The rolling green fields and woodlands of this part of Andalucía made for the perfect setting in which to realise his ideal of an exclusive, safe and secure estate of stylish villas and apartments with the finest sports amenities and leisure facilities. Now, more than 50 years on, this vision has become embodied in the luxurious residential estate of Sotogrande, which has matured into one of the world’s most desirable addresses. Yet what is it exactly that makes this stretch of the coast so attractive to a cosmopolitan clientele? Here are our top five reasons for investing in a home in Sotogrande…

1. Space and lots of it. From the very earliest days Sotogrande has grown holistically according to a carefully thought through and skilfully drawn up general plan. This has allowed for development that puts the emphasis on nature, green spaces and low-density villa and apartment complexes. The estate itself ranges across 20 square kilometres, guaranteeing plenty of room to grow in a sustainable way.

2. An enviable climate. Forget those chilly northern winters, Sotogrande boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. Mild in the winter, yet thanks to cooling sea breezes the area escapes the very hottest weather found in inland Spain during the summer, thus offering the ideal climate in which to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle to the full.

3. Spectacular sports facilities. The reputation of this exclusive private resort has been built largely on the twin pillars of golf and polo. Sotogrande’s five golf courses are of the highest quality and include Spain’s most famous club—Valderrama, host to the 1997 Ryder Cup. The green acres of the Santa María Polo Club are likewise amongst the most famous in the sport, with the club recognised as part of the world’s elite. Also available within Sotogrande’s environs are tennis and paddle clubs, yachting at the lively marina and stables at the entrance to excellent riding trails.

4. A nature lovers’ paradise. The developers of Sotogrande have always placed great store in respecting nature—nurturing the wetlands, woodlands and beaches that add to the area’s appeal. Eagles, kestrels and kites soaring on the thermals are a common sight, as are offshore species such as dolphins. Indeed, the mouth of the Guardiaro River, which wends its way through the estate, is a designated natural reserve deemed highly important as a resting and feeding ground for 144 types of birds on their migratory route to and from Africa.

5. A lively community or a relaxed life—the choice is yours. With social life revolving around the yachting marina, quality beach clubs, the polo club and golf courses there is no shortage of nightlife and fine dining facilities. For those desiring a quieter lifestyle, it is catered for by tranquil walks, quiet beaches and secluded beauty spots for a picnic.

Valderrama Golf Course

These are just five of the reasons to move to Sotogrande, others include its international connectivity—Gibraltar’s airport is just 20 minutes away and Málaga’s a one hour drive—proximity to beautiful towns such as Ronda and the white villages of Andalucía, well regarded international schools and a diverse international community. Perhaps most prized of all is the discretion and privacy available to families and individuals within Sotogrande’s secure environment.

Holmes Sotogrande is the premier broker for those seeking to buy real estate in the area. We have a fine selection of properties and plots for sale—please contact us for more details.

The post FIVE REASONS TO LIVE IN SOTOGRANDE appeared first on Holmes Property Sales.

The sleek lines of nautical works of art form the backdrop to this part of Sotogrande, adding beauty to the architecture of the marina apartments, the beautifully laid out gardens and pathways, canal-style waterways, shops, restaurants and intimate sun-kissed piazzas where it is possible to enjoy café society or a refreshing drink as you behold marina life in motion before you. And if the scene inspires you to tempt the waves and enjoy the glamorous lifestyle aboard a yacht or sailing boat, then you’ll find that not all these beautiful vessels are jealously guarded by their owners.

Boating charters

The boats that offer charters usually include a seasoned captain who takes groups out to sea, either following a set route and itinerary or creating one around your personal wishes. Experienced yachtsmen can also arrange to take boats out themselves, while waiters, chefs and entertainment can also be arranged for those who want to party at sea. Most, however, set out on a westward route, passing along the shoreline of Sotogrande before rounding the imposing cape of Gibraltar to cross the Bay of Algeciras and drop anchor in a pretty cove.

Here you dive in crystal clear water before setting up a barbecue on a secluded beach. It’s quite the lifestyle, as you gaze across the sea under the Spanish sun. Add some sultry summer tunes, refreshments and good company, and it is the making of a moment to relish forever. Heading back the captains often sail a little further out, making use of the afternoon breeze to use only sail – a magical experience that is made unforgettable if you’re lucky enough to be escorted by frolicking dolphins.

The final leg of the journey, as you glide back into port in Sotogrande to see its marina lit up at dusk, is the crowning moment to a glorious day that helps to define the Sotogrande way of life. If this sounds like your kind of lifestyle please contact us. Holmes Property Sales is the prime real estate specialist in the area.

