Exciting development on famous Spanish golf course
Friday, 18 March 2011 1:08 PM
With 21 Michelin stars within less than an hour's drive and Girona airport just five minutes away, it won't just be golfers investing in property at PGA Catalunya, writes Ele Cooper.
Really I blame the grilled octopus. From the moment I bit into it, I was instantly transported from London's Aqua Nueva restaurant, where PGA Catalunya's CFO David Plana was hosting me, to the bustling tapas bar that he was describing – and boom, I was in love.
But it wasn’t just the thought of Girona's cuisine that had captured my imagination (although before moving on, did you know there are 21 Michelin stars within an hour of one another in this area?); it was the development we had met to discuss.
And it's a development that offers much more than you might initially suspect. Okay, it's located on one of the planet's best golf courses (number two in Spain, number three in Europe and number 88 in the world, to be precise). Designed by Ryder Cup star Neil Coles and Spanish golfing legend Angel Gallardo, the fairways at PGA Catalunya are breathtaking, with the 13th hole a particular must-see, boasting views of the spectacular Montseny Massic. Yes, the setting as a whole is second to none, surrounded by dense, mature forests, glittering lakes and the mysterious hulking mountains on the horizon.
However, the dwellings that are gradually springing up around the site's 300 verdant hectares are world-class in their own right. The low density of properties – approximately one per 1.4 hectares – means that residents will never feel crowded, and you can choose from a variety options, from luxurious apartments to exclusive villas.
Apartment, townhouse or villa?
If you're looking to buy a plot of land, you can either build your own villa or choose one of the turnkey options offered by the estate owner, Irish entrepreneur Denis O’Brien of Quinta do Lago in Portugal.
Turnkey villas have been divided into two categories: La Vinya and La Selva. Plots in the former range from 2.195sq m to 4.058sq m, while those in the latter are sized between 1.030sq m and 1.380sq m.
The first La Vinya design option was the brainchild of Lagula Architects, whose priority was to open the villa out onto the surrounding landscape. Houses feel as if they're floating abstractly, and glass walls feature heavily, looking out onto the pool and fairways.
Catalan architects Damian and Francisco Ribas have designed the second La Vinya housing option. Their traditional, locally inspired villas blend into the environment in an inimitable fashion due to their single-storey design – and each property comes with an underground space which can be customised according to the buyer's needs.
The blueprints for the La Selva properties come from Dublin-based practice De Blacam and Meagher. The L-shaped scheme makes the most of the stunning south-facing views, while downstairs, a terrace links bedrooms to the infinity pool and porticos anchor the structure to the natural slope the properties lie on.
If you're in the market for an apartment, duplex or townhouse, you can choose between buildings lurking on the periphery of the course or others at its centre.
PGA Catalunya: the facilities
The course's striking clubhouse was designed by Francisco and Damian Ribas. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by an imposing Rosa Serra sculpture; further in there's an intimate bar, bistro and spectacular fireplace.
There's also a stunning five-star hotel, the Melia Golf Vichy Catalan, which contains yet more enticing dining opportunities.
Non-golfers will never struggle for things to do, with swimming, tennis, football, cycling paths, walking routes, gym and spa on offer. Alternatively, you can borrow a horse and go for a hack through the 100-year-old forests surrounding PGA Catalunya, or head for one of the secluded beaches on this tranquil slice of coastline and try your hand at yachting, diving or windsurfing.
The development is less than an hour from glamorous Barcelona and only five minutes from Girona Airport, making it perfect for weekend golfing breaks. Oh, and did I mention that you can also experience two seasons in one day, by checking out the ski runs of the Pyrenees, which lie just over 60 minutes from Girona?
PGA Catalunya is the culmination of 20 years' hard work and innovation – and it shows. I just hope the octopus agrees that it was worth it.
Costs and completion dates
Construction is well underway, with show villas opening in May. The first phase of the resort is set to be delivered in approximately seven years, and a villa takes a minimum of ten months to complete from start to finish. Here's what the properties cost at present:
|
Residence type or plot |
Size | Starting from |
| Villa plots | 1049sq m | €385,000 |
| Villa plots with turnkey villa | 250sq m | €950,000 |
| Two-bed apartments | 84sq m | €325,000 |
| Three-bed apartments | 186sq m | €550,000 |
| Three-bed semi-detached townhouses | 200sq m | €625,000 |
To find out more, visit PGACatalunya.com or, to read the resort's lifestyle blog, check out LifeAtPGA.com.
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