The first part of our detailed comparative guide was dedicated to Guadalmina Baja and Los Monteros, two exclusive beachside residential areas in Marbella. This time, Marbella Unique Properties would like to write about the two ultimately luxurious mountainside residential enclaves in the Benahavís area, close to Marbella.
Both El Madroñal and La Zagaleta are located mountainside, surrounded by magnificent nature and boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline, The North African coast and Gibraltar. They both enjoy an ideal combination of a peaceful and private countryside lifestyle and the proximity to the Marbella’s glamour, social life and exceptional amenities. El Madroñal was developed in the 50’s with the intention to encourage the construction of independent private estates, whilst preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. Today, El Madroñal is considered one of the most consolidated residential areas on the Costa del Sol.
La Zagaleta, originally a private hunting ground of the Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, purchased by a group of international investors who created the most exclusive urbanization in Southern Europe, completely discreet and private, offering high security and personalized extremely exclusive concierge services. Ranging from a last minute restaurant reservation to a private charter as well as a full property management service. The majority of the owners come from UK, Germany and Northern Europe, extremely safe guarding their privacy, whose identity would never be revealed by the administration.
LOCATION
La Zagaleta is immersed in a beautiful forest of cork and pine trees, set in the foothills of the Sierra de Ronda belonging to the wealthiest municipality of Andalucía, Benahavís. The elitist country club is located on the Ronda road, leading from the coast to the spectacular inland town of Ronda.
El Madroñal lies between La Zagaleta and the residential complex La Heredia, only a few minutes down the road to the shopping center Monte Halcones. The countryside paradise is strategically located at a 5 minutes’ drive away from the small town of San Pedro Alcántara, 10 minutes to the coast and Puerto Banús, 15 minutes to Marbella, 30 minutes to Sotogrande, 40 minutes to Ronda and 45 minutes to Malaga airport.
URBANISATION & PLOTS
La Zagaleta occupies more than 900 hectares of Mediterranean forest with a maximum of 420 homes authorized to be built by the administration to preserve the natural resources and to provide high level of privacy to its residents. Currently there are over 200 properties built in La Zagaleta, and the real estate development will continue during the next two decades by releasing between 5 to 10 villas per year. Individual plots can have a maximum of 10.000m2 and are separated by green zones, allowing free movement of the wild animals living in the residential community. The minimum size of a plot established by the administration is of 3.000m2.
El Madroñal with the total area of 223 hectares, consists of 6 fases, each of them with an indipendent entrance. Originally the smallest plots were about 5.000m2 and now the minimum is 2.600m2, except for the Phase 1 where the plots are significantly smaller starting from 600m2.
TYPES OF PROPERTIES
La Zagaleta boats unique, timeless villas with personalised design and home automation systems, completed by manicured landscaped private green zones and surrounded by splendours of valley, lakes and wooded hills. Each villa has its own road and its security perimeter. The spectacular mansions feature entertainment rooms, spas, cinema rooms, outdoor lounging areas, garages for 6 cars, guest apartments and more. Marble floors, mahagony furniture and pieces of art accentuate the magesty and lavisness of La Zagaleta properties. The prices range between 5 and 27 million euro.
El Madroñal features an impressive diversity of architectural styles from rustic style villas, classic courtyard houses, majestic mansions to contemporary high-tech homes, all within landscaped gardens. Large plots are separated by the surrounding nature, what gives the impression that the villas are set in the open countryside.
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
La Zagaleta presumes superb facilities accessible only by the few chosen ones: two golf courses with their respective club houses harmoniously blending in with the landscape; Equestrian club with 20 stables, covered area for training and coaching services; Racquet Club with two tennis courts and a paddle court; a hunting ground; and a heliport. The “Old Course” Club house, a sophisticated place to enjoy social living offers a five star service including fine dining restaurant, series of bars and lounges, meeting rooms and a pavilion for special events. The club house has direct access to the Pro- golf shop and provides first class coaching, equipment, buggy and caddie facilities. The smaller, “New Course” Club house with more intimate setting is an ideal venue for private celebrations such as weddings.
El Madroñal country club boasts 5 tennis courts, swimming pool, and the club house with the restaurant and bar. Several of the best golf courses in the area, such as Los Arqueros, La Quinta, La Zagaleta or Los Naranjos are only a short drive away from the exclusive estate.
When searching for the right location for your exclusive property, Marbella Unique Properties is on hand to guide you through this exiting process. We look forward to your call.