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Work to complete the internal road network is due to be completed in June 2016 at a reported cost of €8 million and will provide access to the area known as La Gran Reserva, which is at the heart of the development project. Building plots here offer magnificent vistas across La Reserva, its golf course and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

This infrastructure is critical to the success of the ambitious project, which will feature a children’s golf course, upgraded equestrian centre, spa, exclusive country club with family facilities, rackets club and a three hectare swimming lagoon complete with beaches.

Villas overlooking Valderrama

La Reserva also overlooks the lush fairways of Valderrama—Spain’s most famous golf course—and will feature wooded areas and nature trails. Homes follow the Sotogrande blueprint of making full use of the natural contours of the land and open spaces to respect nature and provide an enviable setting, whilst fusing modern design with traditional Andalusian elements to blend in to the wider Sotogrande estate.

The recommencing of work at La Reserva is just part of ambitious schemes within Sotogrande that will see the next stage in the area’s maturing as a world class resort. The renowned Santa Maria Los Pinos Polo Club is the centrepiece of a €1 billion investment plan unveiled by the Mora-Figueroa family, while Valderrama golf course and associated plots have been acquired in a €40 million deal with the owners of the highly exclusive La Zagaleta Country Club in Benahavís. They plan to construct Valderrama 2 at nearby Castellar with a total investment of €200 million over the next ten years.

Should you wish to be part of this exciting future, Holmes Sotogrande has a selection of building plots for sale in La Reserva, offering the opportunity to have a villa built to your own specifications. The area offers excellent investment potential, with the various major development plans set to further increase the popularity of Sotogrande with investors and lifestyle homebuyers from around the globe.

For more information please contact us for a consultation.

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The transaction includes a number of development plots located around the golf course as well as the Valderrama 2 real estate project set on 200 hectares of rolling hillside in nearby Castellar.

The development of a new championship golf course is included as part of the Valderrama 2 scheme and it will be designed and laid out by one of the leading and most prestigious specialist landscape architects in this field, pledged the La Zagaleta Group. The new course and associated homes will be of the highest standard, comparable to Valderrama itself—host of the 1997 Ryder Cup—and to the super-luxury villas and facilities at La Zagaleta in Benahavís.

In total, the new owners are expecting to spend €200 million over the next ten years, an investment that will give the Sotogrande and San Roque area a welcome boost.

Jacobo Cestino, Managing Director of La Zagaleta Group in Spain said: “This transaction confirms our position at the forefront of the high end luxury property market as well as connecting us to one of the world’s most prestigious golf brands. The company has not discounted the possibility of acquiring other luxury and lifestyle brands over the medium term.”

Although La Zagaleta has bought the golf course, the Royal Valderrama Golf Club is a separate entity that holds the concession to run the course until 2050.

The Zagaleta Group was established in 1991 and gives its name to one of Europe’s most exclusive, private and secure gated communities and resorts, extending over 900 hectares of which almost 500 hectares are green spaces. Facilities of the resort include a heliport, a country club—El Club de Campo La Zagaleta—two golf courses and an equestrian centre, all of which are for the exclusive use of residents and their guests. The company is currently building a number of new properties for 2016. The indicative price range for these will be between €12-14 million.

La Zagaleta today boasts more than 230 properties on plots ranging between 3000m² and 10,000m² that are valued between €5 and €25million each. The new development of Valderrama 2 will follow the same model of super-luxury and seven-star facilities catering for a wealthy international clientele, said Sr. Cestino.

At Holmes Sotogrande we see the deal as a very interesting fusion of two famous brands. These are exciting times for Sotogrande, with the new owners of the resort planning €1 billion in investment and the plans for the expansion of the La Reserva development well under way. La Zagaleta will bring the same ethos of quality and exclusivity that has already served Sotogrande so well, creating a groundswell of top luxury development that will see the resort’s status and appeal rise further.

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An hour and a half’s drive away from the relaxed lifestyle of Sotogrande is Cádiz, which offers a lively Christmas entertainment scene, as befits a city famous for its annual Carnival in February—one of the biggest in Europe.

The fun loving, open and friendly inhabitants of the Costa de la Luz capital ensure a festive atmosphere throughout December, with numerous musical events from flamenco to rock, as well as more traditional Christmas events.

