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Video New Apts Casares

Video New Apts Casares published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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Focus on La Duquesa

FOCUS ON: La Duquesa – stunning properties in a nautical setting   With a history that dates back to the Romans – and probably much earlier – the picturesque seaside village of La Duquesa has long been known as one of the Costa del Sol’s most desirable places to own a property. Like the Romans, modern day residents favour plush villas in the neighbouring areas – particularly in up market urbanisations bordering the prestigious La Duquesa Golf and Country Club – as well as the stylish apartments for sale overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Many of the latter are clustered around the picturesque marina of Puerto de la Duquesa, where yachts bobbing at their moorings provide a tranquil contrast to the bustling quaysides. Here can be found a selection of quality restaurants and cafes that have helped give the area a reputation as something of a gourmet’s paradise. Like the nearby Puerto Sotogrande (just a 15-minute drive away – or a leisurely cruise by sea), La Duquesa has retained something of a more ‘nautical’ feel then its brasher big brother of Puerto Banús — itself just a 20-minutes drive away. La Duquesa is one of the Costa del Sol’s most sought-after locations amongst boaters, not just for a mooring but also to buy a nearby property as a base from which to explore the Andalusian countryside. Golfers don’t just have the highly-regarded La Duquesa course on their doorstep, but also the famous courses of Valderrama, San Roque, plus all the facilities of Marbella’s Golf Valley, are within a 20-30 minutes drive. There is a fine selection of sandy beaches along the coves that flank la Duquesa, while the picturesque white villages that are dotted through the mountains towards Ronda are easily accessible. People seeking a villa, townhouse or apartment for sale near La Duquesa have a fine selection of properties to choose from in a variety of lifestyle locations. For example, Playa Paraiso has a selection of townhouses just a step from the beach, while seafront villas can be found for sale all along this lovely stretch of coast. The stylish penthouses and apartments in the marina are always sought after, while the modern complexes that border the sea and nestle slightly further inland offer other alluring choices.  Duquesa has much to offer, including an 18th century castle, the remains of Roman baths (with some mosaic remnants), while the nearest town of Manilva and neighbouring village of San Luis de Sabinillas offer a taste of traditional Spanish life, as well all the modern facilities required for a comfortable lifestyle. Should you wish to know more about buying property in La Duquesa, please get in touch with our professional team. We have a fine selection of villas, townhouses and apartments for sale in the area and will be only too pleased to advise you further.    

Focus on La Duquesa published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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Why buy a villa townhouse or apartment on the Costa del Sol?

Why buy a villa townhouse or apartment on the Costa del Sol? Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations in the world for those seeking either a second home or a more permanent base. At first glance, for those not in the know, the reason seems obvious. The Spanish costas offer beautiful sandy beaches, the climate is benign and, as the saying goes, the living is easy. These are certainly the bedrock of what makes sought after resort areas like the Costa del Sol so popular, but it only tells part of the story of why people so often seek out villas and apartments for sale in iconic hotspots such as Marbella, Estepona and Mijas. Of equal importance is the sheer variety of styles and locations of property available  in the area, which means there is a home for sale that will suit just about any lifestyle option. Most homeowners who move to Spain from overseas opt for a place near the beach – but even here there is an enormous variety of suitable villas, townhouses and apartments on offer. Whether you are looking for a palatial villa at the heart of Marbella’s Golden Mile, a luxury two-bedroom apartment in the up-market party hotspot of Puerto Banús, or a spacious town house with sea views in the more relaxing environment of the new frontline beach complexes towards Estepona, the choice is enormous. But the Costa del Sol is not simply about the beaches and sunshine. The many golf courses offer a wealth of property choices too, while the slopes of the mountains that sweep down to the coast provide plenty of opportunities for those seeking a more rural lifestyle – but just a few minutes drive from all the amenities of the bustling coast. Excellent transport links make just about anywhere on the Costa del Sol easily accessible to historic Andalusia. In winter, the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada are within a two to three-hour drive, as are the historic cities of Granada (home to the famous Alhambra palace), Sevilla and CIrdoba. Closer to hand, the Costa del Sol capital of Malaga offers a host of cultural and culinary attractions, while the stunning Ronda valley is an excellent destination for those seeking natural splendour and beauty. Marbella and Puerto Banús are the places to see and be seen, while resort towns like Fuengirola and Benalmadena offer a more family-style atmosphere. The whitewashed walls of ancient houses in towns like Estepona and, slightly inland the mountain villages of Mijas and Casares, give a taste of traditional Spain. Older, traditional homes are sometimes available at the heart of these villages and towns, although many buyers prefer the modern comforts and amenities of the stylish new urbanisations along Mijas Costa, Casares Costa and flanking Estepona on the New Golden Mile. This tantalising choice of properties, lifestyles and attractions available on the Costa del Sol helps explain why prospect of buying a villa, apartment, studio or town house in the area is such an attractive one. The sunshine, sporting options, huge number of restaurants, excellent healthcare and schools make it an even more enticing prospect.

