Estates, palaces and houses: 5 unique properties in Spain.

Ahead of the investment fever that began in the fall, real estate company Engel & Völkers has selected five unique properties in Spain. Villas, palaces and wine estates with prestigious status in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Santander and Zamora are offered at prices ranging from 2.75 to 8.9 million euros.

"Estates and estates are very interesting for investors, as well as for those looking for an exclusive place to live," explains Juan-Galo Macia, president of Engel & Völkers Iberia. He adds that their wide portfolio of properties includes estates for recreation, hunting, winemaking and equestrian sports, as well as historic houses, monasteries and castles that can be converted into unique second homes. "Good location, proximity to the capital city'''or airport, having a house of more than 500 square meters and having an agricultural or livestock enterprise are all valued by our clients,' adds Masia.

Buyer Profile

The buyers interested in this kind of real estate can be roughly divided into two groups. The first group consists of executives and businessmen who live in big cities such as Madrid or Barcelona and are looking for a place to spend the weekend. The second group are foreign clients, mainly from Central and Northern Europe, but also from North and South America. The emotional factor often comes into play when buying such assets, so it is important to get good advice from experts to show the rational side''of the decision to be made. In this context, it should be noted that, rather than the price of the property, it is necessary to consider the costs of its maintenance, as well as the regulations to which it is subjected during renovation or new construction.

International experienceSpain has a competitive advantage over other European countries for foreign clients due to the excellent weather for outdoor activities and the still attractive prices in the market for luxury secondary residences. Engel & Völkers' international network and access to exclusive buyers allow many clients' dreams to come true.

The Palace in El Pardo

The Palace, located opposite the Royal Palace of El Pardo, is an architectural masterpiece,''built in the late nineteenth century by María del Carmen de Aragón-Aslor y Idiaques, XV Duchess of Villahermosa, whose main residence in Madrid is the current Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. A distinctive feature is the neoclassical lines of the entrance, which consists of a garden area with sculptures, a magnificent stone pergola and a staircase leading to the palace. The interior space is decorated with original furniture from different eras, from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, and it is characterized by the use of ancient fireplaces, many works of art, tapestries and frescoes. The price is 8.9 million euros.

Modernist estate in Castellar del Valles

157 hectares with a main villa of 938 square meters. The house is a work of''modernist architecture, designed in 1912 by architect Julie Batlievelle, a pupil of Louis Domenech and Montaner and collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. Completely renovated with all modern conveniences, it retains original architectural elements including the facade, glass windows, hydraulic floors, high ceilings with moldings, frescoes and mosaics. The property also features a swimming pool with recreation area, wine cellar, stables, stable and other outbuildings.

Farm in the northern mountains of Seville

A farm of 800 hectares a few kilometers from''Casalla de la Sierra can be used as a recreational, livestock or hunting. The mansion of 2,146 square meters on three levels has 7 bedrooms, of which 6 with private bathrooms, as well as a guest toilet. The hallway leads to spacious living areas with high ceilings, fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, laundry room and 2 master bedrooms. The property has a large paved exterior courtyard with covered patio, a majestic minaret and a panoramic terrace overlooking gorgeous sunsets. The property also has solar panels, a high capacity well, a maid's house, storage, 4 stalls and a training area for horses. The price is 7 million euros.

Hunting estate with reservoir in''ZamoraAG/h3>

In the province of Zamora, 250 km from Madrid, a hunting estate of 500 hectares with high landscape value, surrounded by an oak forest on the Ciuda de la Culebra upland and the swimming reservoir of Ricobayo (Confederación Duero), is for sale. The building corresponds to a traditional 18th century building, restored 10 years ago, with stone walls, beams and old doors. The main dwelling has a square layout of 500 square meters, arranged on two floors around a landscaped courtyard with swimming pool and Jacuzzi. There are also outbuildings, garage, boat and machinery storage with a total area of 1,639 square meters. The price is 3.6 million euros.

Villa in Comillas'. '(Cantabria)

Situated on an elevated position in the heart of Comillas, this villa with extensive exterior spaces is one of the finest residences in northern Spain. Its superb views and privileged location make it a unique property that includes a guest house and a large terraced garden beneath the majestic buildings of the Pontifical University of Comillas. The price is 2.75 million euros.