Cádiz full of Xmas cheer

Fittingly, the streets of what is known as the City of Light (Ciudad de la Luz) are transformed into a magical sight, with millions of twinkling lamps adorning the ancient streets around the grand Old Town area. It gives the historic city—which was settled more than 3,000 years ago—a festive air, with visitors thronging the thoroughfares to soak up the happy atmosphere that fills Cádiz right through the yuletide season up to Kings Day on January 6^th.

The city council organises a programme of events to make Christmas extra special, with thousands of citizens taking part in the yearly celebrations. Many of these are designed to be family friendly, with children in mind. The theatres and museums also organise festive programmes, including a visit on December 8^th from the Russian National Ballet for a performance of Sleeping Beauty, as well as art exhibitions and numerous other cultural events.

Sights to see in Cádiz

Cádiz is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit at any time of the year, with many sights to spot from its impressive sea fortifications and leafy squares such as churches, museums, galleries and sea salt flats glistening in the distance.

The city is also famous for its restaurants and bars, which specialise in the freshest seafood caught by the local fishing fleet. A real treat is a tour to sample the traditional tapas—bite-sized morsels that are often accompanied by sherry from nearby Jerez de la Frontera.

For those who want to make a break of it, there are historic hotels and guesthouses in the heart of the Old Town, with more modern facilities on the seafront and in the newer developments just outside the city. Whether you stay or not, a visit to Cádiz for Christmas is sure to be a memorable affair.

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Much of the fun is aimed at the kids, with Santa’s house in the Sotogrande marina, Christmas decoration workshops, festive stalls and carol singing being some of the highlights. As befits a seaside location, the Three Wise Men will be arriving by boat, with plenty of surprises promised.

La Reserva Golf Club will open its refurbished facilities and join in the festive fun with two Christmas golf tournaments, an ice rink as well as live shows and music.

The calendar of events kicks off with the switching on of Sotogrande’s decorative lights that sees a magnificent Christmas tree adorned with 4,500 lamps as its centrepiece. Below is the calendar of events:

December 3rd
Let there be light! Christmas illuminations switched on
Where: SOTOGRANDE MARINA
When: 7pm

Singing stars: Choral Performance by Sotogrande International School choir
Where: SOTOGRANDE MARINA
When: 7pm

Welcome: Opening of Santa’s House.
Where: SOTOGRANDE MARINA
When: 7pm

Workshop: Getting Ready for Christmas
Where: OSVALDO LOBALZO ART GALLERY
When: 5pm

December 11th
Musical evening: Performance by Sotogrande International School choir
Where: SOTOGRANDE CHURCH
When: 7pm

December 12th
Stock up on your festive goodies: Christmas Market
Where: SOTOGRANDE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
When: 1pm

December 15th
Put your skates on: La Reserva Opening with Ice Rink and Live Music
Where: LA RESERVA
When: To be confirmed

December 1st – 15th
Charity Action: The Shoe Box Appeal
Where: FUNDAMENTALS

December 18th
Festive tunes: Live Christmas Music
Where: LA QUINTA TAPAS
When: To be confirmed

December 19th
In the swing: Christmas Golf Tournament
Where: LA RESERVA
When: Contact golf club

Ho, ho, ho: Santa Claus Greets the Kids
Where: SOTOGRANDE MARINA
When: 5pm – 8pm

Workshop: Creating Dreams
Where: OSVALDO LOBALZO ART GALLERY
When: 5pm

December 20th
Get set, GO: Christmas Charity Race
Where: PUERTO SOTOGRANDE
When: 11.30am

Ho, ho, ho: Santa Claus Greets the Kids
Where: SOTOGRANDE MARINA
When: 5pm to 8pm

Workshop: Creating Dreams
Where: OSVALDO LOBALZO ART GALLERY
When: 5pm

December 24th
Dancing shoes: Flamenco, Christmas Carols & Champagne
Where: KE BAR
When: To be confirmed

Tuck in: Christmas Eve dinner
Where: ALMENARA HOTEL (GAIA)
When: 7pm

December 25th
The big day: Christmas Lunch activities Activities
Where: LA RESERVA
When: To be confirmed

Food and fun: Christmas dinner with Piano Concert
Where: ALMENARA HOTEL (GAIA)
When: 7pm

December 26th
Tea for two: Afternoon Tea with Christmas Band
Where: ALMENARA HOTEL
When: 5.30pm

December 27th
Final putt: Farewell to 2015 Golf Tournament
Where: LA RESERVA
When: Contact golf club

December 31st
Dancing shoes: Flamenco Christmas Carols and Champagne
Where: KE Bar
When: To be confirmed