Why buy a villa townhouse or apartment on the Costa del Sol? published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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New builds leading the way for Costa del Sol property market

New builds leading the way for Costa del Sol property market Estepona, Malaga and Marbella are leading the way as the Costa del Sol property market continues its resurgence. The first quarter of 2018 say 1,614 new projects approved in the province of Malaga, 15.5% up on the same period of 2017 and the best data for Q1 in ten years, according to the Malaga College of Architects. This renewed confidence from developers and financing banks can be taken as confirmation that the trend of rising real estate sales seen in the past few years is likely to continue, with a robust market seeing steady price gains. The low point for new development in the province came in 2014 when just 798 building licences were granted in the entire year. At the time there was still a large stock of empty new-builds from the pre-2008 building boom. This has largely been cleared now, particularly in the most popular parts of Marbella and the New Golden Mile towards Estepona, where the demand for new build villas and apartments for sale is outstripping supply. The municipalities with the largest number of home projects approved in the first quarter of 2018 were Malaga (482), Estepona (223), Marbella (172), BenahavOs (140) and Casares (135). Significant figures also include Fuengirola (67), Rincon de la Victoria and Nerja (both with 65), Manilva (49) and AlhaurOn de la Torre (49). The dean of the College of Architects, Francisco Sarabia, speaking to La OpinOon de Malaga newspaper, said that the data is “positive” and that the college remains optimistic, particularly following the gains seen in the real estate market in recent times. He added: “Sustained growth continues to be consolidated and we are confident that the trend will continue that way.” He explained that it is the coastal districts that are driving the new-build property market, which he thinks should see some 6,000 projects approved by the end of 2018. In the medium term, the architects believe that the goal for the province should be to grow each year and reach an annual volume of around 25,000 housing approvals in five years’ time. Of the total number of units approved in Q1, 388 were for single-family homes collectively worth around €70.8 million, and 1,224 are multi-family, with a budget of €134.6 million. In terms of home completions, the first quarter of 2018 saw a rise of 80% in the number of residential units finished, compared to the same period in 2017. In total, 905 properties were completed between January and March.  

New builds leading the way for Costa del Sol property market published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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Home Staging To Sell your Home

Sell your Marbella property with style The expanse of coastline that takes in Marbella, swish Puerto Banús and further west along the New Golden Mile to Estepona, and beyond, has a reputation for easy-living, glamour and above all style. This lifestyle concept is one that the architects who design the beautiful properties that overlook the sandy beaches and Mediterranean Sea have long understood - and it is something that owners looking to sell              a villa or apartment in Marbella and its neighbouring districts need to take into account. After all, first impressions count when it comes to buying real estate wherever you are, but even more so on the Costa del Sol, where it is not simply a property people are buying, but a dream lifestyle too. So while vendors can to a certain extent rely on the skills of the original architect to sell the outside of a home, it is up to the owners themselves to make sure potential purchasers gain the best possible impression as soon as they cross the threshold. When it comes to property style sells! Home staging to sell your Costa del Sol property In order to make a timely sale and at the best possible price, there are a few simple rules that don’t cost the earth but can help make that crucial favourable first impression. The aim is to impress on the minds of the potential purchaser that not only could they live in this villa or apartment, but that they could enjoy a comfortable and idyllic lifestyle too. At the most basic level - and this costs nothing - this means ensuring your home is clean and tidy before any viewings. It may sound obvious, but it is surprising how often the first view of a home is obscured by clutter, piles of laundry and even dirty dishes in the sink. So the first step in ‘home staging’ is to clean up and de-clutter! Spacious, airy and light-filled rooms are welcoming and from our experience help sell the property - and this brings us to stage two. Make sure the colour scheme is not too bright or dark. It doesn’t cost much to repaint in neutral colours. Remember, this is not about your personal taste, but to provide a light, blank, canvas on which prospective owners can imagine stamping their own personality on. The same goes for furniture. The latest interior design trends call for open spaces that flow out on to bright balconies and terraces, so consider putting any heavy and large furniture into storage. Older floors can be boosted with well chosen rugs, although, conversely, don’t hide away a beautiful marble floor. Make a feature of it - all that space you have just created can help you show it to its full advantage. So take a look around your home and try to look at it through the buyer’s eyes. A little thought can go a long way in helping to achieve a sale.

