Robert Firth
ONE of Spain’s most extravagant modern mansions recently went up for sale in Marbella’s exclusive La Zagaleta urbanisation and it will cost you a cool €32 million.
The ostentatious Villa Cullinan boasts its own Turkish bath and spa complex, two swimming pools and no less than 14 bathrooms… oh, and two bronze Salvador Dali sculptures.
This is, after all, Spain’s most upscale urbanisation – counting on Hugh Grant and President Putin as neighbours – so it’s never going to be cheap.
But assuming you’ve got silly money to spend in Spain this year, check out our hotlist of 10 incredibly pricey properties to whet your appetite. We’re talking homes with more bedrooms than the average hotel, gardens the size of a small country and a cheque that requires eight figures and six noughts!
Countryside estate in Mallorca
This rustic country manor and guest house nestled in the picturesque village of Puigpunyent comes with many unexpected extras including a billiard room, library and a chapel with His and Hers pews – although you’ll need staff if you don’t want to be on your knees all day cleaning it. Perfect for hosting, with a magnificent pool overlooking acres of cultivated farmland, guests can make use of the tennis courts and even bring their own horses which can be luxuriously accommodated in the adjoining stables.
Historic cave in Madrid
Set over two floors in Madrid’s historic centre, stepping down into this semi-underground cavern is like a descent into different ages. The second floor, made from glass, provides a contemporary streamlined contrast to this stone walled pocket of the past.
Concrete retreat in Madrid
Home to Spain’s elite, including footballers Raul, Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, La Finca is reputed to be Spain’s safest neighbourhood as well as a showpiece for grand architectural design, like this magnificent minimalist masterpiece. Incorporating ultramodern design principles and luxury finishes to create a splendid family home, the outdoor pool mimics the alluring curves of the sculpturesque villa itself. If you’ve plenty in the bank you’ll be in good company as La Finca pays its taxes to Pozuelo de Alarcón, the municipality with the highest per capita income in the country.
17th century manor house in Mallorca
Elegant and imposing, picture 300 rugby pitches and you’ll get an idea of the scale of this grand estate which dominates the valley encircling the picturesque village of Valldemossa. With atmospheric beamed ceilings and richly decorated in baroque-inspired furnishings, the only snag is you’ll need an army of chambermaids to make up the 80 bedrooms – and by the way, 10 of them come with their own Jacuzzi en suite.
Designer villa in Mallorca
A contemporary new-build with sensational sea views, this luxury detached house comes with an exclusive Port d’Andratx postcode. Blending cutting edge design and bayside bliss, when you tire of splashing around in its network of turquoise lagoon pools, there’s direct access to the ocean from the rocks in front of the house.
Country castle near Madrid
Over 800 years of history are ingrained in this former Franciscan monastery, but there’s nothing medieval about the 22 ravishing rooms enclosed within its ancient walls. With eight acres of gardens to get lost in and its own lake – the perfect spot to break out the Fortnum and Masons picnic hamper – bucolic bliss doesn’t get better than this.
Contemporary palace in Marbella
Set in the hills above Marbella, its infinity pool cascading over a sheer drop, this palatial villa is made for high flying hedonists who like to live life on the edge. Set over four levels, it shimmers with gold and silver interiors, its walls and fireplaces resplendent with opulent marble. A breathtaking glass ceiling allows views onto the first floor from the terrace in a dizzying display of contemporary one-upmanship.
Classic chateau in Marbella
If this tres chic take on a traditional French chateau reminds you of a mini Fontainbleu you’re not wrong. The regal mansion is fronted by three acres of formal gardens – you could be in Paris but this is Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile, a gemstone’s throw from the bright lights of Puerto Banus. The analogy continues inside where Versailles meets Versace with stylish chequerboard marble floors and gleaming glass chandeliers. If that sounds too grand you can always slum it in the separate four bedroom villa which is part and parcel of this elegant estate.
Clifftop eyrie in Alicante
For people in the public eye, this remote coastal retreat offers the perfect cover. Set high on the cliffs concealed by a buffer zone of wraparound pine forests, the unparalleled views over the Med along the Costa Brava coastline belong exclusively to the owners. With no near neighbours they can skinnydip in the clifftop swimming pool and jacuzzi or nip down stone steps for a dip in the sea. It’s also the perfect party palace with no one around to denounce you for exceeding the decibels.
