We are excited to present you  this outstanding new development with amazing views. It is located a few minutes away from the prestigious resort of Sotogrande and Estepona.

GOLDEN VIEWS  is set in a prominent position, therefore it offers stunning panoramic views to the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and the Moroccan coastline.

The development consists of 33 contemporary townhouses of 3 and 4 bedrooms with private gardens and solariums, from where you can enjoy the exceptional views.

The homes have a total built area ranging from 139m² to 145m² with basements of 59m², terraces from 45m² to 79m², solariums of 46m² and private gardens.

Prices from 402.000 to 465.000 €.

Some features of these magnificent homes and complex are:

Kitchens fully finished with electrical appliances included. Hot/cold air conditioning. Ceramic tiles. Built-in wardrobes. A garage is included with parking area for 2 cars. Impeccably design landscaped gardening. A large and modern design swimming pool. Latest generation in technology, ‘neolysis’ system with the healthiest and most natural water achievable. Paddle tennis court and children’s play area. LED lighting in all communal areas, as well as many other qualities and standards are a just a few of the exceptional details this project has to offer.

In addition, you can also customize your dream home with a variety of options such as:

Private pool in your garden. What’s more, installation of pool or jacuzzi on the solarium and/or BBQ. Panoramic lift, automatic door to the garage, walk in dressing room or laundry room on the first floor.

There is no doubt that this complex is located in one of the best and most beautiful places in Europe to enjoy the weather and the outstanding views and it is ideal for both permanent and holiday residence.

For more information of this outstanding new development visit our  NEW DEVELOPTMENTS  PAGE  on our website or CONTACT US.

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Its championship course creates a green carpet that meanders through the homes and blends in with the beautiful natural surroundings, while the stylish clubhouse offers a refined meeting point, with tastefully appointed lounge areas, bar and dining, as well as a terrace with lovely views. There is also, swimming pool and various restaurants. The San Roque Club has recently been sold to new owners who have embarked on an ambitions redesign and full reconditioning of the Old course and club house faculties. There are also further plans to build and operate a Five Star GL Hotel.

The stylish property, which was formerly the holiday home of the Domecq sherry family, is one of the most evocative clubhouses in Spain, and along with the nearby Valderrama and the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande its excellent courses form the Golden Triangle of Golf in the area. The estate, which forms a gated community of attractive apartments and villas, covers an area of 340 acres of undulating greenery dotted with pine groves and cork oaks.

A privileged spot to own property
Restaurants, shops and an equestrian centre are on your doorstep, with all the amenities of Sotogrande just a few minutes away. Nearby are Gibraltar, Casares, Estepona, Marbella and Puerto Banús, all within a half-hour range.

We are proud to offer some truly beautiful properties for sale in San Roque, including
a choice of private villas in different sizes and styles, plots for building for your own dream home, and a choice of both newly-built, off-plan apartments and penthouses, and attractive Mediterranean style apartments with first-class amenities. Contact Holmes Sotogrande for the finest selection of
San Roque property for sale.

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A great day trip from here is Gibraltar, easily reached in less than half an hour and a world away in terms of atmosphere and culture.  ‘The Rock’, as it’s known to locals, is an interesting journey into a half-Spanish, half-British culture that has somehow merged into a unique identity.

As this is an ideally compact destination, a day trip is perfect to see the main sights, so get there early and avoid potential queues at the border. Last week, the latest attraction to be unveiled was the Skywalk, unveiled by Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker himself!

The 66-year old actor took to the 2,5 metre wide see-through path flanked by Storm Troopers to officially declare the attraction open, fittingly cutting the ribbon with a lightsabre!

The glass structure, erected at a former military look-out point, offers an unbroken 360º panoramic viewpoint as spectacular as anywhere else in the world, truly breath-taking views of Africa and Spain, and across the Straits of Gibraltar.

Suspended 340 metres above sea-level, the four layers of see-through panels create the impression of walking in the air – exhilarating for some but not for the faint-hearted or sufferers of vertigo.

