In the past few years there has been a veritable design revolution in Marbella that has seen tastes shift from more traditional and colonial style architecture to sleek, white-washed modern Marbella villas and apartments. At first these were in short supply, but gradually the focus of new development in the area has moved towards contemporary homes featuring the latest construction standards, technologies, styling and modern amenities.
Now there is an excellent choice of modern Marbella apartment complexes and villas – the latter either as individual homes or within small gated communities – that cater to today’s homebuyer, many of whom have brought the preference for contemporary architecture and amenities with them from Northern European countries. The trend is evolving all the time, and while in the beginning the main focus was on white minimalism, more recent properties are also incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone to soften the effect.
Brise soleil, polished concrete, matt marble and also wooden floors are among the other features, while bathrooms and kitchens have become more linear and simplified. Large windows allow natural light and views to flood the spacious open-plan living areas that link lounge, kitchen, dining areas and outdoor terrace spaces. Many Marbella penthouses offer a choice between a terrace plunge pool and a Jacuzzi, with villas generally a little smaller and set on more compact plots for easier maintenance.
Home cinemas, games rooms, gyms and bar areas – which were once separate rooms – are now increasingly merged into one large entertainment space, and garages in luxury villas are slowly but surely becoming galleries in which luxurious cars can be exhibited in all their splendour. The latest properties also feature advanced home automation systems and are gradually becoming ever more energy efficient. Indeed, in some the natural air ventilation is so good that you don’t even have to switch on the air conditioning anymore.
Modern Marbella areas
Much of the initial emphasis was on Marbella’s Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Nueva Andalucía and the area between Río Real and Elviria, but now there is also an excellent choice of modern properties for sale on the New Golden Mile, in Benahavis, Mijas and also Estepona. Marbella Hills Homes has a fine selection of contemporary Marbella property in the finest locations. Please contact us for information.