Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Rimontgó

The Real club de Golf de Pedreña is unusual in many ways. Firstly, founded in 1928 it is one of the older and more established golf clubs in Spain, but whereas most of the country’s courses are scattered along the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, these verdant corridors are situated in the beautiful region of Cantabria, on Spain’s Atlantic north coast.

Here, across the bay from the elegant city of Santander and near the exclusive village of Somo, keeping the courses green comes naturally, for while this region has itself got a noteworthy history as a stylish summer destination, the intense greenery of the landscape reminds one of Ireland. Often called the ‘other Spain’, it is an area of immense beauty, where the green of the land competes with the deep blue of the sea. Cantabria is marked by valleys and coves that afford the land a certain intimacy and romance that has made the likes of Santander a classic gem in the tradition of Biarritz, Nice or San Remo.

It is within this setting that the renowned golf club finds itself, overlooking the bay and the lights of Santander across it, yet surrounded by peace and nature. Originally formed out 274 smallholdings, the Real Golf de Pedreña rapidly became a favourite of the then-reigning royal family – a tradition that has been revived under the current king, Don Juan Carlos I. As the course evolved it also became the scene of many a national and international competition, including three Spanish Open championships and memorable encounters between some of the world’s best players.

Most prominent among these is the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, who can be considered a local and indeed a son of the club. The Real Golf de Pedreña will forever be linked to Spain’s greatest player, a further feather in the cap of a club that carries an ambience of undeniable refinement about it. A classic in every sense of the word, this is golf club with a course that has evolved and been improved over the years, but which retains the original spirit that gave it life. Today the original 18-hole course is complimented by a modern 9-hole addition – designed by none other than Seve Ballesteros.

An elegant clubhouse with restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pools, youth club and padel tennis courts completes the list of facilities, but it is the effortless refinement of this club that continues to make it one of the most distinguished golf clubs in all of Spain.

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgó

Located right in the historic heart of Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel Market) occupies a square immediate adjacent to the famous Plaza Mayor. Though covered markets like this can be found in other parts of Spain, the Mercado de San Miguel is in many ways unique.

Originally built at the beginning of the 20^th century, this beautiful steel construction exudes all the gentleness of style and proportion from the Art Nouveau era, complete with visible support structure and finely worked wrought iron detailing. But this is above all a haven for foodies, not just lovers of architecture.

With styling inspired by Les Halles de Paris, the market functioned like many others across the country, providing an indoor fresh produce market to the local community in the old centre of Madrid. For almost a century, this was where people came to buy fish, seafood, vegetables, fruit, meat and other delicacies.

The fact that the San Miguel market is also one of the most beautiful and architecturally valuable markets of its kind in Europe inspired stall keepers and the local authorities to raise the funds necessary for a thorough beautification project that has resulted in a particularly tasteful mix of classicism and modernity.

In general terms the industrial style structure with its Art Nouveau touches was stylishly restored to its former glory, but updated with modern facilities and finishing points that bring it fully up to date. Now a daytime market with a bit of a gastro feel it really comes to life in the evenings, when it turns into a fun venue for lovers of food, drink and socialising.

Since Spaniards are quite possibly world leaders in the joyful art of outdoor socialising, the Mercado becomes a lively hub where you have an amazing choice of Spanish, continental, Japanese, Asian and other delicacies accompanied by your favourite tipple. What’s more, with a diverse clientele from across the age groups the Mercado de San Miguel is also a welcome escape from crowds of rowdy youngsters.

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgó

Severiano Ballesteros, or ‘Seve’ as he was known to a golfing world filled with friends and admirers, passed away on 7th May this year. Spain was in mourning, having lost one of its most respected sons, and the sport mourned the passing of a legend. On such occasions we always say that he or she has gone too soon, but Seve Ballesteros really was taken from us too soon. The victim of a brain tumour, he leaves two sons and a daughter after having battled the illness for several years, yet Ballesteros’ legacy is a rich one.

Seve is described by world number one Lee Westwood as the man who “…made European golf what it is today.” Breaking through at a time when the game was dominated by American players, he inspired not only a generation of Spanish golfers but also other European champs like Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo and Padraig Harrington, ultimately helping to put Europe firmly back on the map. Ballesteros’ contribution to Spanish golf is even greater, his being an influence that has helped shape Spain into a golfing superpower on the European mainland.

The Austrian first broke into the limelight in 1976, when as a 19 year-old he took second place in the British Open. The next years would bring him countless tournament wins, including five major championships that earned him his place among the greats of the sport. Most remembered will be his now-famous salute after winning the 1984 British Open, then known as the Open Championship. A keen promoter of new talent, he supported golfing clinics across the country and encouraged Spanish youngsters to break through into the sport, whilst also making a name as a course designer both at home and abroad.