Apart from the Rock’s nature reserve, with its famous monkeys, there is much history to discover in Gibraltar, with significant monuments and military tunnels burrowed through the rock, or for a more prosaic diversion, a great leisure centre with a bowling range as well as ice-skating rink.

Sotogrande is close to many interesting and cultural areas. We would be delighted to help you find your holiday home or permanent residence here, so please contact us to discuss your property needs.

Image courtesy of Attractions Management

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The vision was—and remains—to build a community as an evolution of all that is best of the Andalusian lifestyle. Part of what makes Sotogrande so successful in achieving this is its proximity to what might be termed the ‘real Andalucía’ in the unspoiled countryside just minutes away.

Indeed, the ‘picture postcard’ white villages of Andalucía, which are known the world round for their beauty and charm, are within easy reach of the coast, forming an arc from the Campo de Gibraltar through the scenic mountains and natural parks that lead to Ronda. The most famous of these is Casares—and fortunately for us this spectacular World Heritage village is just a short 20 minute drive from Sotogrande.

Medieval layout evocative of Moorish times
Casares truly is a spectacular sight, with its bright white-washed village homes clustered under the walls of a Moorish fort that dominates the skyline as one approaches from the coast. The narrow cobbled streets—following the original medieval layout from the days of the Arab invaders—are evocative of past ages, leading as they do to a selection of ancient monuments from both the Islamic and Christian eras. Dominating the village are the imposing Arab fortress walls, but within them can be found the Catholic church of La Encarnación, which was constructed in the 16th Century on the ruins of the older fort.

A stroll through the streets reveals the remains of Moorish mills and two gateway arches from the same period, while extending the walk into the surrounding fields unveils spectacular views down the valley to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea shimmering in the sun just 15 kilometres away. It is the perfect spot to enjoy nature too, with plentiful wildlife including a colony of Griffon vultures, soaring eagles and birdlife on migratory routes to Africa soaring overhead.

This combination of stunning architecture and natural beauty is something shared with Sotogrande. The protected marine estuary of the Guadiaro river estuary and the Natural Park that lays within the environs of the estate allow nature to flourish side by side with the sympathetically planned modern developments, making Sotogrande a true retreat from the stresses of the modern world.

Should you like to share in this beguiling lifestyle, please contact us—we have a selection of exceptional villas and apartments for sale in Sotogrande.

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The Andalusian Minister of Environment and Planning, José Fiscal, received the certificate regarded as the top global award for best practices from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Green List currently includes 20 sites worldwide, of which two are in Spain—the other being the Sierra Nevada national park in Granada. The Doñana nature reserve, which is home to many species including the rare and endangered Iberian Lynx, is permanently monitored by international organisations to ensure potential conflicts caused by dredging of the Guadalquivir river, water management plans and installation of natural gas pipelines are not detrimental to the environment.

Haven for rare birdlife

The Doñana nature reserve includes both the Doñana National Park, established in 1969, and the Natural Park, created in 1989 as a buffer zone against commercial exploitation pressures. The two parks have since been classified as a single natural landscape, with Doñana’s large expanse of salt marsh being a breeding ground and feeding point for hundreds of thousands of European and African birds on their migration routes.

The area was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994 and is considered to be the largest nature reserve in Europe. As such, it is one of the most closely monitored reserves in the EU with several scientific institutions maintaining monitoring stations to keep a eye on the threatened species that thrive there, as well as to ensure development of neighbouring land does not threaten the park. The area is also a big draw for tourism, with more than 350,000 visitors annually.

The economic benefits of the park were highlighted by Sr. Fiscal, who said at a ceremony to receive the certificate that activities such as tourism and forestry allowed for the sustainable development of the area while maintaining its environmental importance.

The Doñana Natural Park is about a one and a half hours drive from Sotogrande and makes an exceptional day out for residents looking for natural beauty in an unspoilt setting. Sotogrande is ideally placed for discovering the best of Spain’s countryside and natural spaces as well as exploring the historic towns and villages of Andalucía.

