La Zagaleta, The Most Expensive Luxury Development in Spain
With views of the Mediterranean, La Zagaleta in Benahavís is home to one of the most expensive property on the market in Spain – at a staggering 35 million euros
In light of its recent media attention, particularly with Richard Gere joining its community, it is challenging to imagine anyone not considering La Moraleja or La Finca as Spain’s priciest residential developments. However, the surprising truth is that neither of these luxurious estates in Madrid holds that distinction. The title of the most expensive residential development in Spain actually belongs to Coto Zagaleta, located on the Costa del Sol in the Benahavís municipality near Marbella.
Situated approximately 7 kilometers from Puerto Banus, on a plot of land offering exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Rock of Gibraltar, are some of the priciest residences in the nation. No street in Spain boasts a higher price per square meter than Coto Zagaleta, a fact that holds true for all properties within this development. As of now, the average market price for properties in this Andalusian development stands at 12,304,091 euros, according to Idealista. In contrast, the average price on the most expensive street in La Moraleja (Paseo de la Marquesa Viuda Aldama) is one million euros lower, at 11,324,500 euros.
About La Zagaleta
Coto Zagaleta, commonly referred to as La Zagaleta, is recognized as the priciest area in Spain for residential purchases. With a history spanning over thirty years, it is situated on the private estate of Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi, who acquired it through auction in 1989.
This estate originally featured a mansion, which now serves as the clubhouse for the La Zagaleta golf course, alongside an adjacent hunting reserve. Enrique Pérez Flores, the visionary behind La Zagaleta, proposed the construction of 420 luxury residences, a significant reduction from the initially planned 3,000. Consequently, this residential project evolved into the most costly real estate market for private homes in Spain.
UHNW Residents of La Zagaleta, in addition to the opulence of their individual mansions, which include several properties currently on the market, benefit from a range of highly exclusive community amenities.
These amenities feature a private equestrian club and two 18-hole golf courses, with the first course inaugurated in 1993 and the second in 2007. The initial course offers stunning views of Africa and Gibraltar and is regarded as one of the finest in Spain. Additionally, there is a clubhouse that includes a shop, restaurant, games and party room, tennis courts, and even a functioning heliport. Homeowners at La Zagaleta also enjoy supplementary services such as laundry, garden maintenance, cleaning, and round-the-clock security.
35 million euros for the most expensive house
In La Zagaleta, the mansions are constructed on plots of up to 10,000 square meters, with ample green space between them, enhancing privacy and promoting a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment, which is home to local wildlife including fallow deer and red deer.
Among the 420 available plots in La Zagaleta, several are currently on the market. The most expensive listing is Villa Enso, a newly constructed modern mansion set on a 6.500m2 plot in the Sector H. The 3.274 m2 built home boast 16 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms.
The property designed by Villarroel Architects, has been awarded Five Star in 2023 by the International Property Awards: Best Architecture Single Residence
The property consists of three floors connected by an elevator, luxurious open-plan living areas, cozy lounges with double-height ceilings, an outdoor lounge, ten en-suite bedrooms with fireplaces (plus six staff bedrooms) and dressing rooms Carrie Bradshaw would envy, a master suite with a private wing and Japanese garden, eighteen bathrooms, and an open-concept kitchen with the latest home technology and a custom wine cellar. All of this, with a privileged focus on the outdoors, thanks to its enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning panoramic views.
The property boasts an array of amenities including a spa, gym, wine cellar, and cinema room, all enhanced by expansive panoramic windows. To illustrate the scale, the master bedroom spans 120 square meters with ceilings soaring over 4 meters high. Additionally, the property features extensive and opulent gardens along with an infinity pool, among other luxurious attributes. For a price of 35 million euros, only a few privileged could acquire this unique home.
Villa Enso is more than a modern mansion, it is a paradise of luxury and comfort. While its €35 million price tag does not make it accessible to everyone, it is undoubtedly a testament to the level of luxury that can be achieved in the Spanish real estate market.
In La Zagaleta, there are more affordable options, such as a 12-bedroom, 12-bathroom residence situated on a nearly 7,000 square meter lot, listed at just over 12 million euros. However, it is important to note that no properties in La Zagaleta are available for under 5 million euros. Consequently, this area is undoubtedly the most expensive place in Spain to purchase real estate at present.