Seve Ballesteros was far more than the sum of his achievements, though. Some sportsmen are admired; others loved. Ballesteros was both held in high regard as a golfing legend and much loved by fans and colleagues alike. A true gentleman golfer he remained an iconic figure long after he stopped winning major tournaments, and will always be remembered in the annals of the game. “It’s a very sad occasion for Spain and for golf,” said Rimontgó CEO José Ribes Bas, a very keen golfer himself. “Let’s hope that what he has started in this country will continue to live and thrive for many more years to come. That will ultimately be the greatest tribute to him.”

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgó

While many bemoan the state of the property market, it is good to know that there are real estate companies that are recording good results. The success achieved may have been hard-fought, but it provides an encouraging sign that those who are willing to innovate and adapt – and are well-prepared in terms of marketing, organisational structure and the service they provide – can do well.

In terms of significant sales, i.e. the sale of so-called important properties, Inmobiliaria Rimontgó recorded four such transactions in its home market area in 2010. These included two luxurious villas in Jávea, along Spain’s scenic east coast, a large villa just off the city of Alicante, a little further south, and a grand property in the region of Elche.

But in addition to such ‘local’ transactions of note have come the fruits of the international cooperation that Rimontgó has worked so hard to develop, and which finds itself embodied in EREN (European Real Estate Network) and the other international organisations that the company belongs and contributes to.

Most notable among these are a luxury Vienna apartment bought by an American-based

couple that was being transferred to the Austrian capital. Working closely with its EREN partner in Vienna, Marshall Immobilien, Rimontgó succeeded in finding its transatlantic client a beautiful new home and concluding the multi-nation deal in an efficient and transparent manner.

Other enquiries for international real estate that came through Rimontgó’s award winning website and which were successfully concluded with the EREN partners in Switzerland,

Portugal, New York and Florida respectively, are:

· A record sale to a Danish citizen of an estate in Lugano listed at CHF30 million

· A beautifully restored city apartment bought by a French family in Lisbon’s historic Chiado district

· The close working relationship with its partners in New York was also emphasised in the purchase of an important apartment by a Venezuelan national

· When a Florida resident wanted to sell his property in the Oliva Nova Golf Course near Valencia, without having to travel to Europe. Powers of Attorney were issued on behalf of Rimontgó and the proceeds from the sale of the property to a Madrid family were wired to the seller, who was very pleased with the service received

It all proves that international cooperation between likeminded companies can produce excellent and mutually beneficial results. For Rimontgó, the good results of 2010 serve as further encouragement and reward for the hard work and dedication they have shown in pursuit of a clear and effective market strategy.

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgo

Extending down to the waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Alicante, Costa Blanca, El Montgó stands imposing and proud. Its form can be seen from far in the distance, as Blasco Ibáñez said, “like a giant hand separating the towns of Denia and Jávea.” Its impact on the landscape is spectacular, more for its unusual appearance than its 753m height; a solid massif that plunges towards the sea. From its caves and nature to its paths and history, el Montgó forms a living piece of the Costa Blanca.

El Montgó is a symbol of the Marina Alta region, as well as Jávea and Alicante, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times some 30,000 years ago. Over time, Iberians, Romans and Arabs all left their mark, drawn to the mountain’s location and the fact that it was an idyllic place to live. Its popularity has not faltered since, and the foothills of the mountain are dotted with luxury villas that combine the best of Mediterranean lifestyle with the tranquillity of the surrounding area. The town of Caón was named “delight” by the Arabs due to its outstanding views, sea breezes and fresh air.

Today, the mountain attracts those who enjoy nature and hiking, with three officially approved walking paths that cross the national park. One of these paths leads to the famous Cova de l’Aigua (Water Cave), a natural grotto featuring Roman inscriptions at the entrance and paintings by Iberian settlers. At one time, the grotto was used to supply water to the troops of the Roman army, and was later thought to have been used again by the Moors to store water used for irrigation.

The route leading to the top of the Cova del Camell (Camell Cave) is the most difficult of the three, but also probably the most rewarding. An hour and a half of gentle walking leads to the cave and for those with higher fitness levels (not recommended for children or the elderly), a further 90 minutes’ walking takes you to the top of the cave. At the top, 753m high, is the Creueta de Xàbia. The panoramic views enjoyed leading up to this point demonstrate the immensity of the Mediterranean Sea and the jutting peaks of the Alicante mountains that are often overlooked. The majestic splendour of the Sierra de Bernia, the Puig Campana and the Aitana can be appreciated from here. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Gulf of Valencia (as far as Oropesa) and to Ibiza and Formentera; a great reward for those brave enough to complete the entire walk.