For Auld Lang Syne:
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Where: HOTEL ALMENARA
When: 8.15 pm

New Year’s Eve
Where: SANTA MARÍA POLO CLUB

New Year’s Eve
Where: TROCADERO SOTOGRANDE

January 1st
How’s the head?: New Year’s Brunch
Where: LA RESERVA
When: To be confirmed

January 2nd
Time for art: “Painting with daddy” Exposition
Where: OSVALDO LOBALZO ART GALLERY

January 3rd
Handy fun: Puppet Workshop
Where: OSVALDO LOBALZO ART GALLERY
When: 11pm

January 5th
Special guests: Three Wise Men Visit
Where: SOTOGRANDE MARINA
When: To be confirmed

January 8th – 10th
Saddle up: Christmas Polo Match and Activities
Where: SANTA Mª POLO CLUB – PUENTE DE HIERRO

The post Have a Sotogrande Christmas appeared first on Holmes Property Sales.

Running from November 12 to 15, the increasingly respected annual celebration of writing and literature will feature a host of speakers talking on an eclectic range of subjects from humorous to serious, but all of them thought provoking.

Dame Esther will discuss her life as not just one of the best known TV presenters on the BBC, but also her work for the children’s help and advice charity ChildLine, and the more recent Silver Line, which is aimed at older people that also need help and advice.

‘Just a Minute’ on the Rock

Also at the festival will be novelists, historians, biographers and other public figures, who will be talking about their work as well as taking part in a number of lectures and events at venues around Gibraltar.

Sure to be popular is a live version of BBC Radio’s Just a Minute panel show, hosted by the venerable Nicholas Parsons, which will feature Dame Esther as well as comedians Miles Jupp and Marcus Brigstocke, along with bestselling novelist Felix Francis.

For lovers of history Dan Jones will talk on the Magna Carta while the spy Guy Burgess’ time in Gibraltar is the subject of a discussion with Andrew Lownie. Staying with the theme of Iron Curtain intrigue is scientist and writer Professor Frank Close, who will reveal the true story behind Harwell physicist Bruno Pontecorvo, who disappeared from Britain’s atomic energy laboratory in 1950 before reappearing in 1955 in the Soviet Union.

Other speakers include football commentator Guillem Balague, who will talk about his biography of Real Madrid’s Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as the great nephew of Haile Selassie, Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate, and Royal Family expert Ingrid Seward.

This is the third year the Gibraltar International Literary Festival has been held and it is becoming ever more popular. Last year 3,569 visitors attended, with organisers hoping to better the figure this year. A full list of events and information on tickets can be found here.

Gibraltar is just a short trip from Sotogrande. If you are looking for a property where you can not only live a Spanish lifestyle, but also take advantage of the cultural events of Gibraltar please contact us for a consultation.

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It is no overstatement to say that this stylish resort made up of luxury villas and marina apartments has gained worldwide renown largely due to the quality of facilities for these two elegant past times. This is no coincidence, as both were central to the vision of Sotogrande founder Joseph McMicking when he decided to create an exclusive enclave for an international jet set looking for a tranquil lifestyle in the sunshine of southern Spain.

He realised that by using the twin attractions of these two sports, he would not just provide residents with first class facilities, but raise the profile of Sotogrande around the world by hosting high-ranking international events.

Valderrama and the Ryder Cup

In the case of golf, it culminated in the biggest tournament ever played in Spain—the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama, which also hosted the European Tour’s end of season Volvo Masters for many years, but before Valderrama, there was the Club de Golf de Sotogrande—later to be awarded the royal title Real by King Juan Carlos I.

This course, the first in Europe to be designed by renowned American architect Robert Trent Jones opened its doors in 1964, and as well as being an instant success was highly innovative. Never before had a European course been seeded with Bermuda 419, a hard wearing and fast growing turf. Moreover the course was the first in Europe to feature an automatic irrigation system—vital in the dry and sunny conditions that helped make Sotogrande such an attractive location to start with.

The quality and design of the course quickly made it popular with amateurs and professionals alike and it became a venue for a string of prestigious tournaments. The Sherry Cup, first held in 1970, has since evolved into the European Championship of Nations Cup, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf. The individual trophy has been presented to some of the biggest names in golf, including Padraig Harrington, Sergio García and Rory McIlroy.

Superstar Ballesteros at Sotogrande

Another golfing superstar to have made a name for himself at Sotogrande is José María Olazábal, who won the Spanish Amateur Championship when it was held at Real Club de Golf in 1983. While the legendary Severiano Ballesteros took the honours when the Spanish Professional Championship was held there in 1987.

