Property in Andalucia: if it's good enough for Julio...
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 10:43 AM
Until now, the mere 2,000 residents of Ojén, a petite village in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia, have enjoyed relative peace and quiet in their secluded homes.
But obscurity may no longer be an option, as a raft of new developments - not to mention a rather well-known lothario - look set to reinvent the whole area.
As Spanish celebrities go, there aren't many with a legacy and timeless appeal quite like global music star Julio Iglesias.
Having recently married his partner of 20 years, Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger, the newlywed has chosen the quaint Andalucian setting of Ojén to call home.
Ojén is said to represent pure, undiluted Andalucia, with far less of the "manufactured showiness" found in other coastal retreats. "Like a fistful of sugar cubes thrown onto the verdant forested mountainside, Ojén is as postcard-perfect as you'll get on the Costa del Sol," says poetically inclined specialist agency K & N Property Buying Services.
Be warned: Julio is one of the precious few that can pull off loafers without socks
The village is characterised by asymmetrical whitewashed townhouses and is built around a stunning 15th century church square.
Just a stone's throw from star-studded Marbella, bustling with cafes, bars and colourful markets, the small yet vibrant settlement provides the perfect window into authentic Spanish life.
With so much unspoilt history on offer, it is no surprise that an overseas audience is gradually waking up to the rural village's charm. As if Iglesias wasn't providing enough glamour, Britain's crime-fighting gardening duo Rosemary and Thyme filmed against an Ojén backdrop in 2006.
There are also a number of new and ongoing developments emerging in the area, allowing Brits to find a place in the Andalucian sun for themselves.
Luxurious spa brand Champneys, for instance, has chosen the breathtaking Ojén hillside for its first retreat outside the UK. High up in the Moorish mountains, just five minutes from the village centre, Champneys Marbella comprises an array of luxury apartments and penthouses. Investors and visitors alike will be in for a seriously indulgent experience at the resort, which will boast world-class dining and spa facilities.
Penthouses have sold for close to €1 million so it’s clear how much value is placed on the pristine Andalucian setting; however, investors now have the opportunity to enter a syndicate which owns an entire block for only €50,000. If you'd prefer to nab a property of your own, you'll be looking at a starting price of €675,000 (£570,000).
Brits could also consider the Ojén development being promoted by Premier Property International, which boasts 240 spacious apartments at just over half the price of a Champneys Marbella pad. The brand new complex nestles in the lush, green hillside, overlooking Marbella and just minutes from shopping centres, nightlife and extensive beaches.
Built to the highest-quality specifications, the one- and two-bedroom properties feature heated marble floors, fully equipped kitchens and state-of-the-art air-conditioning.
With a two-bed apartment setting you back €378,700 (£320,000), this is just one of many luxury developments to offer an indulgent slice of southern Spanish life at a relatively affordable price.
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Tags:
- celebrity homes ,
- spain