The Jávea Tourism Office organises guided visits to El Montgó from March to December. Each walk varies in route and level of difficulty, from slow rambles that take one and a half hours, to the ascent to the Tangó Cave and the top of the Creueta de Xàbia Cave. There is also a nighttime walk of around seven hours.

Rimontgó has a number of houses for sale in El Montgó and the surrounding area, as well as properties that overlook the region.

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgo

Indulging in a few treatments at the nearest spa has become something of a habit for today’s stressed professionals, so much so that it is quite a shock to remember that a few hours at the spa was something that the Romans also took for granted.

Diego Ruiz, who hails from La Vila Joiosa, just north of Alicante, has spent the past four years researching the Roman baths that were discovered locally in 2006. Located in the area formerly known as Alion, this historic spa was originally part of the fourth largest city in the province and for Diego it has been a labour of love to excavate its fascinating ancient structure.

After sifting through a massive three tons of tiles and bricks, marble decorations, coins and ceramic shards, the archaeologist feels that he has gained a vivid picture of the Alion spa as it would have been during the days of the Roman occupation.

Diego revealed that like many of our spas today, the Romans would charge bathers an entrance fee, which would have assisted in paying for the maintenance of the facilities estimated to have been built between 85 and 110 A.D.

Enough of the original spa remains to give experts an idea of what might have constituted a typical visit to the spa. As Diego Ruiz states: “the bathers who came here walked from the dressing room (apodyterium) to a washing and massage room (unctorium), which was then followed by a sauna (caldarium) in hot water pools, then into a lukewarm room (tepidarium), where everyone would sit around and chat, and finally into an enormous cold water pool (frigidarium).”

Although it is assumed that a large swimming pool would also have been included in such a complex the team has yet to locate one.

Also, like many of our contemporary spas, this Roman site included a bar where bathers could enjoy a drink. Intriguingly there was also a small shopping gallery, a facility that few imagine when thinking of a Roman spa.

Plans are under way to open the spa to the public. Already arrangements are being made to turn the site into a museum, which can only boost the numbers of tourists to La Vila Joiosa and help to demonstrate how modern spa lovers are merely following the pattern of Roman life.

Rimontgo has a comprehensive range of luxury properties for sale in the Alicante area. Please contact us or visit our website to view our selection.

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgo

Kenneth Tynan, once Britain’s foremost theatre critic, quoted Lord Harlech after visiting Valencia 40 years ago: “To be alone in Valencia is to be permanently twenty minutes this side of suicide.” Tynan went even further, naming Valencia ‘the world capital of anti-tourism’, citing its dirtiness and unfriendliness to visitors as two excellent reasons to give it a wide berth.

Oh, how things have changed since Tynan poured his elegantly phrased vitriol on the city! Now Valencia regularly attracts tourists from around the world, as writer Jason Webster acknowledges. In a recent article in The Telegraph (“Valencia: an edgy and vibrant expat city”) he traces his adopted home’s astonishing trajectory from being the Republican capital during the Civil War - and consequently severely punished by General Franco - to the most recent recipient of the high-speed AVE train route.

Webster sees plenty to celebrate in present day Valencia, such as the fallas that herald the coming of spring and reveal the citizens’ love of ear-wrecking pyrotechnics and “bonfires that would pull at the heart-strings of any self-respecting arsonist”.

The city also has a proud culinary boast in the shape of paella, a dish that most evokes Spain in the minds of foreign visitors. Actually, this is very much a valenciano creation, in its purest form a combination of the characteristic saffron rice, chicken, rabbit and snails, although the seafood version seems to have travelled further throughout Spain and across the world.

Webster’s article does contain elements of criticism: the writer is doubtful that the Town Hall has the city’s best interests at heart when there is talk of bulldozing the magnificent Art Nouveau houses in the fisherman’s district of El Cabanyal to make way for a by-pass. He also acknowledges that some parts of the city have problems with drug abuse and the sex trade, yet without these areas of darkness Webster would find it difficult to create his series of Valencia crime novels, the first of which was published by Chatto & Windus in early February.

Or the Bull Kills You introduces Chief Inspector Max Cámara, a man who is likely to do for Valencia what Ian Rankin’s D.I. John Rebus has done for Edinburgh. It will also undoubtedly provide a further boost for Valencia’s already booming tourist trade.

There is no better time to visit Valencia to buy a property in this vibrant city. Take a look at the range of luxury homes for sale with Rimontgo and if you don’t find what you are looking for then contact us for more help.

Courtesy of Rimontgó

Tourism in Murcia received a massive boost recently, when it was announced that Paramount Pictures was to build a theme park in the region.