Home Staging To Sell your Home published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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Michelin Star restaurants of Marbella

Michelin Star Restaurants of Marbella “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well”. When Virgina Woolf wrote this, she was showing that sometimes greed really is good. But it is even better if you know you are going to tuck into a meal few get to taste.   This is where Marbella comes in. Central to its famed jet-set lifestyle is food — and nothing but the best will do for those wishing to sample a taste of the life enjoyed by the Hollywood stars, royalty and celebrities who flock to Marbella each year.   The town has no shortage of high-quality restaurants and an array of Michelin starred establishments is putting the sparkle into the local food scene. In fact, Marbella has become the go-to culinary destination in southern Spain, with it having the largest concentration of Michelin star restaurants along the Costa del Sol.   Here we take a look at the town’s premier dining experiences: Dani Garcia Restaurant    Practically Andalusian royalty, Dani GarcOa is one of Spain’s most recognisable talents, and he sits firmly on the throne as king of Marbella’s restaurant scene.   Known for his play on texture, GarcOa balances between hot-and-cold, and his cutting-edge combinations keep you guessing all the way to the end. His skilful and well-honed palate is why this gem has racked up two Michelin stars and counting.   Located  at the Hotel Puente Romano, menu prices range from €65 to €185 and you can email info@grupodanigarcia.com for a table.  http://www.grupodanigarcia.com/en/

Skina One of the smallest Michelin starred restaurants in the world, it is advisable you book one of its five tables. With an artistic inventiveness worthy of Velazquez, eating delectable treats such as deer ham takes you on a culinary journey in the heart of Marbella’s old town. The imaginative and perfectly cooked dishes cry out for the right wine to complement the food – and with a cellar of more than 700 wines there is plenty to get your tongues wagging with excitement.   Prices range from €125 to €149 and private lessons to cook like a master are also available.  to book see website https://restauranteskina.com/  

Messina   An attractive a la carte menu brings the top flavour players to your dish for less than the cost of a flight home.   However, the restaurant is dinner only so take lunch off the menu.   ‘The large windows at the entrance lead to a bright, contemporary dining room in which the service is highly attentive,’ says food bible, Michelin.   Located off Calle Llano San Ramon it is has been the gatekeeper of Marbella since 2016 when it achieved its Michelin star for husband-and-wife team, Chef Mauricio Giovanini and POa Ninci.   Prices range from €62 to €78 with the a la carte menu costing €48 to €74.   http://www.restaurantemessina.com/en/  

El Lago   Long known as one of the main culinary reference points for Marbella gourmands, its beautiful food is amplified by its stunning location.   Situated at Greenlife Golf, the restaurant offers sun soaked views of golfers teeing off in the dusk overlooking the lake.   The dishes combine traditional Andalusian flavours with modern culinary techniques to extract the best tastes from the locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has been the proud possessor of a Michelin star since 2005.   Prices range from €60 to €75. http://www.restauranteellago.com/en/    

Michelin Star restaurants of Marbella published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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A stroll through the centuries in Marbella

A stroll through the centuries in Marbella Marbella, with its selection of stylish, modern villas and luxurious seafront apartments, and penthouses, has a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. But a short walk reveals many hidden nooks and crannies that show how the town has developed through the centuries. So come with us for a walk on the tame side, with a gentle stroll to view some of Marbellaandrsquo;s historical gems. A well-established route starts from the old town, taking you through the rich history of Marbella and along the famous Golden Mile. The 7.6 kilometres take just two hours to complete andmdash; without a few ice creams along the way. It is a walk though time that starts in the 15th century and leaves you in super modern Puerto Bananduacute;s. Setting off from the heart of the old town, the Plaza de los Naranjos (orange square) is a romantic setting where many of the buildings date back to the late 1400s, just after the reconquest of Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella. The sandstone fountain dates to this period, having been erected in 1504 on the orders of the first mayor of Marbella. Turn to the right of the fountain and you will find the Chapel of Santiago, which has a small white stone statue of the saint on the outside wall. From here the narrow streets stretch out in every direction, creating a labyrinth of hidden shops and restaurants to explore. Exiting the square by Chinchilla, and the long expansive road, giving clues of its Roman origins lays out before you. The ruins of a castle built during Moorish occupation are found here and are the only remains from the Muslim era which have been preserved, although the Chapel of Santiago may occupy the site of an ancient Mosque.

