Leonteq's co-founder and former CEO Jan Schoch has big plans in Appenzell. He hasn't however completely turned his back on the financial industry as finews.com found out in an interview.
As co-founder of the Swiss derivatives boutique Leonteq, Jan Schoch went through the highs and lows in the financial world between 2007 and 2018 before deciding to take a new direction in life. As often happens, a change can open up new opportunities, which in Schoch's case occurred in Gonten in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI).
Schoch's parents had a special relationship with Hotel Baeren, after having married there and revisited the place regularly. When Schoch learned in 2014 that the house, which was built in 1602, was about to be sold, he gathered the funds with three partners to buy it.
Gonten in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden (Image: FHM)
The hotel's previous owner was former Credit Suisse board chairman Hans-Ulrich Doerig, who invested several million francs in its transformation. After Doerig's sudden death in November 2012, renovation on the building stalled. Schoch stepped in to save the «Baeren» from dilapidating.
From «Bear» to «Lion»
After several years of renovation work, the three-star superior boutique hotel went into operation in the spring of 2015. Schoch built, expanded and modernized the building. He made sure to combine the regional characteristics with the demands of a young and urban clientele that periodically wants to escape the hectic pace of the big city. At the same time, he professionalized the seminar facilities and added a spa and wellness zone.
Planned spa and wellness zone (Image: FHM)
In this way, the «Baeren» has advanced to become both a popular inn for the local population and a hip address for city dwellers seeking relaxation in the intact nature of the Appenzell countryside.
Encouraged by the good response to «his house,» which he now owns fully, Schoch acquired the Hotel Loewen in 2021 across the road, which he also remodeled.
Culture Forum
The three-star Hotel Baeren became the «Huus Baeren» last April. In addition to its 24 rooms, the renovated four-star Hotel «Huus Loewen,» stages a cultural program that includes both Appenzell and classical music concerts, as well as readings and podiums on current topics.
Never before has Schoch been so financially committed to a project as he is to this one. He has invested around 50 million francs in the two houses. But with this, Schoch has just got started.
Vacation resort
A five-star wellness hotel called Huus Quell with 30 rooms behind «Huus Baeren» by 2025 is also in the planning. As well as four further buildings which will provide vacation homes, «serviced apartments» and co-working spaces.
Appenzeller Huus model (Image: FHM)
The entire complex, kept in a traditional style but with an ultra-modern core, will one day operate under the umbrella «Appenzeller Huus,» Schoch's investment for this amounts to a further 70 million francs.
Saentis-Facing Infinity Pool
With these funds, he also wants to provide future guests with a first-class wellness program that includes an infinity pool with a view of the Saentis mountain and a fine-dining concept that offers traditional, vegetarian, and vegan cuisine.
Schoch has also set himself the goal of opening the largest wine cellar in Switzerland by 2025. The bet is on.
This project serves his ambition to create a lifestyle and wellness community that he wants to launch over the next few years. He is also open to those interested in investing in the project, as well as to guests who want to rent long-term or are just looking to relax for a few days.
Retreat between tradition and modernity (Image: FHM)
In order to meet his high standards in terms of authenticity and sustainability without having to make compromises, Schoch uses materials and products from the region which are also manufactured locally. To this end, he has acquired a state-of-the-art wood processing machine.
In spite of his newfound passion, he has not entirely withdrawn from financial services. He is still active in Anova Partners, a company he founded in 2019 with former Leonteq employees, as finews.com previously reported.
