In and around Lake Gruyere, Switzerland (failed golf resort) Part 1

I've been cycling for about an hour and can see today's destination in the distance: Lake Gruyere.  

Back in 1948 a dam was built (Rossens Dam) on the Sarine River and Lake Gruyere was formed. It's about a 30 mile bike ride around the lake.

Right next door to the previous photo I'm looking at this dairy farmhouse complex with a self-service shop on the right. They live upstairs and below is where the magic happens. Someone is in there producing who knows what (cheese, milk, ice cream). The cows are in the field on the left (out of the picture).  

I check out the offerings in the self-service store. Lots of cheese, milk, yogurt and even ice cream. A passing jogger says they make the best cheese for fondue. 

Whoa, this sign looks really familiar. 

I've seen this sign before. About 10 years ago an ad similar to this ran periodically in the Financial Times newspaper. Besides an 18 hole golf course, spa and multiple restaurants a Hyatt-branded hotel with something like 80 rooms was to be built. Better check the place out. 

Coming down the entrance drive it looks like the place has been abandoned. Peeking in windows I see the place empty of all furnishings. Hmm, I decided to check out the backside

Wow, great view of the lake from the backside of the building.

The place looks like it has been left to rot. On the left was evidently the main dining room and is barren of all furnishings. 

Diners would enjoy great views. What the heck happened? 

I do some online sleuthing and from what I can gather the resort is owned by a Chinese businessman and it's up for sale. The Hyatt hotel didn't pan out and guess it was later changed to building apartments and selling them--which never came to fruition.

The fairway greens seem to have been freshly cut and putting greens in reasonable shape--in the distance you can see several sand traps. What gives? More sleuthing reveals the answer. The Chinese businessman evidently defaulted on a loan from a local bank. The bank is paying for minimal grounds upkeep to make it look more pleasing to potential buyers rather than letting it fall into disrepair.

This is the church you saw in an earlier photo. The golf course is on the other side of the road to the right.  These are the tee areas for the driving range.

Not too keen about this driving range. When I go to a driving range I like to whack the ball and watch it continue rolling. Here, it's a steep uphill and might just roll back. 

Saw these woodcarvings outside a home.  I wonder if they bought them or if they were carved by the owner

Was a chainsaw used or was it all chipped away with wood carving tools.  

Passing through the village of Corbieres (population 900) I spot this medieval structure. Better take a closer look.

It's a large complex and I'm thinking it's a monastery.

Nope, it's Corbieres Castle also known as Baillival Castle. Back in medieval times a bailiff (similar to a sheriff) was a position of immense power and usually resided in fancy digs.