First established in the hills near Benahavis in 1965, El Madroñal is an exclusive gated community whose villas exude a unique sense of country chic as they look out over stunning mountain, valley and Marbella views with commanding vistas across the Mediterranean Sea.
The section of the Mediterranean that Marbella looks out over is known as the Mar Alborán, and from El Madroñal one can see all the way across to Gibraltar and the North African shoreline. It is a breathtaking view that is further heightened by a setting surrounded by gorgeous green valleys, soaring wooded mountains and eagles hovering high above in clear blue skies.
Though there are numerous luxurious residential areas in Marbella and its surroundings, as well as a good choice of country club settings, El Madroñal is unique for the generous size of its plots, the proximity to nature and the resultantly exclusive villas, which enjoy the peace and privacy of seeing rather than ‘bordering’ their neighbours, as well as the security of a gated community.
Just across the road from the select La Zagaleta country club, El Madroñal’s villas are spacious, luxurious and set within large private grounds whose lush gardens are surrounded by their own natural perimeters. The villas are highly individual in style, size and character, but all share a unique sense of country sophistication in a setting just minutes away from shops, restaurants, supermarkets and of course golf and racquet clubs, with the amenities of San Pedro Alcántara, Puerto Banús, Benahavis and Marbella town all within a ten to fifteen-minute range.
Situated on the Ronda road, in the adjacent valley to La Zagaleta, El Madroñal comprises six gated entrances to six separate areas of the estate, all monitored by an efficient 24 hour security service. Each entrance has a distinctive character, becoming more rustic the further one continues uphill towards Ronda, with entrance six the closest to being ‘in the country’, where a long country lane leads off into the heart of the woodland.
Properties and plots are generally on the large side with average plots sizes of 3,000m2+ and build sizes of 500m2+. Having said that, there is something for all budgets and it is still possible to buy country cottage size homes of three bedrooms or plots to build your own design. In recent years, several private developers have built or renovated thoroughly modern luxury homes to satisfy the demand for clients wanting a contemporary villa in the country but near to beaches and Marbella.
Originally published in August 2009, updated by Adam Neale December 2018
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