Between 1996 and 2001 the course, along with San Roque Club, was the site of the European Tour Qualifying School. Players of the stature of Ian Poulter, Geoff Ogilvy, Justin Rose, Niclas Fasth and Nicolas Colsaerts will have fond memories of the Sotogrande area, as they all earned their European Tour cards on its courses.

Over the years the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande has been highly successful in keeping the area on the world stage. Now a private members club, it is still regarded as one of the best courses in the country and remains a big draw for people looking to buy a property in the area—ideally with a view over its wonderfully undulating park landscape.

Holmes Sotogrande has a selection of fine villas for sale in and around Sotogrande, please contact us for more details if you would like to join this exclusive community.

The post GOLF: MAKING SOTOGRANDE’S NAME appeared first on Holmes Property Sales.

In order to build further on the estate’s successful history, Sotogrande S.A. has recently appointed a new CEO, Marc Topiol, who aims to drive the company forward into a “vibrant, captivating and appealing,” future whilst respecting its illustrious past.

Some of the planned projects have already been completed, including renovation of the tennis and paddle centre, and improvements to the Almenara Hotel and golf academy. This summer also saw the launch of El Mercado de Levante, a family centred market experience, which welcomed many visitors to the marina every day to shop, eat, drink, admire art and play in the children’s zone.

Further into Sotogrande, plans for La Reserva, a residential area on a panoramic hillside, make provision for a wide range of facilities including a swimming lagoon with beaches, club and water sports activities, tennis and paddle, spa, equestrian centre, nature routes and improvements to La Reserva Golf and clubhouse. Future development at La Reserva will be restricted and monitored to ensure minimum environmental impact and sensitive architecture, encapsulating Sotogrande S.A.’s aim to provide uniquely family friendly surroundings for all of its residents.

Big plans for Santa María Polo Club

Development plans have also been outlined for Sotogrande’s highly respected Santa María Polo Club. The hugely successful Bvlgari Gold Cup tournament, watched by 80,000 spectators and won by Dubai Polo Club at the end of August, reinforced the club’s popularity with players and aficionados from all over the world.

Ultimately envisaged as the largest polo complex in Europe, additions will include a new clubhouse, five star hotel, exclusive apartment complex, business centre, spa, shops, restaurants and a small number of premium front line polo field residential plots. The club aims to be able to host top class equestrian competitive events such as dressage and eventing, extending the season to the whole year.

The future is very bright for Sotogrande and its surrounding areas, not only in terms of visitor attractions but also local employment over the next few years while Sotogrande S.A.’s plans come to fruition.

If you would like to be part of this exciting vision, Holmes has a selection of fine properties for sale in Sotogrande. Please contact us for a consultation.

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Well known is the fact that the estuary itself is a protected area that has been designated a ‘natural space’. The affected zone is relatively small, occupying an island formed by silt and sediment washed down river on its journey from the Ronda mountains. But its importance belies its size. A unique, environment, it is rich in flora and fauna, especially bird life, while its position on migratory routes sees up to 140 bird species using the wetlands as feeding grounds on their long trip to Africa.

Flamingos, ospreys, royal and imperial herons, little egrets and spoonbills are just some of the birds regularly spotted there, which is why the area was declared a site of special interest.

Protected marine environment
Less well known is that the marine environment of the surrounding area is also protected due to the importance of the feeding grounds, which function as a nursery of a diverse and unique sea fauna.

Originally the area was a rich fishery, but commercial exploitation led to the fishermen moving elsewhere as catches dwindled. Now it is mainly sports anglers who fish these waters, and their low impact methods mean the nursery is recovering, making the 102 hectare reserve important in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.

Guadiaro’s bio-diverse environment
Although dwarfed by nearby reserves such as the Bay of Cádiz (10,579 hectares) and the 8,710 hectares of the Estrecho (Straights of Gibraltar), it punches well above its weight in environmental importance. A unique bio-diverse mix of sea creatures thrive on the nutrients washed downstream by the Guadiaro. Thanks to its location, where Atlantic oceanic waters mingle with those of the Mediterranean, there is nowhere else that is home to quite the same variety of fish and other sea life

The importance of this natural environment has been recognised by the management of Sotogrande, who have recently unveiled ambitious plans for a billion euro investment at La Reserva, pledging to work to keep the development in harmony with nature.

With such important ecological resources close by, it is to be welcomed that the natural environment has been placed high up the agenda at Sotogrande.

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