Sierra Blanca

La Concha (the shell) the great fist like peak that dominates the sierra Blanca range and almost every inland view in the Marbella region stands like a mythical sentinel, holding back the ravages of the bitter northern European climate. This mountain range remains lush and green for much of the year in contrast to the golden valley at its base.

In the foothills of this topographical icon is the exclusive region of Sierra Blanca, Marbella 's own Beverly Hills .

Only truly established within the last 10 years sierra Blanca was carefully planned with rows of wide but neat avenues in a true American grid style. Each road has a distinctive name (classical composers) and a simple house numbering system and is probably the dream round for the Spanish postal service.

The homes here are no mere holiday villas; in true Hollywood style they are individual mansions, with standard features such as gymnasiums servants apartments and vacuous reception rooms for entertaining.

Ideally located just a few miles from the centre of Marbella and Puerto Banus this area attracts wealthy residents who want to be near the action, but not on top of it. In fact Sierra Blanca is the perfect hub from which to travel to all the principal locations along this part of the coast. The main toll road is just 2 or 3 minutes drive away, the airports, golf courses and major towns are just a short airconditioned journey away.

Due to the natural fall of the land the streets are terraced one above the other giving almost every home an incredible Mediterranean view by day and a valley of sparkling lights by night.

Architecturally these villas are a fusion of modern construction methods and traditional Andalusian style. Although no two houses are the same, there is much use of golden dry stone walls and heavy iroko doors reminiscent of great Spanish country houses from the turn of the last century, but every property has the most modern of fittings. These include integral home entertainment under floor heating and air-conditioning.

Without doubt one of the most attractive things about this area is the silence. Considering how convenient the address is you would expect the constant hustle and bustle of the town all through the day and night, but no, this is a very quiet suburb indeed.