Marbella offers resorts and urbanisations to suit all tastes, and their variety of architecture reflects this. Cool white predominates to repel the sun's rays, so sleek and simple Modernism was an obvious choice in the area's development as an upmarket destination. It also fits very well with the traditional Andalusian style, which is now an increasingly popular alternative among buyers looking for properties in Marbella. This is tradition with a twist, of course, because today's investors in real estate expect - and get - facilities to the highest standard. If you're looking for a typically Spanish luxury villa, Engel & Völkers are the experts, and are well placed to advise on locations.
The kind of buildings that are associated with southern Spain are very distinctive, with white structures and cool courtyards behind iron-grilled gates. Colourful plotted plants surround fountains, with the water theme no doubt influenced by centuries of Arab rule, while fruit trees stand close to high walls, with the whole providing a cool space in the heat of a Mediterranean summer. The original clusters of houses were called pueblos blancos or white villages, and were fishing communities, while others eked out a living in the foothills of the mountains - increasingly, people are attracted to properties in Marbella that reflect a more modern version of that history.
A luxury villa benefits from traditional touches, while its mature garden of rich vegetation and fragrant flowers promises tranquillity in the cool of the evening, with views of the Mediterranean or the Sierra Blanca mountain range to enjoy. A well-planned garden will also offer shady spots, Moorish water features and cooling tiles to counteract the heat of the day, but will still feature a swimming pool and other amenities.
Rustic properties with terracotta roof tiles, higher on the hillsides with a mountain backdrop, offer even more truly stunning panoramas of the coastline around Marbella, and towards Gibraltar and North Africa. Situated among the pine forests and natural environment, or in gated communities, they blend with their surroundings as a reminder of Mediterranean culture. Whether houses are beach side or slightly inland, this is highly-desirable real estate. New buildings and plots also have potential, in that they allow owners to create their own fresh take on older Andalusian housing. Engel & Völkers has expert knowledge of all these options to help you to decide.
Islamic architecture has been a lasting legacy in what was then known as Al Andalus, long after the Moors left Southern Spain. Its innovative use of running water to keep things cool, the harmonious archways and patterned brickwork, and the style of the houses, has stayed. This historic mix of cultures and art can still be seen in Marbella, while the wider region has many centuries-old examples, such as Granada's Alhambra.
Whether you're looking for a luxury villa or a house, Engel & Völkers has an extensive portfolio of properties in Marbella, including those built in the Andalusian style. Real estate is always highly sought-after here, and our research shows that the more traditional homes, enhanced with state-of-the-art facilities, are rising in demand.