Three remarkable homes in diverse international locations showcase unique architectural styles and lifestyles that offer something distinctly different from traditional Swiss living. From ocean views and indigenous-inspired architecture to pure metropolitan living, these extraordinary residences represent dream homes that capture the imagination of those seeking alternatives abroad.
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Swiss native Anna Montoya lives in a traditional adobe house that exemplifies one of humanity's oldest building techniques. Adobe construction uses special bricks or blocks made from earth materials, with archaeological evidence of this building method dating back over 5,000 years to the Peruvian Andes. Santa Fe is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, where buildings typically don't exceed two stories, creating what Montoya describes as a charming and friendly cityscape.
Montoya discovered her love for the United States as a young woman and eventually moved there with her husband Emahó the Wanderer, whom she met in Europe. Her husband, who had indigenous roots and was born in New Mexico, worked as a spiritual teacher before passing away in 2023. Their home features a narrow catwalk leading directly to the kitchen, with views down to the lower level from the railings. The guest room includes its own balcony and private bathroom, while Montoya's bedroom maintains a simple, minimalist design with garden views from the bed and an adjacent spa area.
Whether Montoya will ever return to Switzerland remains uncertain, as she follows her inner compass, which currently points clearly toward Santa Fe. Her connection to this unique architectural heritage and the spiritual significance of her surroundings continues to anchor her in New Mexico.
In Bangkok, Armenian jeweler Arto Artinian has lived for decades in Thailand's jewelry industry center. His villa on the city outskirts frequently serves as a gathering place for friends, especially when Swiss celebrity chef Alessandro Haab visits from Switzerland to cook for the family. The four-person family's villa features a separate guest area with its own entrance, creating distinct living spaces within the compound.
The light-filled house was decorated by Artinian's wife, Sirin, who transformed the property after they purchased it. Before moving in, the Artinians completely renovated the building, which was originally a small, old house. The garden was the deciding factor in their purchase decision, and today the villa boasts five bedrooms. Arto proudly displays his walk-in wine cellar, while the family room serves as a weekend gathering space for time with their children.
The outdoor area features a large dining table and multiple seating areas, where weekend pizza baking has become a tradition – Arto prepares the dough several days in advance. Upstairs, one room houses their son's sneaker collection, while the family's meticulously organized closets represent a special feature of the villa. Sirin concludes tours by showcasing her handbag collection, reflecting the family's appreciation for luxury and organization.
Artinian and chef Haab met through the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world's oldest gourmet association. The family maintains a strong awareness of their fortune, with Sirin noting that the children are "lucky to have everything." This gratitude translates into action, as they donate to those in need on every birthday, maintaining a connection to charitable giving despite their comfortable lifestyle.
On the Spanish island of Mallorca, German artist Dörte Wehmeyer, now 81, owns a villa with an art garden that has become a small paradise. Her journey to homeownership began unexpectedly when she found a property for friends who backed out at the last minute. She spontaneously decided to purchase it herself, recalling: "I went to the bank, withdrew the little money we had, and bought it." This fortunate and then-affordable decision has created a unique artistic sanctuary.
Wehmeyer's house at Cala Llombards in southern Mallorca features her "Garden of Tolerance" in front of the property. The minimalist home, furnished with natural-toned furniture, offers multiple relaxation spots throughout – when asked where she prefers to unwind, Wehmeyer points to various seating areas saying "there, there, and there," hardly surprising given the spectacular ocean views available from each location.
Behind the house, stairs lead to her art cellar, where the psycholinguist pursues art as what she describes as "a new language." The Mallorcan nature provides constant inspiration for her work. Wehmeyer describes her creative process seasonally: "In summer I do nothing – I just try to survive the heat. In autumn I travel extensively and collect ideas. In winter, around Christmas and after, I develop concepts. And in spring, starting in March, I work hard from early morning until late evening."
Her art garden serves as a platform for addressing topics that she feels would be silenced in Germany. "In Germany I was suffocating from things left unsaid," she explains. Through installations like her Star of David piece, she aims to encourage people to view issues from all perspectives rather than through tunnel vision, promoting the tolerance that gives her garden its name.
These three homes – in Santa Fe, Bangkok, and Mallorca – represent three distinct worlds, each uniquely reflecting their owners' personalities and values. From adobe architecture rooted in ancient traditions to modern luxury living and artistic expression by the Mediterranean, they demonstrate the diverse ways people create meaningful spaces when they venture beyond conventional boundaries.