Please contact us and we can help you find a home in this exclusive enclave that offers the best lifestyle choice in Spain.

Photo: Discovering Donana

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An hour and a half’s drive away from the relaxed lifestyle of Sotogrande is Cádiz, which offers a lively Christmas entertainment scene, as befits a city famous for its annual Carnival in February—one of the biggest in Europe.

The fun loving, open and friendly inhabitants of the Costa de la Luz capital ensure a festive atmosphere throughout December, with numerous musical events from flamenco to rock, as well as more traditional Christmas events.

Cádiz full of Xmas cheer

Fittingly, the streets of what is known as the City of Light (Ciudad de la Luz) are transformed into a magical sight, with millions of twinkling lamps adorning the ancient streets around the grand Old Town area. It gives the historic city—which was settled more than 3,000 years ago—a festive air, with visitors thronging the thoroughfares to soak up the happy atmosphere that fills Cádiz right through the yuletide season up to Kings Day on January 6^th.

The city council organises a programme of events to make Christmas extra special, with thousands of citizens taking part in the yearly celebrations. Many of these are designed to be family friendly, with children in mind. The theatres and museums also organise festive programmes, including a visit on December 8^th from the Russian National Ballet for a performance of Sleeping Beauty, as well as art exhibitions and numerous other cultural events.

Sights to see in Cádiz

Cádiz is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit at any time of the year, with many sights to spot from its impressive sea fortifications and leafy squares such as churches, museums, galleries and sea salt flats glistening in the distance.

The city is also famous for its restaurants and bars, which specialise in the freshest seafood caught by the local fishing fleet. A real treat is a tour to sample the traditional tapas—bite-sized morsels that are often accompanied by sherry from nearby Jerez de la Frontera.

For those who want to make a break of it, there are historic hotels and guesthouses in the heart of the Old Town, with more modern facilities on the seafront and in the newer developments just outside the city. Whether you stay or not, a visit to Cádiz for Christmas is sure to be a memorable affair.

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Running from November 12 to 15, the increasingly respected annual celebration of writing and literature will feature a host of speakers talking on an eclectic range of subjects from humorous to serious, but all of them thought provoking.

Dame Esther will discuss her life as not just one of the best known TV presenters on the BBC, but also her work for the children’s help and advice charity ChildLine, and the more recent Silver Line, which is aimed at older people that also need help and advice.

‘Just a Minute’ on the Rock

Also at the festival will be novelists, historians, biographers and other public figures, who will be talking about their work as well as taking part in a number of lectures and events at venues around Gibraltar.

Sure to be popular is a live version of BBC Radio’s Just a Minute panel show, hosted by the venerable Nicholas Parsons, which will feature Dame Esther as well as comedians Miles Jupp and Marcus Brigstocke, along with bestselling novelist Felix Francis.

For lovers of history Dan Jones will talk on the Magna Carta while the spy Guy Burgess’ time in Gibraltar is the subject of a discussion with Andrew Lownie. Staying with the theme of Iron Curtain intrigue is scientist and writer Professor Frank Close, who will reveal the true story behind Harwell physicist Bruno Pontecorvo, who disappeared from Britain’s atomic energy laboratory in 1950 before reappearing in 1955 in the Soviet Union.

Other speakers include football commentator Guillem Balague, who will talk about his biography of Real Madrid’s Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as the great nephew of Haile Selassie, Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate, and Royal Family expert Ingrid Seward.

This is the third year the Gibraltar International Literary Festival has been held and it is becoming ever more popular. Last year 3,569 visitors attended, with organisers hoping to better the figure this year. A full list of events and information on tickets can be found here.

Gibraltar is just a short trip from Sotogrande. If you are looking for a property where you can not only live a Spanish lifestyle, but also take advantage of the cultural events of Gibraltar please contact us for a consultation.

