A Place in the Sun Marbella

Situated on the coast of southern Spain, this is a popular holiday destination for many Brits, and it’s not hard to see why when there’s so many incredible beaches and resort towns to make the most of. There’s a reason why it’s called the Costa del Sol, considering the sunny weather that graces the area for much of the year. With the Sierra Blanca mountain range bordering the area, a mild micro climate is created. The area feels truly glamorous, from the high-end shops to the elegant restaurants and bars. There’s more than sixteen miles of beaches that stretch along the coast, meaning it’s perfect for those wanting the ultimate relaxation in the Spanish sun. For those wanting to explore nature, there’s the Sierra Bermeja nature reserve, home to luscious forests and mountain trails. The panoramic views from the top are magnificent, so be sure to bring a camera. There’s plenty of quieter towns in which to find your ideal property for relaxing in after a day traversing the town of Marbella or discovering nature.

In September 2021, Clement and Tracy-Anne were searching for their forever home in Marbella on a budget of £250,000. Jean Johansson helped them find a lovely three-bedroomed apartment in Nueva Andalucia, valued at £252,137. It’s near to the thriving town of San Pedro, where there’s so many shops and restaurants to try as well as beaches and a harbour. The apartment is on the ground floor, meaning it has its own private garden. It also has access to the communal courtyard. The flat has recently been refurbished, giving it a fresh feel. The kitchen is open-plan, creating plenty of room for rustling up home-cooked meals. The bedrooms are generously spacious, and there’s lots of greenery outside.

Another option was the three-bedroomed duplex in San Pedro de Alcantara, a smaller town with a community charm. There’s easy access to the beach here, and Marbella is only a 20-minute drive away. The apartment is in a gated complex for extra security, and the flat itself covers two floors so there’s plenty of space. Each bedroom feels cosy but there’s lots of storage space, and one even has an en-suite. There’s also an additional family bathroom. This was valued at £226,496. In Altos de Elvira was a three-bedroomed apartment at £272,694. This was situated only a thirty-minute drive from Marbella, making the town easily accessible whilst its location is more tranquil than that of the centre. The sun can be easily enjoyed from the balcony of this property, which overlooks the communal pool outside. The property is brand new, fitted with stylish marble floors and modern furnishings.

In May 2020, Jonathan and Stephen were looking for their dream holiday home on the Costa del Sol. Jean Johansson helped them put their £250,000 to good use to find the perfect beachside property. One stunning choice was the £295,000 two-bedroomed penthouse in Toscana Hills, which is a beautiful resort with the beach a short walk away. The penthouse overlooked the coast and unspoiled greenery surrounding the property, which are visible from the terrace outside and the lounge inside. Plenty of light floods in through the large windows, and the furnishings were homely yet modern. In Estepona was a recently refurbished two-bedroomed apartment at £269,000. The town was only a short walk away, where there’s a fantastic marina and stunning beaches. The interior is impressively high quality, and the windows frame the living space with views of the sea and country outside. Its location was more tranquil so offered a peaceful atmosphere, but the bustling nightlife was easily accessible.

One fantastic option found by Jean was a three-bedroomed duplex in Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja, valued at £270,000. With an open-plan interior and panoramic sea views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, inside the flat feels wonderfully bright and spacious. Residents also benefit from a large communal area and pool outside.

Jean also found two stylish penthouses, the first of which was located in Estepona. Situated right on the beach, this one had been recently refurbished, making it feel of the ultimate style and high quality. There’s an amazing roof terrace which has views of the unspoiled night sky once the sun goes down, and there’s also a tropical garden there too which adds to the style of the property. The master bedroom has a Juliette balcony which overlooks the terrace garden, and it also has an en-suite bathroom. The property has an additional bedroom, and its living area is airy and open. This was valued at £345,000. The other penthouse option was in Casares Costa, just south of Estepona. There’s a lovely sandy beach here, where you can even take scuba diving lessons to explore the marine life. The property was valued at £288,000 and boasts three bathrooms and three bedrooms. It has stunning sea views, as well as two south-facing terraces where the surrounding landscape provides a brilliant background to sitting in the sun. There are several swimming pools for all residents to use, as well as a lush tropical garden.