This substantial detached villa, built in 1997 and situated in the municipality of Istán, Málaga, presents a distinctive opportunity for comprehensive renovation. With a significant living area of 877 m², the property offers extensive accommodation, including 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. It is set within a vast private estate spanning over 129,000 m², providing unparalleled space and seclusion. The estate's location inland, nestled beneath the Sierra Blanca mountains, offers a tranquil natural setting while remaining accessible to coastal amenities. This property is offered at a fixed price, reflecting its status as an existing home requiring modernization.
Compared to new developments typically found closer to the coast like Aquamar in Torre del Mar (€269,950), Lantana Residencial in Mijas (€205,000), or Etherna Homes 2 in Estepona (from €269,000), this property in Istán represents a distinct category. These coastal developments often focus on modern, compact living with shared facilities. In contrast, this Istán villa offers a distinctive proposition: a vast private estate with an existing, albeit dated, substantial structure. Its price point of €4,950,000 reflects the land size and the potential for creating a bespoke, grand residence, rather than the standard offering of turnkey new builds. The appeal lies in the scale, privacy, and the opportunity for extensive personalization, targeting a buyer who prioritizes estate living and is prepared for a significant renovation project, diverging significantly from the mass-market new construction market.
Key characteristics of location, homes, project phase and points of attention.
The estate is located inland, approximately 10 km as the crow flies from Marbella and the Mediterranean coast, situated beneath the Sierra Blanca mountains in the valley of the Rio Verde. This positioning offers a serene, rural environment away from the immediate coastal bustle, yet provides views that can extend to the sea on clear days. The property's relationship with the nearby Embalse de la Concepción reservoir enhances its distinctive landscape.
This property caters to buyers seeking an expansive private retreat with significant land and the potential for complete customization. The large living areas, numerous bedrooms, and extensive outdoor spaces, including terraces and multiple pools, are suited for grand entertaining or spacious family living. The requirement for renovation allows for the creation of a personalized modern home within a secluded natural setting.
The villa was completed in 1997 and holds a First Occupancy Licence from July of that year. While the structure is established, the property is offered as a renovation project. This means all installations and finishes are available for comprehensive renewal to meet contemporary standards and the owner's specific design preferences. The indicative completion date for the original build was 1997.
This property is designated as an existing home that requires full renovation, impacting the immediate move-in readiness and necessitating a budget for modernization. It is situated in a rural, inland location, meaning daily commutes and access to certain amenities, such as beaches or major urban centers, require vehicular transport. The property's substantial plot size necessitates ongoing land maintenance.
This property is suited for individuals or families looking to undertake a substantial renovation project to create a bespoke luxury residence in a secluded natural setting. It appeals to those who prioritize privacy, extensive grounds, and panoramic views over immediate urban convenience. Buyers who envision a grand estate with personalized living spaces, extensive entertaining areas, and a connection to nature, while still desiring reasonable access to the amenities and lifestyle of the Costa del Sol, would find this property fitting. The need for a car and the commitment to renovation are key considerations for potential owners.
The villa, originally constructed in 1997, offers a substantial framework for a high-quality finish following a comprehensive renovation. The existing structure includes 877 m² of living space and extensive terraces, providing a generous canvas. Key features of the original build include a private pool and a design that capitalizes on the property's orientation and surrounding views. The renovation opportunity allows for the selection of all materials and finishes, from flooring and fixtures to kitchen and bathroom fittings, enabling the new owner to achieve a personalized aesthetic and functional standard.
This detached villa is listed at a fixed asking price of €4,950,000, reflecting its considerable size, extensive land holding, and distinctive, secluded location. As an existing property requiring renovation, this price point accounts for the substantial investment needed to update the interiors and systems to modern standards. The property is key-ready, meaning the structure is complete and ready for the renovation process to commence, offering a singular opportunity for a buyer prepared to undertake a significant project.
Istán, a municipality nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains, offers a distinct lifestyle compared to the coastal resorts. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, proximity to the Rio Verde, and the significant Embalse de la Concepción reservoir, which provides water to the region. Life here is centered around the tranquility of the natural landscape, with opportunities for hiking and enjoying panoramic views. The town itself, with a local population of around 1,700 inhabitants, maintains a more traditional Andalusian pace. While amenities like restaurants, schools, and pharmacies are available within a short distance, the need for a car is pronounced for accessing larger supermarkets, hospitals, or the vibrant social scenes of nearby Marbella.
