Living History

Welcome to a historical villa which has put a magical spell on its visitors for more than 165 years, due to its unique charme and the fantastic location at the Starnberger See. Built in 1855 by Munich business man Angelo Knorr, it had been planned and executed in „Maximilian“ style by Arnold Zenetti, a famous Munich developer. The owners used it as a summer residence – as means to enjoy life and celebrate. The villa’s stye is unique with its facade of facing brick work and the new cast iron balconies. The Belvedere Tower serves as representative symbol of a Tuscan villa. The vast English park areas around the villa had an area of 18.9 hectars and a shore line of nearly 850 meters, and was thus one of the largest parks at the Starnberger See. After estate distributions to various heirs over the years, there are still 1.4 hectars of villa property left. After Angelo Knorr, his Sohn Prof. Dr. Ludwig Knorr -inventor of the first synthetic pain killer – lived on the property with his family. He was the one who sponsored the wonderful „Bootshaus“ (boat house). The consequences of WWI and inflation forced Prof. Dr. Knorr’s heirs to use the property for agriculture. The summer parties had become history. From 1925 until 1942 the villa was a girls boarding school, called „Haus Buchenheim“. But after a short while WWII took its toll: The idyllic school vanished among war games. After the end of the war, Angelo’s grandson, the gynacologist Dr. Walter Knorr opened a womens and birth clinic. After his death, a new restaurant by the name „Kalinka“ became a regionally known establishment with Russian cuisine and a beautiful location. The 100+ year-old villa, however, urgently required renovations. Munich chemist Dr. Michael Roever bought the villa from Alexander Knorr in 1988. He utilized his vision and financial risktaking to save the villa and create a new purpose. With diligence and patience, and with the help of the office for preservation, Dr. Roever succeeded in creating a true jewel, known today as LA VILLA at the Starnberger See for festivities and events. The century-old tradition of gathering and celebrating, and relaxing, continues to be at the heart of LA VILLA at the Starnberger See today. LA VILLA will remains in the family, with Andrea Roever as the owner, Michael Roever’s daughter Katja Lindo as the CEO.