Fincas, palaces, and houses:5 unique properties in Spain

Before the feverish investment fever, which began at the beginning of autumn, Engel & Völkers real estate chooses five unique properties in Spain. Estates, palaces, and villas with prestigious names in the provinces of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Santander, and Zamora, with prices ranging from2.75 to8.9 million euros.

“Estates and ancestral residences are very interesting for investors, but also for those looking for an exclusive place to live.”- says Juan-Galo Masía, president of Engel & Völkers Iberia, adding that "in our extensive portfolio of properties, we have recreational, hunting, wine, and equestrian estates, as well as historical houses, monasteries, or castles that can be transformed into unique and exclusive secondary residences."

“A good location, both in terms of proximity to one of the major capitals and closeness to the airport, having a house larger than 500 square meters, and the presence of some agricultural or livestock enterprise – all of this is highly valued by our clients.”- adds Masia.

Buyer Profile

Buyers interested in such properties can be divided into two main groups. The first group consists of executives and entrepreneurs living in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona, who are looking for a weekend getaway, while the second group includes foreign clients, mainly from Central and Northern Europe, as well as from the American continent. The acquisition of such assets is often driven by emotions, and it is important to obtain qualified advice from experts to highlight the rational aspects of the decision being made. In this regard, it is worth noting that it is essential to consider not only the price of the property but also the costs associated with its maintenance, as well as the regulations they are subject to when carrying out renovations or new construction work.

International experience

Spain has a competitive advantage over other European countries for international clients due to its excellent climate for enjoying outdoor activities, as well as the fact that prices for luxury secondary properties are still attractive. The international network of Engel & Völkers and access to an exclusive circle of buyers allow many clients to realize their dreams.

The palace at El Pardo

The palace, located opposite the Royal Palace in El Pardo, is an architectural masterpiece built in the late 19th century by María del Carmen de Aragón-Aslor y Idiaquez, the 15th Duchess of Villahermosa, whose main residence in Madrid is the current Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. A distinctive feature is its neoclassical style, with an entrance that includes a garden area with sculptures, a magnificent wrought-iron canopy, and a staircase leading to the palace. The interior is furnished with pieces from various eras, ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, and the rooms are characterized by the presence of functioning antique fireplaces, numerous works of art, tapestries, and frescoes. Its price is 8.9 million euros.

Modernist estate in Castellar del Vallès

157 hectares with a main villa covering 938 square meters. The building is a work of modernist architecture, designed in 1912 by architect Juli Batllevell, a student of Lluís Domènech i Montaner and a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. Fully renovated with all amenities, it retains original architectural elements, including the facade, stained glass windows, hydraulic floors, high ceilings with moldings, frescoes, and mosaics. Outside, in addition to the swimming pool with a relaxation area, there is a wine cellar, stables, a barn, and other auxiliary buildings. The area includes 5,810 square meters with olive tree plantings and 8,415 square meters designated for pastures.

A farm in the northern mountains of Seville

A rustic farm spanning 800 hectares just a few kilometers from Casalla de la Sierra can be used for both recreation and livestock farming or hunting. It features a lovingly renovated mansion of 2,146 square meters, spread over 3 floors with 7 bedrooms, 6 of which have en-suite bathrooms, as well as a guest toilet. From the hallway, spacious living rooms with high ceilings lead to a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, a laundry room, and 2 master bedrooms. There is a large cobblestone courtyard with a covered porch, a majestic minaret, and a panoramic terrace with stunning sunset views. The estate is equipped with solar panels and has a well with a large tank, a caretaker's house, a storage room, 4 stables, and a horse riding arena. Its price is 7 million euros.

Hunting estate with a reservoir in Samora

This hunting estate, located 250 km from Madrid in the province of Zamora, is for sale. It spans 500 hectares and boasts high landscape value, surrounded by an oak forest at the foot of the Sierra de la Culebra and the Ricobayo reservoir (Duero Confederation). The building reflects traditional 18th-century architecture, restored 10 years ago, preserving its stone walls, beams, and old doors. The main residence has a square footage of 500 m2, spread over two floors around a garden courtyard with a pool and jacuzzi. There are auxiliary rooms, a garage, and a storage area for boats and machinery, totaling 1,639 m2. Price: 3.6 million euros.

Villa in Comillas (Cantabria)

On a hilltop in the very center of Comillas, this villa with extensive outdoor spaces is one of the finest residences in northern Spain. Its views and privileged location make it a unique property, which includes a guest house and a large terraced garden beneath the majestic buildings of the Pontifical University of Comillas. Its price is 2.75 million euros.