The standard of luxury homes keeps rising – not so long ago a grand villa or penthouse in Marbella was spacious, luxuriously appointed and furnished, built from quality materials and had a swimming pool and perhaps a sauna, as well as opulent bathrooms.
Today, however, modern design and above all 21st century technology have changed the style and concept of what constitutes luxury in the modern era. Large, open-flowing interiors with state of the art kitchens that are minimalist yet fully functional and integrated into the open-plan living spaces are the norm. As are increasingly refined outdoor lifestyle areas with infinity edge swimming pools, covered and open deck areas, outdoor kitchens and barbecues, bars and chill-out lounges, not to mention Jacuzzi, outdoor fireplaces and seating areas with fire pits.
Such facilities can also be found in the rooftop terraces of Marbella villas and penthouses, and find themselves enhanced in private spas complete with heated indoor pools, sauna, steam bath, changing rooms and stylish bathrooms. Personal gyms and modern glass and chrome wine cellars are other contemporary features, as are combined entertainment areas featuring luxurious bars, lounges, cinema, billiards, games and sometimes even their own bowling alley.
Taking luxury a step further
Having reached new heights of comfort, style and opulence, the emphasis is now on the ‘experience’, or the ambience and feeling a property evokes, and in the upper segment that is all about a sense of privilege and refinement. Beautiful decors with sumptuous spaces clad in the finest materials, lighting, artful furnishings and full home automation are no longer enough to raise the eyebrows of the most discerning buyers, so Marbella designers are moving one step further.
It is now about the sensory experience, as well as safety, comfort and convenience, so factor security and personal concierge services into the mix, as well as the harnessing of technology to ensure your kitchen is stocked with your favourite goodies before you even arrive, the temperature and lighting are just as you like them, and a warm bath or freshly brewed cup of coffee is waiting for you as you step through the door.
The ‘automated butler’ complements the human concierge team, with fresh flowers ordered and delivered to your home without your intervention, the garden looking just so and any event or activity organised to your liking. It’s a match of old and new in which health and wellness escape from the private spa to pervade the home with its soothing lighting, scents and on-call experts to help you work out, enjoy a massage or cook up a healthy storm.
In real estate terms, art, entertainment, information and the enjoyment of your hard-earned pleasures are also becoming ever more interactive, with large moveable panels, digital screens replacing old plastered walls and art galleries being integrated into your living space. The collection of beautiful cars, once relegated to a musty garage, now has its own lift and glass parking area for ultimate display, regardless of whether yours is a villa or a penthouse. These are some of the things to come in the world of luxury homes in Marbella. Contact the expert luxury brokerage for the finest and most up to date lifestyle properties for sale in Marbella today.