Many of us are vaguely aware that Andalucia is dotted with beautiful traditional white villages, yet many of us may struggle to name any of these pretty pueblos blancos unless prompted. However, most of us who have spent time on the Costa del Sol, will know that if you head inland from the coastal towns, within a matter of minutes you will come across beautiful mountain towns and inland villages, such as Ojén, CoÃn, Ronda and Istan.
The countryside is closer than you think
When looking for houses in Malaga Province, quite often we are presented with a choice of looking in two different sectors, either inland or on the coast, with the majority of people wanting choosing the beach over inland, no matter exclusive the properties. Yet, you shouldn’t dismiss the idea of checking out rural properties for sale, when you can consider the many benefits of being positioned in the countryside, yet close enough to be amongst the hustle and bustle of Costa del Sol, within a matter of minute.
Why consider Monda property for sale?
Let’s take the tiny historic village of Monda, located just above Marbella. This small but perfectly formed mountain village, with a population within the region of 2,500, is the epitome of a typical pueblo blanco. Ideally located above the village of Ojén, close to the heart of the beautiful Sierra de La Nieves natural park, yet just a short 15km drive inland from Marbella on the Costa del Sol.
Monda vs Marbella
You may have envisaged yourself living in a luxury contemporary Costa del Sol property close to one of larger beachside resorts, such as Marbella. The good news is that there is no need to give up on your dream, instead refocus your search on finding the perfect luxury rural houses for sale slightly inland, for example in Monda. And there is even better news, you will pay a much lower price for a property in Monda than you would for a similar property just 15 minutes’ away in Marbella.
This means that the price of Spanish inland property for sale offers much more bang for your bucks, whether you’re looking for a property investment, hankering after a detached villa with a swimming pool or looking for apartments for sale on the Costa del Sol to get your foot on the property ladder. Maybe you are considering retiring in Malaga? For example, this spacious detached Finca in Monda comprising six bedrooms, five bathrooms and has a private pool. What’s more, the property’s inland elevated position and extensive plot size (10,000m²) ensures complete privacy and extraordinary panoramic views.
Why Monda?
Why not? Living in Monda allows the chance to live a healthier lifestyle, closer to nature. In the surrounding countryside there are lakes and mountains, olive and almond groves covering the landscape. There is the aforementioned natural park, Sierra de La Nieves, providing plenty of opportunities for bird watching, hiking, riding, canyoning, trekking, paintballing and much more. During the season, it is also possible to fit in some skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada.
Marbella Design Academy rental market
Of course, it isn’t all countryside, there is a bustling village with white houses and balconies adorned with brightly coloured blooms. Although there are many foreign residents, the village still very much a real working inland village which has retained its traditional Spanish character. Whilst it is not unusual to see the older residents enjoying a game of dominos in a shady square, there is a good mix of the old and new, making it the ideal location for the Marbella Design Academy which opened on the outer edge of the village in 1995. Affiliated to Bedford University in the UK, the academy attracts students from all over the world who wish to gain a BA Hones qualification in graphic design. As a result, there is a buoyant student rental market.
Monda’s monuments
Upon arriving in the village, you’ll see the Castillo de Monda, a four-star hotel built on the site of the historic Castillo de Al-Mundat, dating back to the Moorish conquerors. The large stone building is an easily recognisable landmark which dominates the horizon, due to its elevated position. The hotel’s restaurant, bar and terrace offer a beautiful venue to relax, enjoy the food and marvel at the spectacular views across the Guadalhorce Valley. There’s also a selection of bars and restaurants that offer a more rustic menu than the hotel’s fining dining menu. For more information visit Monda’s tourist information office here.
All the fun, but none of the fuss
Considering exclusive properties in Monda, would allow you and your family to enjoy a more traditional slower pace of life, surrounded by countryside, peace, quiet and fresh air. But what if you want the hubbub of the busy beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, clubs and bars? No problem, can be enjoy the best of both worlds: you can make the most of the sea and sunshine lifestyle, visit any of the superb Blue Flag beaches, shop until your drop, dine out, dance and explore the Coast, then within a short drive you’ll be back to the serenity of your inland oasis.
If you would like more information about inland Spanish properties in Monda or assistance finding the right property for sale in Andalucia, call +34 952 457 761 or email [email protected]