natural oak, providing a touch of luxury. The family bathroom features a curved marble niche around a free-standing bathtub by Inbani.

An independent apartment, accessible via a separate spiral staircase, presents a unique design with dark accents, ensuring a distinct charm while preserving the villa’s overarching concept.

The lower ground level of Villa Sophia unveils an in-house cinema with a dark colour scheme and an oak herringbone parquet floor, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The indoor pool and wellness area are a sanctuary of Calacatta marble, embellished with an ornamental plaster sculpture wall.

The basement level extends to an enchanting outdoor terrace within the rose garden, replete with flora from around the world. A magical garden pavilion awaits, connected by a small bridge over a picturesque pond. Additionally, a new outdoor deck offers captivating views of Lake Zurich.

Ina Rinderknecht remarks “the house was overly opulent, and we turned it into a contemporary and calm sanctuary that client dreamed of.” Villa Sophia stands as a testament to modern design’s ability to embrace timeless elegance, creating a breath-taking home that offers unparalleled luxury and a connection to nature’s beauty.

Contact: Ina Rinderknecht