It’s hard to put a value on a sun-bathed knoll with unobstructed vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the Costa del Sol – views that stretch all the way to Gibraltar and beyond.
This villa in the resort community of La Zagaleta, near the Spanish mountain village of Benahavis in the province of Malaga, capitalizes on its elevated position. Set on a green hillside in the exclusive gated neighborhood, the modern home represents a place to live as much as it does a lifestyle.
The contemporary Mediterranean faces back on a wide expanse of lawn and a swimming pool (INMOBILIARIA RIMONTGO).
La Zagaleta spans 900 hectares, or about 3.5 square miles, on the site of what was once a hunting estate nestled between the mountains of Serranía de Ronda and the water.
Besides luxury residences, the area of valleys, woods and streams contains two golf courses, two clubhouses and an equestrian center. There’s also a racket club and a helipad.
But one needn’t leave the house to enjoy recreational facilities. The villa has an infinity pool set off a covered and lighted lounge area. Some 614 square meters, or nearly 7,000 square feet, of terrace space enable indoor-outdoor living.
The swimming pool pavilion has a lower level for al fresco dining (INMOBILIARIA RIMONTGO).
Broad columns support the second floor balconies, creating sheltered exterior spaces below. Clear railings allow for unobstructed views from the top level and reveal the symmetry of the expanse of lawn and landscape below.
Strategic lighting and fire elements flank the illuminated swimming pool. Palms and box hedges border the stretch of green.
Cream white walls soften the exterior, while the tile roof ties the dwelling into the Mediterranean setting.
Wide overhangs create an abundance of indoor-outdoor living space (INMOBILIARIA RIMONTGO).
A portico sits at the home’s entrance. Inside, 1,311 square meters of contemporary living space, about 14,000 square feet, contain two above-grade levels of massive window-fronted rooms that look out onto the yard and pool area.
Views of the sea are even evident from the grand foyer. A massive skylight ceiling bathes the two-story central reception room, which has sight-lines through to the rear of the house.
Designed for entertaining and hosting guests, the mansion includes a formal dining room, a reading area, nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
The clean-lined kitchen features double islands and contemporary finishes (INMOBILIARIA RIMONTGO).
The sleek kitchen has two prep islands, both with sinks and dark cabinetry. Light cupboards define a wall with two ovens and extensive storage. An adjoining breakfast area is set against a wall of windows.
The lower level contains a heated indoor pool for lap swimming, a spa and a gym. The theater room features wood plank walls with up-lighting on either side of the screen.
An indoor lap pool is among features on the villa’s lower level (INMOBILIARIA RIMONTGO).
A wine cellar provides ample storage for those inclined to visit and stock up at the numerous wineries and vineyards in the region.
Cristina Martínez of Inmobiliaria Rimontgo is the listing agent for the property, which is priced at 23 million euros or about US $28 million.
Hikers will find plenty of trails out of Benahavis, a quaint town with winding narrow streets and an abundance of fine restaurants.
Malaga Airport is about a 55-minute drive away.
