A home made for the Marbella lifestyle
A classic Marbella mansion that makes the most of the sunny views and outdoor lifestyle that its exclusive surroundings are known for, this villa, designed by Miguel Tobal, stands out for the inspired design that mixes imposing elegance with the easy flow of a place you would just love to call home.
The setting is Marbella, or more specifically La Cerquilla, a very exclusive secluded area ensconced within the subtropical greenery of Nueva Andalucía. Occupying an undulating valley criss-crossed by golf courses and luxury residential areas, it looks out over the sea near Puerto Banús and the mountains that rise up behind the Costa del Sol. The largest and most emblematic of these, La Concha, rises up majestically as if to pinpoint the location of Marbella town itself.
Close by are shops, schools, sports clubs, nightlife, marinas and beaches, but here in La Cerquilla it is peace, privacy and views over fairways that predominate. Not surprisingly this is the location for a collection of some of the finest homes in Marbella, though few better than this lovely showcase home with tall, elegant walls that demarcate the private grounds of almost 3,000m2. Thus set within its own domain, the villa has the bearing of a grand mansion, with a grand driveway in hand-cobbled Portuguese ‘Pedra Calçada’ stone that befits its status.
The drive leads to the three-car garage and an impressive forecourt whose lighting shows the property off even better in the evenings. A classic portico forms a prelude to the modern solid wooden doors that open up to a spacious hall dressed with Italian marble floors. The first impression upon entering is the attractive open flow of the house, accompanied by ample natural light and stunning perspectives. Indeed, the hall flows almost effortlessly into the living room, kitchen and dining area, as well as the elegant stairs that lead to the private quarters on the first floor, all the while offering tantalising glimpses of the garden and views beyond.
Step into any room and you see the spaces beyond widen in an open perspective of living room, dining room and kitchen, yet close the beautiful wooden sliding doors and any of these spaces can become an intimate, private setting dedicated to a particular activity. Here, stylish walnut floors match the doors to provide a warm and homely ambience in what is generally a bright and breezy décor just made for the Marbella climate and lifestyle. As if to underline this point, the rooms open up to the long covered terrace that forms an outdoor extension of the home, complete with outdoor lounge and dining areas.
Fold the glass doors back and the outside comes in, connecting the living areas to the terrace and the garden and heated swimming pool beyond. This is particularly evident in the stylish Gaggenau-fitted kitchen, where a breakfast bar and outdoor dining area compete for your attention. Either way you look out over the property’s immaculate lawns as they fall away to reveal a subtropical valley covered in fairway and wooded villa suburbs, with the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance.
Aside from the elegant marble guest cloakroom, three of the villa’s six spacious bedroom suites can be found on the ground floor, with the remainder in the privacy of the upper floor. Set upon a large panoramic terrace, the bedrooms enjoy an elevated version of the lovely views, complete with wooden-beamed vaulted ceilings, beautiful wooden floors and the latest comforts and amenities, not least of which are stylish marble and stone bathrooms with walk-in hydro-showers and luxuriant baths. The grandest and most spacious of these is naturally the master suite, which is particularly attractive in its styling and layout, with his and her dressing rooms and bathrooms.
The basement level features practical spaces such as a laundry, machinery and storage rooms, a staff apartment with kitchenette and shower room, but also a private gym, wine cellar, home cinema and a stunning heated indoor pool with sauna and showers that connect to the outdoor swimming area and terrace. They highlight not only style and luxurious comfort, but also the high standard of technology that is to be found throughout the property. Indeed, the home features the most advanced automated home systems available, including lighting, climate settings and interior and outside perimeter security controllable from handsets throughout the house or even on the owner’s PC from any location in the world.
Made from classic materials, styles and qualities combined with the latest in home technology, this property is both an imposing mansion and a practical, welcoming home in one of the most desirable locations in Marbella.
Diana Morales, 03 Jan 2012 - Property
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