Paradise awaits in the heart of picturesque Andalucia
Friday March 09 2007
Arcos Gardens is a golf club, spa and luxury residential development set on 440 acres of gently rolling country side, of which, only 5pc will be built upon. Landmark, the developer, is known for its world class golf courses, five of which are in the World's Top 100 courses of all time.
In keeping with the exceptional standards set by the developer, Landmark, in America, Arcos Gardens marks the company's first development in Spain. More than 2000 olive trees were transplanted to create the natural setting and fresh water comes from a recycling plant, built by the company for the benefit of the town of Arcos itself.
The Arcos Gardens 18-hole championship golf course was designed to provide a challenge to professionals and top-level amateurs. The course is versatile, with five to six sets of tees on every hole and undulating fairways that flow with the lie of the land. A variety of 500 residential homes are planned for the site ranging from frontline golf townhouses, duplex apartments, hotel condos and a selection of highest quality villas. Peace and tranquillity within the community will be assured by one of the lowest construction densities in Spain, together with beautiful landscaped private gardens and villa entrances.
All townhouses and villas are fitted with air-conditioning, electric under-floor heating in bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, satellite, broad-band, marble floors, fitted wardrobes and varnished wooden doors. Gardening, maintenance and Lifestyle Concierge Service are included. The Swedish Golf Federation will use the Practice Range as their winter training base and have purchased a Jacaranda villa, which will be ready in April. This will be used as a show house.
Prices start at €350,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse and go up to €1.3m for the most exclusive four-five bedroom Jacaranda villas, which will include a free golf membership (value €25,000). A booking deposit of €5,000 will reserve a unit, with four weeks 'cooling off' period to reconsider, before paying 10pc plus IVA (minus reserve deposit).
Jacaranda villas are the most exclusive and spacious overlooking holes 10 and 17, Grazalema villas are exclusive frontline and situated on the hilltop overlooking the 12th hole. The course is set on the terrain of a 300 year old Olive grove, giving each hole its own distinct individual character and offering stunning views to Arcos de la Frontera and the Sierras.
There is a full-time Swedish pro on hand to assist and provide lessons if required.
In terms of convenience and access, the good news is that Arcos gardens is only a 15 minute drive from Jerez airport and about an hour drive from Seville airport, giving stunning countryside views.
Once escaped from the hustle of the outside world in Arcos Gardens, you can also enjoy the tapas bar or excellent restaurant in the boutique hotel Cortijo Fain. The Cortijo has been renovated to provide modern comforts hidden between original walls, some of which are over 300 years old.
Guests can now stay within these walls, enjoying all the comforts of the 21st century and absorbing the ambience that history and legend has created over time.
Given the unspoilt natural attractiveness of Arcos Gardens and obvious golf tourist potential, this peaceful relaxed community should see its numbers swelling.
- Kristi Kuudisiim
