Geneva, Nov 28: Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is reportedly ready to pay 18 million Swiss francs (11 million euros, 14 million dollars) for a Lakeside Mansion complete with an underground garage for 19 cars.
The move comes 18 months after Schumacher was forced to give up plans to build a house in bucolic surroundings on the other side of Switzerland after his bid to convert agricultural land hit opposition from environmental groups.
The German motor racing star's palatial new home will be built on a 13 hectare plot of land he bought last year only a few miles from his current country villa, offering a stunning view of Lake Geneva with an Alpine backdrop lit by the setting sun, Le Matin said.
The house in the grounds, which were bought for 15 mn Swiss francs, will be demolished to make way for a mansion with a turret, five floors -- two of them underground -- and a 720 square metre footprint, it added.
The reported plans indicate that apart from size, the five-times Formula One champion's family will be able to enjoy the standard trappings of stardom such as a 20 metre indoor pool, a hammam and sauna.



The principal quirks appear to be an interior climbing wall and a large gym to keep up Schumacher's legendary fitness, as well as a 63 square metre trophy room which is said to reach under the lake.



Visitors and domestic staff should be able to enjoy a substantial outhouse in the grounds of the property by the western town of Gland, near Geneva.



Schumacher's new neighbour in 2006 will be biotechnology billionaire and America's Cup holder Ernesto Bertarelli, provided planning permission goes smoothly.


Bureau Report