Montes de Málaga is known as the “Green Lung” for Málaga in Spain. Home to Aleppo pine forests and a plethora of native plants and animals, the natural park is a biodiverse sanctuary brimming with culture and history. Where the mountains spill toward the Mediterranean, a property of remarkable scale quietly awaits its next owner there, newly listed for €14 million (roughly $16.2 million).
“Lagar Hurtado,” locally known as Hotel Cortijo de la Reina, is an impressive estate encompassing over 2,000 acres of protected parkland. In need of a couple of restorations, it is a chance for a buyer to channel their inner Donna Sheridan and create a luxury resort or a prosperous winery. Of course, it can also simply become a private retreat. Who wouldn’t want to make their own dreamy habitat in a luscious natural park?
“Opportunities like Lagar Hurtado are exceptionally rare,” says Erik Holmgren, Head of Beauchamp Estates Marbella. “The combination of a prime position, overlooking Málaga, within protected natural parkland, proximity to transport, and full permissions already in place, makes this one of the most compelling development opportunities in southern Spain.”
But, before diving into the potential for its future, let’s take a stroll through its past. Lagar Hurtado’s story began in the 17th century, when Cristóbal de Villarroel first purchased the land and established its main house and vineyards. At the time, vineyards covered the mountains and, today, wine-making is still deeply ingrained in the fabric of this region. Later, it was passed down through inheritance to Antonio and Lázaro Torrijos, ancestors of General José María Torrijos. Its ownership changed frequently, passing from one to another for the next century, including Spanish painter José Gärtner.
Close by is “Lagar de Llanes,” an estate that belonged to Pablo Picasso’s godparents. As a young artist, he spent his summers at their home from 1895 to 1897 and would often visit neighboring estates, such as this one, as well. Inspired by the mountains, he created various paintings of the landscape. His painting ‘Mountains of Málaga’ stands out as one of his finest early works.
Each building on the property retains its historic exterior through traditional stucco masonry and clay roof tiles, beautifully preserved. There are three buildings: the Main Building “Hotel Cortijo”, Villa Mirador, and Finca Postigo. The newest structure is Villa Mirador, added in 2004, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a kitchen, and a pool. Finca Postigo is an old farmhouse with over 4,000 square feet of space, newly installed wells, and sits amongst a fruitful orchard.
Boasting 36 rooms, the main building was most recently a boutique hotel that closed in 2016. After its closure, Grupo Mathiven S.L. acquired the property and purchased two adjacent plots.
The price reflects not only its size, but also the approved plans and permits to “regenerate and expand” the estate. Someone can simply add amenities or renovate the existing structures, or create entirely new complexes geared towards hospitality and wellness.
Ready to assist buyers no matter their aspirations, Holmgren shares, “For existing eco-tourism and hospitality operators seeking to expand in the region the principal obstacles and challenges around permissions and permits that exist in all protected landscapes have already been obtained, removing the usual long delays in progressing to build and delivery.”
This major opportunity is represented by Beauchamp Estates.