The estate's location in Istán, approximately 10 km inland from Marbella, places it in a rural setting dominated by the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Rio Verde valley. This environment is characterized by its natural beauty and relative quietude, with the large reservoir nearby adding to the landscape. Daily life here is intrinsically linked to the outdoors and the expansive grounds of the estate. While local amenities such as restaurants and a pharmacy are within a few kilometers, the necessity of a car is emphasized for accessing larger supermarkets (8.3 km), hospitals (8.7 km), and the coastal towns. Public transport options exist, with 6 lines and 50 stops in the vicinity, but their practicality for extensive daily travel may be limited.
This map highlights the distinctive inland position of the property near Istán, within the province of Málaga. It illustrates the estate's proximity to the Embalse de la Concepción reservoir and its mountainous surroundings. Key distances to Marbella, the coast, and Málaga are shown, contextualizing its relative seclusion within the broader Costa del Sol region.
Approximate area · exact address shared on request
Istán is positioned in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, serving as a gateway to the western Costa del Sol while maintaining a distinct inland character. It lies to the northwest of Marbella, nestled against the Sierra Blanca, offering a contrast to the coastal strip. This location provides a tranquil base with expansive natural surroundings, yet it is strategically situated for access to the broader region. Marbella (10 km straight-line) and Málaga city (50 km straight-line) are the closest major urban centers, offering extensive amenities and cultural attractions. The proximity to the coast means that the popular Marbella lifestyle, including its marinas and beaches, is readily accessible.
The property is situated approximately 41 km from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), a journey that typically takes around 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Closer to the coast, Marbella and its renowned marinas like Puerto Banús are about 10 km away as the crow flies, with road travel times estimated around 15-20 minutes. Essential amenities such as supermarkets and hospitals are located within approximately 8-9 km. For golf enthusiasts, several courses, including Aloha Golf Club and Golf Los Naranjos, are within an 8 km radius. EV charging is available within 8.9 km, and pharmacies are accessible within 8.6 km.
| Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) | 42 km |
| Gibraltar (GIB) | 60 km |
Source: OpenStreetMap, Google Maps
Istán benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 11°C in winter to 26°C in summer, and an average annual temperature of 18.2°C. The area experiences ample sunshine, contributing to a long swimming season of approximately four months when water temperatures reach 20°C or higher. Situated at an elevation of 304 meters above sea level, the location offers cooler temperatures than the immediate coast during peak summer months. The landscape is characterized by hillsides and proximity to forested areas, contributing to a verdant environment.
Source: Open-Meteo (2020–2025 average)
While the property is situated inland, several beaches are accessible within approximately 9.2 km as the crow flies, including Playa de Casablanca, Playa de la Fontanilla, and Playa de Nagüeles. Golf is a significant recreational draw, with multiple courses and driving ranges within an 8 km radius, such as Driving Range / German Golf Academy (7.5 km) and Aloha Golf Club (7.9 km). The area also offers numerous viewpoints, like Mirador de Penon (0.2 km), and sports facilities. The nearby reservoir also offers potential for watersports, though specific facilities may be limited.
9 Facilities Available
Source: OpenStreetMap, CSD
Istán is a town and municipality in the province of Málaga in Andalusia in southern Spain with an estimated population in 2005 of 1400 people. It lies beneath the Sierra Blanca in the valley of the Rio Verde about 15 km to the northwest from Marbella and the Mediterranean coast. It is situated on the southern slope of the Sierra de las Nieves. It is also near the large reservoir created by the Presa de la Concepción dam, built in 1972 to provide drinking water to towns all along the Costa del Sol.
| Month | Avg. Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.6°C | 60 mm |
| February | 10.9°C | 64 mm |
| March | 13.1°C | 59 mm |
| April | 15.1°C | 43 mm |
| May | 17.4°C | 35 mm |
| June | 21.9°C | 9 mm |
| July | 26.0°C | 1 mm |
| August | 26.3°C | 2 mm |
| September | 22.4°C | 15 mm |
| October | 18.1°C | 57 mm |
| November | 13.9°C | 79 mm |
| December | 11.2°C | 67 mm |
Ref: VL869715
Source: Wikipedia, Wikidata, INE, Junta de Andalucía
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