Former country estate Rockhall, Manor house complex in New City North, Bienne, Switzerland
Rockhall is a former country estate featuring a main manor house with two flanking villas, situated among gardens and vineyards in Bienne. The complex stretches toward the Schuss river and forms a coherent group of residential buildings of varying sizes.
This property was built between 1692 and 1694 as the first private residence outside Bienne's city walls. In 1763, naturalist Jean-Rodolphe Vautravers purchased the estate and transformed its layout.
The entrance hall displays ceiling paintings with hunting scenes from the late 1600s, showing how wealthy residents decorated their homes during that period. Such artwork reflected the tastes and interests of the social class that lived here.
The property now houses the civil registry office and is equipped with accessible facilities for visitors. A ceremony room within the complex is available for weddings and special events.
The estate attracted notable figures of its time, including Italian occultist Alessandro Cagliostro who stayed as a guest. This connection reveals how the property held importance beyond local circles.
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