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Taking place at Gibraltar’s Victoria Stadium with the rock as a stunning backdrop, this unique location offers a one-of-a kind experience and an unbeatable atmosphere. Attendees this year can enjoy an incredible line up of international artists, from Duran Duran and Paloma Faith to Kings of Leon and Madness — with many more yet to be announced.

Along with the music, the festival also offers a wide selection of food and drink to cater for all tastes, and a children’s area with entertainment. The festival has a family friendly atmosphere together with some of the hottest artists around, perfect for an unforgettable day out. There is also an option for VIP tickets, where you can enjoy the best view of the stage, access to the chill-out lounge and even a gourmet buffet.

The Gibraltar Music Festival takes place over two days on the 5th and 6th of September 2015, so make sure you put the date in your diary. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on, and the doors are open from 14.00hrs to midnight each day. After the main stage artists have performed, the party continues with a range of DJs, as well as an exclusive after party taking place at Dusk Nightclub in Ocean Village.

Don’t miss out on Gibraltar’s event of the year! You can find more information and buy tickets on the website, but be quick, as they are sure to sell out fast.

Sotogrande offers a great location with easy access to Gibraltar and other coastal hotspots. For properties in the area, contact Holmes Sotogrande today.

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No ordinary zoo, Castellar’s is actually a rescue facility which opened its doors to raise funds as well as awareness of the plight of its animals, while creating a fun and entertaining centre where visitors can learn about a diverse selection of animals from all over the world. Their mission is to provide a second chance and better living environment for these animals, which arrive here often after suffering extremely cruel treatment from black market traders and circuses.

When it opened to the public in 2002, Zoo de Castellar was one of the first zoos to really encourage interaction between the animals and visitors. In the new world of visitor participation, it’s perhaps not so unusual to be allowed to handle a reptile, but we don’t know of many other places where you can stroke a tiger! There are monkeys, hyenas, crocodiles, Vietnamese pigs, lions and emus enjoying their new lives alongside the more pedestrian guinea pigs and rabbits. Honey monkeys will wind their long tales around your neck, giant parrots will peck seeds from your hand and snakes will curl around your wrists – it’s really a fantastic experience – especially for children more used to seeing these sorts of animals cooped up in cages, on the television or behind glass screens.  Don’t expect high technology gadgetry – it’s more of a hands on family-friendly establishment with winding paths, caves to explore and surprises around every corner.

Castellar Zoo is open daily from 10am to dusk. Entrance fees are 15 euros per adult or 9 euros per child, and there are discounts for pensioners and disabled visitors. The zoo is funded 100% by donations, entrance fees and animal sponsorship; it receives no assistance from the government, so needs our support.

For more information about the zoo and its work, visit www.zoodecastellar.com.

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At less than an hour from Sotogrande, it is easily reached on a modern motorway that runs through the beautiful greenery of the Sierra de los Alcornocales natural park before reaching the sherry capital almost midway between Cádiz and Seville.

Historically important, Jerez is rich in monuments, museums and sights that date back to the Baroque, Moorish, Roman and indeed pre-Roman eras. Cathedrals, sherry making ‘bodegas’, palatial buildings, fortresses and grand country estates are among the classical attractions of Jerez, along with a unique clock and winemaking museum, stud farms, stylish shopping streets, grand cafés and a rich culinary tradition that takes in tapas, modern gastro cuisine, traditional eateries and authentic sherry bars.

The equestrian and winemaking traditions may lend Jerez an aristocratic air, but this refined city with its many gentle pleasures is also one of the most important centres of flamenco. Earthy and intense, this is a tradition that resonates with another side of this diverse Andalusian city – popular with the gypsy and other ‘barrios’ of Jerez yet also capable of entrancing visitors from the other side of the world.

From the pomp of the annual ‘Feria del Caballo’ horse fair to the fiery passion of flamenco, this is a city that offers a wide range of Andalusian experiences in one compact area – suitable either as a pleasant daytrip from Sotogrande or a short sojourn that allows you to sample the hospitality of a range of luxury hotels, country establishments or boutique hotels. Whichever you choose, Jerez is sure to make a lasting impression.

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