La Zagaleta - Luxury in an Idyllic Setting

History and Key Facts

Considered to be one of Europe's most exclusive Resorts and known for its prestigious luxury villas, La Zagaleta is set among 2,200 acres of pure natural beauty. Oak trees and firs rise from the valley floors, and crystal-clear streams trickle down from the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, which form a stunning backdrop to this prestigious private club. Look in another direction, and the vista becomes that of the blue Mediterrean (with North Africa and Gilbraltar visible on a clear day), or the lush green that covers the private golf courses of Club del Campo. All this can be seen from the tasteful and luxurious villas that so enchant visitors, where careful spacing ensures that nothing can interrupt the views from a private terrace or pool. Buyers can inspect plots and begin to indulge their dreams straightaway, making this one of the most advantageous real estate sites in a region that is already rich with investment opportunities.

Previously a hunting estate called La Baraka and owned by a rich businessman, at that time it was home to a couple of hundred African animals and some Arab stallions. Now, visitors hunt only for luxury villas and amenities of the highest order, although the horses remain. Marbella, with its picturesque old town, is a short distance away, with Ronda, Málaga, Jerez and Seville just some of the other Andalusian gems willing to yield up their culture and history to visitors.

Lifestyle

Once the private villa of the previous owner, the Old Course Clubhouse is now the place to meet at La Zagaleta, with its lounges and bars being a great place to socialize, and its function-rooms conveniently-placed. Members can enjoy top-quality cuisine in the restaurant, perhaps dining on the terrace with its stupendous views, or visiting for brunch and snacks during the day, with an organic food shop being a useful addition. The New Course Clubhouse is smaller, and from the terrace with its thatched roof, members can watch local wildlife, enjoy the panoramas, or check out the golf. Of course, the fine and varied restaurants around Marbella are also within easy distance.

Visitors can also hone their skills on the shooting range or in the bowling alley, try their hand at billiards or bridge, or take a dip in the swimming pool. Trekking and cycling trails cross the complex, while an equestrian centre, still run by the previous owner's employee, provides polo and showjumping as well as riding. And it goes without saying that golfing equipment and tuition are always available at this site in Benahavís which in 1997, was the first European club outside the UK to host the Ryder Cup.

For residents who want a change from their private pool, or who yearn to use their sea legs, or for families preferring the fun of the beach, the coast with its yachting marinas and lively beach clubs is just ten minutes away. Marbella is famous for its beautiful sands and landscapes, and has been sharing them with holidaymakers since the 1960s, but when everyone has the same idea and it gets crowded, La Zagaleta provides a welcome retreat to peace and relative solitude.

Properties

This is a site of villas and mansions only, allowing for plenty of space between dwellings, with styles ranging from traditional to modern. The limited number of buildings also helps to guarantee demand, even during Spain's financial crash, which left many empty residences after the building boom along the coast. Security and privacy are paramount here, with homes discreetly dotted among thirty-two miles of roads on the complex itself, permitting uninterrupted views over the countryside and links, towards the sea or the mountains. Wild boar and deer make use of the solitude at night, encouraged by street lighting that is set lower than usual, and although most of the terrain is natural, gardeners work hard to manage and control its wild aspect.

Top-notch security and service standards makes it very attractive to those for whom privacy is an essential combination with luxury. There is a concierge facility, and owners can rest assured that their homes are looked after every day, even if they are not often in residence. Amenities can include gyms, spas, entertainment centres and wine cellars, and helipads are available. Engel & Völkers Marbella is always ready to give information on life at Europe's most coveted country club, and on buying opportunities in luxury real estate.

The Real Estate Market

As one of the European Union member states that has led recovery in the Eurozone since the financial crisis, Spain's economic growth rate is looking good at around 2.5 to 3 per cent, and locally around Marbella it's even better. The area has become first choice for international homebuyers in the luxury real estate category, with prices at their highest for several years, and a limited number of properties for sale at any one time, making it an ideal choice for investors. The helpful team of Engel & Völkers Marbella will be happy to offer advice and assistance on real estate matters in La Zagaleta.