Initial situation
Sophie de Tournay (anonymised) is a third-generation Romande from a Swiss-French industrial family established in Cologny since 1948. At 34, she built a career in London (10 years in impact investing) before returning to Switzerland in 2025 following the abolition of the UK non-dom regime.
Trigger: inheritance from her grandfather (75) — Sophie inherits the family villa in Cologny (~CHF 22M) plus a Verbier chalet (~CHF 8M) plus a diversified financial portfolio. Sophie is married to a Brazilian (impact investing) and is contemplating starting a family in Cologny.
Beherzig strategy: 4-phase NextGen-integration workshop
Phase 1: NextGen onboarding (Months 1–2)
- 6-month Beherzig NextGen-integration workshop launched (Sophie + grandfather + family adviser)
- ESG mapping of the family portfolio: Cologny villa GEAK D, Verbier chalet GEAK C — modernisations essential
- Study of Sophie's values: impact investing, climate tech, ESG real estate, transparency
- Patriarch validation for governance transitions (5–7 years)
Phase 2: Property decisions (Months 3–5)
- Cologny villa: retained as principal residence (family anchor, place of birth) — Minergie-A modernisation planned
- Verbier chalet: off-market sale via Beherzig Confidential (Sophie does not ski actively, limited emotional attachment)
- Verbier chalet sold to another family via the Beherzig pool — CHF 8.4M (BOMPI +5% bonus)
- Sale proceeds: CHF 8M after fees → earmarked for the NextGen sub-allocation
Phase 3: Cologny ESG modernisation (Months 5–18)
- Specialist heritage architect: Atelier Bonnard Geneva (Geneva architecture 1900–1930)
- Cologny building permit obtained in Month 7 (preservation of listed façades + free interior)
- Minergie-A retrofit works: insulation, triple-glazed windows, discreetly integrated solar panels, Loxone smart home, controlled ventilation
- Total budget: CHF 4.5M (CHF 1.8M structure + CHF 1.5M technology + CHF 1.2M finishes/garden)
- Duration of works: 12 months (Months 7–18)
- Official Minergie-A certification obtained in Month 18
Phase 4: Sub-allocation + family-office setup (Months 12–18)
- Sophie's NextGen sub-allocation: CHF 8M (Verbier proceeds) into impact funds + climate-tech VC
- Tournay family office restructured: Sophie becomes junior partner with quarterly-review decision rights
- Patriarch remains a consultative influence (vetoes possible, but not exercised)
- Banking: private transfer to Pictet Geneva (dedicated impact portfolio)
- Geneva tax pre-ruling: confirmation of Sophie's domicile + structuring of impact-portfolio income
Outcome 18 months post-inheritance (Q2 2026)
ESG modernisation
- Cologny villa GEAK D → A (Minergie-A certified)
- Reduction in energy consumption: −78% vs. before (~CHF 24,000/year saved)
- Loxone smart home: real-time monitoring + remote control during absences
- Listed façades preserved in full (Atelier Bonnard secured the heritage)
- Property valuation post-modernisation: ~CHF 26.5M (+20% ESG-Heritage bonus)
Restructured estate
- Cologny villa CHF 26.5M (principal residence, Minergie-A modernised)
- Verbier chalet sold for CHF 8.4M (Month 5)
- NextGen sub-allocation CHF 8M in impact funds (~7% expected return)
- Remaining family portfolio: ~CHF 14M under private management with Pictet
Family-office governance
- Sophie: junior partner with decision autonomy over impact allocation
- Patriarch: consultative senior partner with quarterly-review meetings
- Transitional preparation over 5–7 years for full governance handover
- Sophie becomes a Beherzig case study for NextGen Cologny — sharing experience with a similar cohort
Lifestyle + identity
- The Cologny villa becomes a family anchor for Sophie + spouse + expected children
- Smart home + ESG modernisation aligned with Sophie's personal values
- Heritage façades preserved for the fourth family generation
- Sophie continues her impact-investing career in Geneva
Key learnings for Cluster C NextGen
1. NextGen integration requires 5–10 years, not 5–10 months. Patriarchs who hand over abruptly generate family conflict. A 6-month Beherzig workshop is merely the beginning of a multi-year strategic transition.
2. ESG heritage modernisation is non-optional for NextGen. Non-modernised third-generation villas will be stigmatised and devalued within 5–10 years. ESG modernisation preserves estate value and aligns with NextGen values.
3. The selective sale of properties without attachment frees up capital for the NextGen sub-allocation. Sophie does not ski — the Verbier chalet represented 30% of the property estate with no emotional value. An off-market sale maximised the price (CHF 8.4M) and released CHF 8M for values-aligned impact investing.
4. The Beherzig Confidential pool simplifies off-market sales without publicity. For NextGen clients who value family discretion, selling via the Beherzig pool avoids media exposure while securing a premium price (BOMPI +5% bonus for pre-qualified buyers).