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La Zagaleta General Overview
When it comes to luxury properties on the Costa del Sol, La Zagaleta ranks second to none. This highly exclusive development, situated on the road to Ronda and about 13km from Marbella, is home to multi-million euro homes, owned by the world’s rich and famous.
La Zagaleta sits on its own foothill and enjoys 900 hectares of totally private land carpeted in acres of unspoiled Mediterranean forest made up of pine trees, cork oaks, myrtle, and gorse. All vantage points on the estate enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and the Rif Mountains in Morocco to the south as well as the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range to the north. Despite its authentic country setting, La Zagaleta is just a short drive from the glitz and glamour of Marbella and Puerto Banús.
La Zagaleta History
This natural paradise was originally earmarked by the notorious arms dealer, Adnan Khashoggi who used it as his own private hunting ground. In the late 1980s, he lost the estate in bankruptcy proceedings and La Zagaleta became the retreat of the world’s richest millionaires, drawn to the estate’s absolute privacy.
The area was transformed in 1991 when a group of Spanish investors, led by Enrique Pérez Flores, purchased the land and began developing it into what would become one of Europe’s most elite residential communities.
The original mansion, once belonging to Khashoggi, was renovated and turned into La Zagaleta’s Clubhouse, which now serves as the social hub for the estate’s residents
Tight security measures abound – entry and exit are exclusive via two guarded gates – and round-the-clock surveillance teams operate.
Why Invest in La Zagaleta Real Estate?
La Zagaleta isn’t just a residential community—it’s a prestigious brand known for its high-net-worth residents and consistently appreciating property values. Here are some key reasons why La Zagaleta stands as an ideal investment choice:
Strategic Location
La Zagaleta enjoys a prime location in Benahavís, a mountainous area known for its natural beauty and proximity to Marbella and Puerto Banús:
- Marbella Centre: A 25-minute drive to the world-renowned resort town known for its beaches, luxury boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Puerto Banús: A 20-minute drive to the iconic marina, offering high-end shopping, waterfront dining, and nightlife.
- Marbella Golden Mile: A 21-minute drive to one of the luxurious residential areas in Marbella.
Unparalleled Security
La Zagaleta’s multi-layered security is second to none. Residents enjoy 24-hour security patrols and CCTV surveillance, along with restricted access through two secure gates, one in the north and the other in the south. The security systems are designed to offer peace of mind, while the presence of guards on gates ensures an additional layer of protection.
Luxury Amenities
La Zagaleta’s vast array of world-class amenities sets it apart from any other residential community on the Costa del Sol. Some of the amenities are given below.
Two Private La Zagaleta Golf Courses
La Zagaleta has two championship golf courses that are available exclusively to its residents and their guests. The Old Course is a par 72 course originally designed in 1991 by Bradford Benz and later redesigned by Marc Westenborg in 2016, provides a unique blend of challenging play and stunning natural scenery. The New Course, designed by Steve Marnoch and opened in 2005, is an exclusive par 70 course, that offers a modern take on traditional golf, also set within lush, natural surroundings.
Equestrian Center
The estate has an equestrian club with 23 stables, offering professional-grade facilities for dressage, show jumping, and riding lessons.
Private Clubhouse
The clubhouse is not only a social gathering place but also offers a variety of facilities such as fine dining, a swimming pool, a billiards room, and conference facilities.
Helipad
La Zagaleta is one of the few residential estates in Spain with its own private helipad, making it easy for residents to arrive by helicopter, either from nearby airports or other destinations.
High Return on Investment
With only a limited number of properties available, prices in La Zagaleta have continued to appreciate over the years. Investors have seen consistent returns due to low Supply and high demand. The exclusivity of this community ensures that demand remains high but with a limited number of available properties.
Like to buy property in this luxurious residential community? See our listings for properties for sale in La Zagaleta Spain.
Other Sporting Facilities
In addition to its world-renowned golf courses, this gated community offers a variety of other sports facilities designed to enhance residents’ active lifestyles. For tennis enthusiasts, it provides:
- Two professional tennis courts
- A paddle tennis court
Additionally, La Zagaleta’s stunning natural surroundings make it perfect for outdoor leisure activities. Members can enjoy cycling and hiking along the many trails and paths that wind through the development, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of Marbella and Benahavís.
Family Living in La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta is a great place for families looking for a luxurious lifestyle. Children can enjoy nature trails, equestrian training, and tennis academies, while the gated community provides a safe environment for them to grow and explore.
Schools Near La Zagaleta
The Costa del Sol is home to some of Spain’s most prestigious international schools:
- Aloha College: Located 15 km away, offering a British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Laude San Pedro International School: A 20-minute drive, providing education in English and Spanish from nursery to A-levels.
- Sotogrande International School: 54 km away, known for its globally recognized IB curriculum.
How to Access La Zagaleta
By Car
: It is accessible from both Marbella and Malaga via the A-397.
By Air: Malaga International Airport is 45 minutes away, while Gibraltar Airport is slightly farther at around an hour. The estate’s private helipad ensures quick and convenient transport for residents and visitors alike.
Property for Sale in La Zagaleta
Originally planned to include several thousand villas, La Zagaleta now has plots for considerably fewer. There are currently under 250 occupied plots with room for a further 170. This smaller planning footprint allows each property to enjoy maximum privacy in unspoiled natural surroundings.
Luxury at its highest end underlines all La Zagaleta properties, better described as mansions or palaces. In keeping with the estate’s aesthetics, villas at La Zagaleta are designed and built in traditional Andalusian style. Living is exceptionally spacious – plots start at 4,000 square metres and build sizes come in at a minimum of 600 square metres. The manicured gardens house infinity pools and additional indoor pools are not an uncommon feature.
State-of-the-art technology characterises all homes where the latest domotics come as standard. Staff accommodation plus parking for several cars are also part and parcel of the villa living at La Zagaleta.
The estate bills itself as one of Europe’s finest residential and golfing estates. This together with its privileged position in the midst of pristine nature yet minutes from the heart of the Costa del Sol makes La Zagaleta one of the most highly sought-after residential addresses in Marbella. Property prices start as several million euros and rise well beyond that for the majority of homes.
If you are looking for properties for sale in La Zagaleta, contact Realista now to check the exclusive properties in this luxurious residential community.