Crossing the road leads you into Parque de la Alameda and out into the Avenida del Mar andmdash; a wide pedestrian area featuring a host of bronzes by Salvador Dali. It is a veritable outdoor museum whose marble paving leads down to the stylish seafront promenade, or Paseo Marandiacute;timo. This is the place to see and be seen, where swaying palm trees line a path with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and vistas of Africa on one side, and some of the most luxurious properties of the Costa del Sol on the other. Following this six kilometre promenade is an easy, level, walk and if you get thirsty there are plenty of options when it comes to sampling a refreshing drink. Look out for the Marbella lighthouse andmdash; built in 1864, it is one of Marbella’s landmarks, and unofficially marks the start of the Golden Mile. A visit to the Hotel Puente Romano, whose tropical gardens stretch down towards the shore, is a must. Here you will find one of Marbella’s earliest monuments andndash; the first century Roman bridge that gives the hotel its name. Head back to the promenade, and the Rock of Gibraltar is often clearly visible, as are the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Walk along the seafront and you may make a slight detour to view the mosaics of the Roman villa at Randiacute;o Verde, before crossing the river, and in no time at all the glamour of Puerto Bananduacute;s marina will sure enough find you. Thereandrsquo;s no end of Lamborghiniandrsquo;s and Porsches andmdash; so much so a Top Gear episode was filmed there to capture the supercars that daily line the quaysides. Now it’s time to sit back and relax after the long walk, perhaps sip a cooling cocktail, and view the billionaires’ yachts that berth in the stylish marina.

A stroll through the centuries in Marbella published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

[gisellenewton]

A stroll through the centuries in Marbella

A stroll through the centuries in Marbella Marbella, with its selection of stylish, modern villas and luxurious seafront apartments, and penthouses, has a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. But a short walk reveals many hidden nooks and crannies that show how the town has developed through the centuries. So come with us for a walk on the tame side, with a gentle stroll to view some of Marbellaandrsquo;s historical gems. A well-established route starts from the old town, taking you through the rich history of Marbella and along the famous Golden Mile. The 7.6 kilometres take just two hours to complete andmdash; without a few ice creams along the way. It is a walk though time that starts in the 15th century and leaves you in super modern Puerto Bananduacute;s. Setting off from the heart of the old town, the Plaza de los Naranjos (orange square) is a romantic setting where many of the buildings date back to the late 1400s, just after the reconquest of Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella. The sandstone fountain dates to this period, having been erected in 1504 on the orders of the first mayor of Marbella. Turn to the right of the fountain and you will find the Chapel of Santiago, which has a small white stone statue of the saint on the outside wall. From here the narrow streets stretch out in every direction, creating a labyrinth of hidden shops and restaurants to explore. Exiting the square by Chinchilla, and the long expansive road, giving clues of its Roman origins lays out before you. The ruins of a castle built during Moorish occupation are found here and are the only remains from the Muslim era which have been preserved, although the Chapel of Santiago may occupy the site of an ancient Mosque.

Crossing the road leads you into Parque de la Alameda and out into the Avenida del Mar andmdash; a wide pedestrian area featuring a host of bronzes by Salvador Dali. It is a veritable outdoor museum whose marble paving leads down to the stylish seafront promenade, or Paseo Marandiacute;timo. This is the place to see and be seen, where swaying palm trees line a path with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and vistas of Africa on one side, and some of the most luxurious properties of the Costa del Sol on the other. Following this six kilometre promenade is an easy, level, walk and if you get thirsty there are plenty of options when it comes to sampling a refreshing drink. Look out for the Marbella lighthouse andmdash; built in 1864, it is one of Marbella’s landmarks, and unofficially marks the start of the Golden Mile. A visit to the Hotel Puente Romano, whose tropical gardens stretch down towards the shore, is a must. Here you will find one of Marbella’s earliest monuments andndash; the first century Roman bridge that gives the hotel its name. Head back to the promenade, and the Rock of Gibraltar is often clearly visible, as are the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Walk along the seafront and you may make a slight detour to view the mosaics of the Roman villa at Randiacute;o Verde, before crossing the river, and in no time at all the glamour of Puerto Bananduacute;s marina will sure enough find you. Thereandrsquo;s no end of Lamborghiniandrsquo;s and Porsches andmdash; so much so a Top Gear episode was filmed there to capture the supercars that daily line the quaysides. Now it’s time to sit back and relax after the long walk, perhaps sip a cooling cocktail, and view the billionaires’ yachts that berth in the stylish marina.

