Novak Djokovic and Simon Cowell in Marbella, Spain - Sierra Blanca, celebrity district

The urban residence of Sierra Blanca, located in the green foothills of the mountain range of the same name, is one of the most luxurious areas of sunny Marbella, Spain. With spacious Andalusian-style houses, fresh mountain air,24-hour security, stunning sea views, and easy access to the city's best amenities, this area has long attracted a diverse international community, including celebrities such as tennis star Novak Djokovic.

"For many years, people have called Sierra Blanca the Beverly Hills of Spain," said Smadar Kahana, Executive Director of Engel & Völkers Marbella, adding that the area's elevated position allows many homes to have views of the sea and mountains. "It is the most exclusive private community in Marbella, with elegant avenues and large impressive residences."

Just a few minutes drive from luxurious restaurants, spacious golf courses, beautiful beaches, and one of the area's best international schools, Sierra Blanca is a peaceful residential area with a focus on privacy and refined country club living. Here you can find the perfect spot for a family vacation or second home, offering luxurious villas, apartments, or townhouses.

The boundaries of the Sierra Blanca district are limited to the north by La Concha mountain, to the east by Liceo street and the luxurious area of Cascada de Camojan, to the south by Albinioni street and to the west by the protected forest zone.

"Prices for villas in Sierra Blanca start at4 million euros and reach25 million euros," said Kahana. "Of course, prices depend on the size of the living area and plot, the presence of a good sea view, location, style, age and amenities."

"Arthur Loginov, CEO and partner of Drumelia Real Estate in Marbella, mentioned7-8 million euros as the 'strong central point of the price range.' In addition to spacious high-end villas with landscaped areas and private pools, Sierra Blanca also offers two luxurious apartment complexes and a townhouse community. 'Apartment prices start at approximately600,000 euros and reach5 million euros, but there are also very few available in this particular location, so finding affordable housing here is quite challenging,' he said. 'There is a townhouse community called Meisho Hills, where prices range from1 to3 million euros.'"

"Sierra Blanca is an exclusive community of villas," Kahana said. "Construction began about30 years ago, so you see a mix of large residences."

The first buildings were beautiful houses in the Andalusian style with spacious patios. "Many of these houses were designed by the famous architect Cesar de Leyva, known for his style," she added. "Since then, many new buildings have been constructed, some in the Andalusian style, and many in a modern style or contemporary design with the latest design elements."

All villas have their own gardens, and almost all of them offer full or partial sea views. "Usually the plots are around2000 square meters in size, approximately," said Loginov. "There is a lot of privacy between the houses." All villas have open swimming pools, said Kahana, and most of them also come with their own spa area with an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, and gym, as well as amenities including movie theaters, wine cellars, and outdoor kitchens. Other amenities that buyers can expect from high-end luxury villas include golf simulators, infinity pools, and park gardens with stunning views, said Mariano Beristain, sales director at Diana Morales Properties | Knight Frank.

Townhouses start at 200 square meters for two-bedroom units and increase to around 350 square meters for four-bedroom units with terraces, garages, and private pools, as well as access to a communal pool, said Loginov. Apartments start at 140 square meters and reach about 500 square meters.

Sierra Blanca is unique for its elevated position at the foot of the majestic La Concha mountain, from which there is a view of the city of Marbella and its golden beaches. From here, you can see the coastline all the way to Gibraltar and, on clear days, the coast of North Africa. Bordering a protected area, the neighborhood offers peaceful walks through hilly terrain and quick access to all the attractions of Marbella, which sets it apart from other residential areas deeper in the mountains.

“Sierra Blanca is a private community of villas with no commercial activity. It’s very quiet and safe here,” says Kahana.

The area is also ideal for dog owners. "Right at the doorstep of Sierra Blanca is a fantastic park - Parque de Nagüeles. It's within walking distance," said Loginov. Additionally, the area has a wonderful venue for the Starlight Occident festival, which takes place every summer in July and August and attracts some of the best singers, musicians, and performers from around the world to Marbella. "For two and a half months, famous artists perform every day on the mountainside in the open air. It's really cool," said Loginov. "And all of this is right at your doorstep."

“All the luxurious amenities are just three to ten minutes away, including golf courses, Michelin-starred restaurants, and we have several very good private hospitals in Marbella,” Kahana said.

The international school Swans International School, known as one of the best in the area, is located right on the border of Sierra Blanca, just a few minutes' walk away. The luxury infrastructure of Marbella has significantly expanded over the past few years, with the addition of several renowned restaurants and branches of famous nightlife venues from other parts of Spain. The main attraction of Marbella remains the Golden Mile. "The Golden Mile is where Marbella was born; it has the best hotels, the best shopping spots, the best restaurants, and the best beaches," he said. "It is also home to the Puente Romano hotel with its famous tennis events, right on the Golden Mile."

The area is a true paradise for golfers, with a huge selection of courses in close proximity. The region, known as Golf Valley, is just 7 kilometers away, Beristaín said, and includes the golf clubs Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, and Aloha. The Santa Clara Golf Club, Marbella Golf & Country Club, Santa María Golf, and Río Real Golf are located to the east of Marbella, about a 12-15 minute drive by car, he added, while the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, La Quinta Golf, Flamingos Golf, Atalaya Golf & Country Club, El Paraíso, and Finca Cortesín are situated to the west of the city.

Sierra Blanca attracts wealthy domestic buyers, as well as a "very international clientele - many celebrities from the world of sports and cinema, as well as leading businesspeople from around the globe," said Kahana.

“Many families also choose this area because of the better international school and safety.” Many foreign residents are owners of second homes, spending three to six months a year in Spain, said Loginov, but “more and more people are moving here permanently, especially from Northern European countries like Sweden, for example.” Notable residents include world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, who has a private villa in Sierra Blanca, according to reports. British TV star and record producer Simon Cowell has also owned a private villa in a gated community for many years, often using it to host participants from the shows X Factor and Got Talent.

The prospects for Sierra Blanca usually experience less price fluctuation than the rest of Marbella as a whole, says Beristain.

“Prices will either remain stable or rise due to high demand and a limited number of available properties in this area,” he said. “Lots for residential development are also very rare.” Despite a slowdown in many markets due to rising interest rates this year, Sierra Blanca has not experienced a decline in demand or prices, Logvinov said. “We see that our side of the market continues to consolidate, prices continue to rise. Real estate is very limited, and