La Zagaleta in a few words.

1. Introduction & Location

La Zagaleta Country Club is a historic, gated luxury development located in the Piedmont hills of Benahavís, Málaga province. Sprawling across approximately 900–2,200 hectares of forested Mediterranean terrain, it boasts panoramic sea views from Marbella to Gibraltar, including the Rif Mountains and the Sierra de las Nieves range.

2. Historical Development

Originally a private hunting estate, its transformation began in 1991. Since then, the elite community has grown to about 230 villas, with potential to expand to over 420 plots.

3. Privacy & Security

Only accessible via two guarded gates, La Zagaleta has 24/7 armed security and tight access controls—with over 1,500 vehicles monitored daily . This ultra-low density estate (around 250 homes across 900 ha) ensures maximum privacy.

4. Exceptional Facilities

  • Golf Courses: Two private 18-hole courses—Old Course (1991) and New Course (2005)—are reserved exclusively for residents and guests .
  • Equestrian Center: A full-fledged equestrian club with stables and riding paths .
  • Sports & Leisure: Tennis and padel courts, hiking trails winding through forested landscape.
  • Clubhouses: Two social-hub clubhouses offering dining, gatherings, and community events.
  • Helipad: A private helipad enables 10–15 minute flights to Málaga airport or destinations like Ronda and Seville.

5. Living & Amenities

Residents benefit from a full suite of personal services: gardening, pool upkeep, housekeeping, home maintenance, property inspections, and tax/accounting/legal assistance.

6. Real Estate Market & Architecture

  • Price Range: Villas typically range from €2–€34 million, averaging around €9.75 million. Over a dozen homes exceed €20 million.
  • Notable Listings:
    • Casa Valentino: €19.9 million; 7 beds, 9 baths; 1,700 m² + 400 m² terraces; spa, cinema, indoor/outdoor pools, gym, staff apartment.
    • El Unico: €30 million; 11 beds, 15 baths; 8,000 m² plot; 2,800 m² living; indoor basketball, bowling alley, waterslide, spa.
    • Art Deco masterpiece: €7 million; 6 beds, 7 baths; indoor pool, cinema, wine cellar, marble finishes.
    • Other luxury listings: €8.95 million villa (8 beds, indoor/outdoor pools, gym, sauna) .
  • Architecture: Broad stylistic range—from classic Andalusian and Mediterranean to contemporary, eco‑friendly designs. Villas are uniquely bespoke yet conform to estate guidelines.

7. Lifestyle & Clientele

  • Demographics: Residents include ultra-high-net-worth individuals (billionaires, heirs) from diverse nationalities: Austrian, American, German, Nigerian, Indian, Norwegian, etc. .
  • Cultural Environment: The region offers proximity to yacht marinas (Puerto Banús), beaches, historic towns like Ronda and Marbella’s Golden Mile, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class shopping, and cultural offerings.

8. Development & Investment

Modon Holding, a UAE investment group, acquired La Zagaleta in 2024 to preserve its exclusivity while potentially developing new villas and a 6-star hotel on-site—ensuring the estate’s legacy and scarcity-driven value.

9. Comparative Analysis

Compared to other European gated communities (e.g., La Moraleja in Madrid), La Zagaleta stands out due to its unrivalled scale, privacy, undervalued scarcity, and ultra-luxury amenities. Per-square-meter prices surpass even those in top Madrid neighbourhoods.

10. Conclusion

At La Zagaleta, true luxury goes beyond architecture—it’s about space, serenity, security, and bespoke living. This ‘silent luxury’ appeals not just as residence but as a long-term investment, combining a luxury lifestyle with sustained asset appreciation.