A stroll through the centuries in Marbella published first on http://www.spain2you.com/

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The luxury golf courses of Estepona

The luxury golf courses of Estepona Teeing off with a warm back, sun glasses skyward and mojito close by has long been the dream of golfers everywhere, particularly for those from chilly northern climes andndash; so it is unsurprising Andalucia is the Mecca for all things golf. With more than 325 days of sunshine a year, manicured fairways and billiard smooth greens designed to make you think, Estepona’s incredible courses are established as a must-visit attraction for tens of thousands of golfers each year. For those seeking a more permanent base, these fine courses also offer a selection of luxury villas and apartments for sale, many with vistas over emerald fairways and out to sea and usually in a secure and gated environment, with a host of five-star leisure facilities included. Providing a picturesque backdrop is the Sierra Blanca mountain range, a hallmark of Mediterranean beauty, giving you the sensation of being in the clouds, while at the same time just a long iron from the sandy beaches that make Estepona and the Costa del Sol so famous. Below we give a brief guide to some of the best courses Estepona andndash; just to the west of Marbella andndash; has to offer. Valle Romano Golf Course Golf course by day and resort by night, this 18-hole playground is purpose built for glamorous retreats. With an average of five tees a hole, housed within 60 hectares, the spacious greens are designed to be enjoyed from almost every angle. After a round of golf, the clubhouse provides a relaxing atmosphere to retreat to. As well as an excellent restaurant and bar, leisure facilities include a sauna for you to wind down in after a long day out in the sun. Flanked by stylish apartments, Valle Romano is the perfect excuse for a weekend away and makes for a great golfing getaway. Estepona Golf Nestling between Estepona and San Luis de Sabinillas, this palm-tree utopia is set within a basin with mountains for shoulders. Costing only andeuro;30 to book a buggy, you can be whizzing round the 18-hole course in no time at all. Known for its consistent putting greens, this course is for those seeking technical brilliance in an impressive setting. Walking to the 19th Hole andmdash; the Long Bar andmdash; is recommended for those wanting to put their feet up, enjoy a pint and some delicious food, while watching the latest sports events on one of the TVs scattered around the room. Paraiso Golf With more in common with its Marbella neighbours, this leafy suburb is all set to be tipped into the golfing hall of fame with its 18-hole championship course. Having set up shop 20 years ago, its lush greens are constantly evolving under the welcoming blanket of a temperature that rarely drops below 21 degrees celsius. Youandrsquo;re only two kilometres from the beach, so topping up on your tan has never been easier , and for a glamorous end to the day the restaurants of Puerto Bananduacute;s marina are just a short drive away,

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Brits lead increase in foreign buyers

For years now Brits have been coming to Spain by the planeload, seeking out greener pastures that offer a better way of life, more affordable cost of living and, of course, glorious sunshine.As we head into Spring, new figures show that Brits buying villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol, and indeed all along the Spanish coasts, are largely responsible for a new boom in property sales in Spain.British expats accounted for the lion’s share of Spanish property sales to foreigners in the last quarter of 2017 as the market recovered to one of its highest levels since the 2007 crash. They made up 16% of foreign demand for Spanish property sales in the fourth quarter, according to the latest figures from the Spanish Land Registrarandrsquo;s Association. Some 2,384 Brits purchased their place in the sun in the final quarter of 2017, double the numbers of French (1,242) and well ahead of the Germans (1,198). The andlsquo;rest of the worldandrsquo; category made up 42% of Spanish property sales to foreigners. In all, foreign demand rose by 20.4% in Q4 2017 compared to the same quarter of 2016, with Spanish demand rising 19.7%.In total, foreign demand rose to 15,266 purchases andmdash; the highest level in a fourth quarter since the boom years before the crash. Over all four quarters of 2017, numbers of British buyers steadily rose over 2016 figures, clearly showing that Brexit has had little impact in turning people away from the Spanish property market.Demand was strong across all countries, except Germany (+3.4%) and Switzerland (-16.1%). Experts say a weak Swiss Franc against the Euro is the reason why many Swiss buyers are looking for cheaper alternatives. Additionally, the strongest market change came from relative outsiders, as Romania jumped 37.5%, followed by Sweden with a 33.6% increase, and Belgium (29.7%). In terms of increased sales, UK buyers came tenth with a 14.9% rise, although in absolute numbers they remained top of the list. This increase in demand has been reflected in prices, with a rise of 7.6% during 2017 recorded by the registrars.

Brits lead increase in foreign buyers published first on http://www.spain2you.com/