You Can Now Buy a Medieval-Beach Side Castle in Spain
The phrase “once in a lifetime opportunity” is perhaps overused. But when employed to describe the prospect of owning a new property on sale on Spain’s Costa del Sol, it is entirely accurate.
The estate agency Aida are offering a 4 bedroom medieval-style castle in between the lively coastal towns of Estepona and Marbella: it boasts four bedrooms, a separate apartment on the ground floor, four terraces with sea and mountain views, extensive gardens and a pool (reached by a drawbridge, naturally) as well as interiors decorated with items sourced from all over Spain. Total price? 760,000 euros, or $915,000.
Although the Lego-like exterior is medieval in style – a UK tabloid has pointed out that it resembles something straight out of Game of Thrones – the unsullied grey walls tell you that it’s a modern construction. Work began in 1997, despite initial objections by the local authorities, who were concerned that the project would not be in keeping with the surrounding architectural style. A seven-year labour of love ensued, with the Spanish owner bringing suits of armour and swords all the way from Toledo, a city 350 miles to the north, to decorate the interior. The cool-grey granite blocks used for the exterior, meanwhile, came from a quarry in Extremadura – a region in the west of Spain – whilst 200 year-old blue tiles were sourced from a house in Portugal. When the project was complete, the previously-sceptical planning authorities congratulated the owner on his achievement in building his dream home.
Such a unique listing would attract attention wherever it was located, but this castle is situated on one of the most desirable stretches of coast in the Mediterranean. The fashionable city of Marbella lies a twenty-minute drive to the east, with its famous (or notorious, depending on your tastes) Nicky beach resort and the blingtastic bars and shops of Puerto Banus. A drive of the same length to the west brings you to the pretty and unspoilt town of Estepona. Cancelada beach is visible from the property’s terraces and just a two-minute drive away.
Though not to everyone’s taste, for some this singular property will be the stuff of fantasy, its quirkiness matched only by its spectacular location. The agency doesn’t expect it to be on the market long.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.