Competing directly with Disneyland in Paris, this well-known and highly regarded brand will provide a real shot in the arm for Murcia’s already thriving tourist trade. The appeal of such a large theme park will make the area even more attractive to families, a fact that clearly is not lost on Murcia’s Councillor for Culture, Pedro Alberto Cruz, who returned from a trip to Dubai with a letter from Michael Bartok, Executive President of Paramount.

This ambitious project has the added advantage of cinematographic studios, which will become Paramount’s European centre of movie production.

Cruz is already predicting that Murcia will become the leisure centre of Spain, with a 2.5km² complex containing 15,000 hotel beds and creating an estimated 20,000 jobs, which will also be music to the ears of local workers.

The amount of money to be invested has not yet been confirmed, but it is thought that private investors will also be invited to participate in the project.

This announcement will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the property market in the greater region, with insiders predicting a marked increase in demand that will be felt in nearby Alicante and well beyond. Florida – Orlando in particular – experienced a huge upswing in property sales, with families buying holiday homes in the area both as investment and rental opportunities, and also as a base from which to enjoy regular visits to Disney World.

Once construction of the theme park begins it is likely that demand for property in the region will markedly increase, so this is a golden opportunity for investors to purchase real estate at the lowest rate that it will experience for some time.

Courtesy of Michael Cruz of Rimontgó

Summer arrives and the thoughts of all keen Spanish cyclists naturally turn to the excitement of the Vuelta de España. This year this iconic race will be held from Saturday August 20^th to Sunday September 11^th, will comprise 21 stages and cover a total distance of 3,000 kilometres.

Already the race is causing a great deal of excitement in Orihuela where the Vuelta will once again end one of its stages. The Mayor, Monica Lorente, confirmed that the race would yet again enable cycling enthusiasts from around the world to witness the beauty of Orihuela, but had news about this year’s route taking a slightly different direction.

The official presentation of the 2011 Vuelta took place recently at the new auditorium in the centre of Alicante and was attended by Mayor Lorente, President of the Alicante Council, Joaquin Ripoll and Gema Amor, Director General of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board. A full programme of activities to welcome the Vuelta to the Orihuela area was announced, including beach, sporting and gastronomic events, and Mayor Lorente emphasised the importance of the Vuelta to the Costa Blanca: “The whole of Orihuela will enjoy this event and businesses especially will benefit commercially from this great celebration of sport. As it takes place during the high season, the area will be inundated with tourists from all over Spain, Europe and the rest of the world; it will be a great way to showcase Orihuela Costa.”

The people of Orihuela have become accustomed to enjoying the spectacle of the Vuelta as it passes through their town, but this year the route will take the competitors – and the world’s TV cameras – in a different direction. The Mayor revealed that, “In 2010 the race passed through the heart of the city and traversed its surrounding districts, but this year it will end right in the coastal area of the municipality, which contains wonderful, award-winning Blue Flag beaches with great facilities. Orihuela Costa is also the capital of some stunning golf courses, including Campoamor, Las Ramblas and Las Colinas. We’re very proud that this part of the Costa Blanca has been selected as the location of the second stage finale.”

There is no doubt that the prestigious road race will introduce a new wave of potential visitors to this picturesque part of the Coast.

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgó

Rising in the distant Montes Universales, the Turia River traverses the province of Valencia before flowing through the region’s capital city and into the Mediterranean. As its main river, and the reason why the original settlement grew into a major port city, the Turia is inextricably linked with Valencia.

For centuries it provided a navigable link between the sea, Valencia’s port and the agricultural areas immediately beyond the town walls, yet after a devastating flood in 1957 it was decided to tame the Turia by rerouting it southwards around the city. The decision to stop the river from flowing through the city centre, as it had done for countless generations, was a difficult one, but within a few months the course was diverted and the flowing water ceased to be the focal point of life in Valencia.

From Decay to Delight

Neglected and forgotten, the old riverbed dried out and eventually became an eyesore littered with garbage and vermin. From the 1980s on, however, efforts were made to clean it up, though no clear plan emerged until later, when it became the focal point of the urban regeneration of Valencia.

Since then the Turia riverbed has been converted into a delightful green oasis in the midst of the city, offering a parkland environment where people can relax, jog or simply enjoy the beauty of the Jardin del Turia gardens. In true Spanish style there are cafés, but also artwork displays, a Zen garden, climbing walls, an athletics track, football fields, racket clubs and playgrounds for children.

Two metro stations, one on either bank, link the area to the city’s public transport network, while traffic moves overhead on the many bridges linking the two parts of town cleft by the former river. A particular attraction is the Parque Gulliver, a children’s attraction that includes a huge model of Gulliver, while the pride of the project is the modern Palau de la Musica Valenciana.

Converted from a decaying and neglected area, the old riverbed has been converted into an oasis of greenery and a recreational space that serves as an example to town planners around the world.