Nestled in the heart of abundant cork and pine forests, surrounded by wildlife and nature, with stunning views down over sweeping golf fairways, the coast and the glistening Mediterranean, the private communities of El Madroñal and La Zagaleta are home to some of most exceptional luxury properties in Spain.

From this idyllic location, perched 400 metres above sea level in a haven of complete serenity and calm with commanding country, sea and mountain views, it’s hard to imagine you are only a short distance from the hustle and bustle of one of the most fashionable destinations in Europe – and such is the beauty of this elite neighbourhood. With acres of unspoiled land stretching out around you, 24 hour security, within a gated complex, and a privileged position enjoying complete privacy, El Madroñal is only a short drive to the lavish marina of Puerto Banús and the happening town of Marbella.

This is the only location in Europe where you can enjoy spectacular views out over Africa, surrounded by countryside, with all the amenities of the coast’s glitz and glamour close at hand in a sanctuary of absolute comfort and luxury. It is therefore of little wonder that these private urbanisations are home to the world’s elite; from celebrities and politicians to tycoons and royals, El Madroñal and La Zagaleta are without a doubt the most sought after addresses on the Costa del Sol.

Perched 400 metres above sea level in a haven of complete serenity and calm with commanding country, sea and mountain views, it’s hard to imagine you are only a short distance from the hustle and bustle of one of the most fashionable destinations in Europe – and such is the beauty of this elite neighbourhood. With acres of unspoiled land stretching out around you, 24 hour security within a gated complex, and a privileged position enjoying complete privacy, El Madroñal is only a short drive to the lavish marina of Puerto Banús and the happening town of Marbella.

Located in the most sought-after location within the exclusive urbanisation of El Madroñal, this exclusive villa in El Madronal Residence is one of the few properties that offers breathtaking views whilst still being close to the entrance of the development.

Winner of Best Single Residence at last year’s International Property Awards, achieving the highest possible accolade, this recently completed project is an exceptional property, both for its enviable location and superb design and finish.

The open plan layout and generous proportions of this cutting edge contemporary villa give it a bright and spacious feel, whilst the use of glass affords an abundance of natural light to maximise the bright and airy sense of space. Schuco ‘Panoramic Design’ windows are recessed into the walls to offer extremely low profiles in floor to ceiling formats, and the seven metre salon window is motorised. Solar control glass is used throughout to prevent the villa from ever becoming too hot during the Andalusian summers, and all windows comply to the highest energy efficiency rating.

The heating and cooling systems are the most sophisticated and efficient on the market, utilising air-source heat pumps to heat the water. This innovative system is usually used in commercial properties, but here it has been combined with one of the most energy efficient build systems available, offering up to three times the acoustic and thermal insulation of a conventional build. This amounts to savings of up to 70% compared to a comparable sized property.

Every design feature has been exceptionally thought out and the finest materials and brands have been chosen; from the Fantini faucets in the master bathroom to the Gaggenau appliances and the LED under-counter lighting in the Italian Varenna kitchen.

The most modern and exclusive technology has also been fitted in this villa. The lighting has been designed by Delta Light and is controlled in the main social areas and exterior through the Control 4 domotic system. Every room has a 7 or 10 inch touch panel to control, allowing access to the lighting and heating controls, as well as many other exciting features from music to television.

The latest design and technology continues outside, where the 11-metre swimming pool is a saline salt water pool with pre-installation for a heat pump and recessed cover.

Separate to main house is a one-bedroom apartment which could be used as a guest apartment, gym, office or staff quarters. These additional living quarters are a fantastic bonus to the immaculately designed property, and below the apartment is a two-car garage.

The villa is accessed via a private road that only serves this property and one other, offering exclusivity as well as security. The views are undeniably beautiful, and the stunning countryside surroundings offer a secluded and private retreat in nature, whilst the villa affords all the latest technology and finest design features.

Contemporary, cool and elegant in an unparalleled location, this villa is as unique as it is stylish. This property has truly been designed to create a lifestyle as well as a home.

The design of Residence 2 is a departure from the conventional contemporary with warm finishes, rich textures and chic wall coverings.

The use of stone, wood and steel throughout provide a sophisticated elegance. The kitchen is modern but not without these touches of glamour as the units provide indirect light, with black columns disguising two complete fridge freezers and a beautiful 90 cm oven in classic Gaggenau design. In between there are a variety of pull out columns for simple and comfortable storage. The island is simple yet special at the same time, creating a ying yang in between table and counter – work and leisure. Metallic glass pendant lights hang above the breakfast bar creating drama against the modern backdrop.

The cantilevered stairs appear to float out of the wall and the glass balustrade allows views across the immense entrance space. Upstairs are two more en-suite guest bedrooms and the other en-suite master bedroom.

Mixing gold and beige the second master bedroom is a nod to midcentury-modern thanks to the incredible wardrobe carpentry and sensor lighting as you open the doors. The bathroom layout is open yet private, with a his and hers wall hung sink unit behind which is a toilet and a shower, both finished with the most stunning handpicked black ribbon-patterned onyx stone.

Outside, the back of the house curves around the large terrace area allowing views of the whole property at once. An iridescent mosaic tiled infinity pool leads back to the stunning southerly views across the Mediterranean Sea to North Africa.

Propana Group won two awards, including the “Best Single Residence” in the European Property Awards for El Madroñal Residence.

Contemporary architecture and the highest quality materials underpin every aspect of this modern residence. The property boasts uninterrupted views stretching across the Mediterranean, with a particularly enchanting view from the floor-to-ceiling walk-in wardrobe.

The floor plan shows how the design of the villa has been arranged with due consideration to the way we use domestic space today. Kitchens and living rooms are prominent and open, bedrooms and bathrooms private and personal. All offering access to impressive views.

This residence has been lavished with stone flooring, state-of-the-art kitchens and the latest technical innovations providing the ultimate comfort.

The bathrooms combine stone, marble and specialist brassware, while bedrooms are furnished with floor-to-ceiling walk-in wardrobes. The additional special feature being the luxurious pool.