Pasta Heir Lists Swiss Estate for About $72 Million - Riccardo Barilla, a descendant of the founder of the pasta company, is selling Domaine Pré Saint Jean, a roughly 10-acre estate just outside Genev

A Swiss estate owned for decades by a branch of the Barilla family, founders of the pasta company, is asking 70 million Swiss francs, or roughly $72 million.

Known as Domaine Pré Saint Jean, the roughly 10-acre estate located just outside Geneva in the wealthy suburb of Vandoeuvres is among the most expensive homes for sale in Switzerland right now, according to listing agent Alexander Kraft of Sotheby’s International Realty France—Monaco.

Owner Riccardo Barilla said his branch of the family sold their stake of the eponymous family business in the 1970s, after which his parents moved from Italy to Switzerland; the company is now owned by his cousins.

Mr. Barilla, a banker, said he first moved into Domaine Pré Saint Jean as a teenager in the 1970s, when his parents bought the house. After inheriting the estate a few years ago, he and his wife embarked on an extensive renovation of the interior to give it a more contemporary look.

With views of Mont Blanc, the main house measures about 9,470 square feet with four bedrooms, plus a terrace and a basement including the home’s original wine cellar, Mr. Kraft said. A renovated barn serves as a guesthouse, with five bedrooms, a kitchen and a garage; a former stable now includes three studio apartments for staff. Mr. Barilla obtained permits for two additional houses to be built on the property.

Mr. Barilla said the couple initially planned to live in the house once the renovation was completed, but their plans have changed and they now want to relocate to Italy.

Mr. Kraft noted that Geneva, one of the priciest cities in the world, has previously seen homes sales in the $80 million range.

written by Candace Taylor  

Sotheby's International Realty France & Monaco, your expert in luxury properties, homes, chalets and castles for sale in France