Follow the Ronda road as it snakes its way uphill from San Pedro Alcántara amid spectacular scenery, and you pass famous country clubs such as Los Arqueros, El Madroñal and of course La Zagaleta. However, one of the most exclusive residential areas here is also one of the least well-known, exactly because it is so select and private. Welcome to La Reserva de Alcuzcuz.
The exclusive and highly private gated community of La Reserva de Alcuzcuz is located roughly midway up the Ronda road’s famous strip of luxurious golf and country clubs – north of the golf course of Los Arqueros and the shopping and dining area of Monte Halcones, and south of the super-select villa reserves of El Madroñal and La Zagaleta – the latter known as perhaps the most luxurious country club in Europe. Just across the gated entrance to La Reserva de Alcuzcuz is the charming urbanisation of La Heredia, a picturesque collection of apartments, townhouses and villas in the style of an idyllic Mediterranean village. The Dutch bakery and butcher’s shop, a French style bistro and a British café can be found here, within easy reach for residents of La Reserva de Alcuzcuz – as are a series of sports clubs and stylish country restaurants.
Space, nature and privacy on the edge of Marbella
La Reserva de Alcuzcuz is a private residential area that occupies the south and west-facing slopes opposite La Heredia, endowing it with spectacular views down across the hills towards the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal area, not to mention the lush greenery surrounding this privileged setting. Once you pass through the gated entrance, you enter a very private domain that consists of luxurious villas and apartment complexes at the heart of La Reserva de Alcuzcuz – within its lower-lying section – fringed by private country properties set upon large estates in the upper areas.
Many of the above are well-established rustic villas on large tracts of land, such as the erstwhile estate of Thierry Roussel, former husband of the late Cristina Onassis and father of her daughter, Athina, who spent a large part of her youth here. Indeed, most of what is now La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, La Heredia, El Madroñal and La Zagaleta once belonged to the Roussel family, not as famous or rich as Aristotle Onassis but important industrialists all the same. The former hunting estate of the Roussel’s played host to a mouth-watering list of international industrialists, celebrities, royals and politicians over the years, and now the original property has been completed rebuilt and a stunning new country mansion erected in its place.
A large proportion of the villas and apartments in La Reserva de Alcuzcuz are indeed modern, either thoroughly renovated or brand new, and range from compact yet luxurious contemporary homes with all the mod cons to larger private villas. It is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Marbella, highly prized for its space, privacy, security, views and natural beauty, for La Reserva de Alcuzcuz borders the expansive La Zagaleta to the north and a protected natural reserve to the west, ensuring that its peace and privacy are safeguarded.
A country environment minutes from Marbella
With a variety of sports facilities, shops, banks, supermarkets and also dining and nightlife options on its doorstep – not to mention a wealth of natural beauty spots and hiking routes – La Reserva de Alcuzcuz is also just five minutes removed from the little town of San Pedro Alcántara, less than ten minutes from the beach and 10 to 15 minutes from Puerto Banús and Marbella town respectively.
For many who also enjoy the quality of the homes for sale in La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, this combination of factors makes it top wish lists of luxury property searches in Marbella and the Golden Triangle (Benahavis, Estepona and Marbella).
