Many art aficionados and Picasso fans have been delighted to hear of the new acquisitions procured by Malaga’s Picasso Museo de Picasso.
After a flagrant Summer’ spending some 72 pieces have been picked up by the museum. Among them are 22 drawings and 46 paintings, spanning the whole of the artists illustrious and lucid career.
Also exciting the galley owners is the acquisition of four of the artist’s sketchbooks, which offer wonderful insights in to the artist development, his experiments with style and the formation of techniques.
This new collection has set the museum back a total of 2.75 million Euros and builds on an already staggering collection, now totalling at 233 pieces.
Now the museum offers an even more well rounded experience of Picasso’s work than ever before. The visitor is now invited to Picasso’s work as if its own world, you can experience a very big range of his vast range of style, glimmering through many periods of the prolific painter’s career.
Museum curator Jose Lobero believes that these new acquisitions and the impending reorganisation of the museum should really help visitors be able to appreciate the work of the Master painter. He remarked “Each spectator can become their own interpreter, and be the author of what they see.”
Some of the work has already been exhibited at the museum, but the museum’s metamorphosis really begins in October when 43 works acquired from the Almine and Bernand Ruiz Picasso Foundation will be introduced.
Recently visitors to the museum have been wowed by the exhibition of works from Czech painter, Frantisek Kupka, whose exhibition attracted 46,000 visitors, and was described by some as life changing.
This influx in spending and acquisition at the Picasso Museum accompanies a 2.9 million facelift to Malaga’s city centre, as the Junta de Andalusia councillor for Tourism, Luciano Alonso, has outlined plans for a six month refurbishment of many of the streets surrounding the Picasso Museum.
The appearance of the area around the Museum is set to vastly improve, to make it more attractive to tourists. There are also plans for new unique street art that will have a budget of up to one million Euros. So far the streets set to be repaired are San Agustin, Cister, Duque de la Victoria and Molina Larios, yet there are plans to extend this regeneration further throughout the town.
Tourism is a vital industry in the Costa Del Sol, bringing millions of visitors a year who part with billions of Euros, and Malaga seems keen to invest in and maintain that market. This year has been a particularly good year for Spanish tourism as it has seen a rise in British holidaymakers, who have been returning to the region of Spain as an old favourite.
With the recession currently tightening the purse strings of many tourist, and an ever increasing vacation rental market, owners of Costa Del Sol villas, have found 2010 a particularly rich year.
The Museo Picasso Málaga was created in response to Pablo Picasso’s own desire for his work to be present in the city where he was born, on 25th October, 1881. The Museum was created thanks to the shared wishes of Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, the artist’s daughter-in-law and grandson, whose donations constitute the core of the MPM Collection, and to the efforts of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia, which coordinated the major project to set up a museum devoted to the artist whose styles and techniques changed the course of modern art.
The initial idea for the Museum arose in 1953, as a result of the contact between Pablo Picasso and Juan Temboury Álvarez, who was the Provincial Delegate for Fine Arts in Malaga. However, the project fell through shortly afterwards.
Christine Ruiz-Picasso, the widow of the artist’s eldest son, Paul Ruiz-Picasso, resumed contact with Malaga in 1992, on the occasion of the exhibition Picasso Clásico (Classic Picasso), and again in 1994, with the exhibition Picasso, primera mirada, (Picasso, the first glimpse). In 1996, she rekindled the 1953 project, which finally came into being, 50 years later, on 27th October, 2003, when the Museum was officially opened by Their Majesties King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain.
The 233 works in the MPM collection cover Picasso’s revolutionary innovations, as well as the wide range of styles, materials and techniques he mastered. From his earliest academic studies, to his personal take on the Classics; from the overlapping perspectives of Cubism, to his experiments in ceramics, and from his re-workings of the Old Masters, to his late paintings in the 1970s
Marbella, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular, best known and most glamorous locations in Spain. Its reputation for attractions, weather and celebration tempts people from across the world, including celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Joan Collins and Sean Connery. This year however the glamour has inched up a notch with a presidential seal of approval.
Michelle Obama has arrived in Marbella for what the White House has described as a four-day “private, mother-daughter trip with long time family friends”. That’s no surprise to the increasing number of Britons who are choosing to holiday or live in this attractive and sunny part of the world. Indeed, recent figures released from Málaga Airport show it has experienced a 2.2% increase in passenger numbers between June 2009 and June 2010. In addition, figures from primelocation.com reveal that internet searches by Britons for Spanish property have increased over the same period by a whopping 151%. In fact, Spain accounts for a third of all searches.
Why is it then that interest for this small corner of Spain never wanes? Cities like Marbella have numerous attractions enticing all nationalities; this stretch of coast boasts several Blue Flag beaches, there are beautiful parks and designated national parks for the great outdoors experience along with plenty of bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs for evenings out.
The thriving nightlife in the city attracts many thousands of visitors every year. Marbella town is a fantastic place to experience traditional Spanish festivities especially important religious celebrations such as Easter, Christmas and New Year. Plus there are many events and festivals throughout the year celebrating food, music, film, fishing and more, including summer bull fights and horse and carriage rides. Whether Michelle Obama and her daughter decide to experience this lively side to Marbella is yet to be seen but what certainly remains true is that Michelle Obama vacationing here adds even more chic and glamour to the fashionable resort.
The impact of the economic problems of 2008 affected Spain nationwide; however, with the nature of Marbella’s high profile, this region’s economic climate has been documented more than most with particular attention to the property market. Agents and developers have suffered in the down turn with some devastating effects. However, for some developers there has been a resurgence in demand for second homes over the last twelve months which they have attributed to the more realistic pricing developers have adopted to maintain property interest. One of these developers, Taylor Wimpey de España, is seeing huge sales success having sold a quarter of the homes in its La Floresta de la Mairena residential complex in the last four months.
As a result of the increased buoyancy of the market they have decided to invest in a new development in Marbella (Benahavis) close to Puerto Banus. Taylor Wimpey de España has launched Los Robles II, which is just two kilometres from the luxury hotel where Michelle Obama is currently staying. This new real estate project at the Los Arqueros Golf Resort & Country Club will begin construction this summer.
Since 1997 the company has sold more than 1,200 homes in the area and currently has reserves of land for 650 new homes. Despite the more than fifty years of experience in Spain, the global economic circumstances presented a new challenge to the business, explains Victor Sagué, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España,
“Times were difficult but the sales results we saw with La Floresta was a pleasant surprise. We discovered that the secret is actually just about decent, sensible pricing which reflects the circumstances and realities people are facing.”
The business has fared well despite the economic downturn, with over 95% of its stock of buildings in the Costa del Sol sold.
“When there is a major crisis of confidence among buyers as has been the case recently, the strength of the brand plays in increasingly key role. The more uncertain the times, the more security people want and that is particularly true when it comes to such a significant purchase of a property,” says Sagué. Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, Benhavis, Costa del Sol
Los Robles de los Arqueros (Phase 2) is a new Taylor Wimpey development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course. The residential complex has stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, beautiful gardens and the look of a Mediterranean village. It consists of only eight apartment blocks, all just three storeys high and crowned with spectacular penthouses that have a magnificent terrace and pergola.
Apartments come with 2 or 3 large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and luxury finishes. The complex features a lift, swimming pool for children and adults, community gardens, underground parking, storage and 24 hour security.It is surrounded by a prestigious golf course with 18 +9 holes. The homes have large terraces with spectacular views over the golf course and sea. Completion of the project is scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2012.
Los Robles de los Arqueros is located in a prestigious area of the Costa del Sol, close to Marbella, the famous port of Puerto Banús, San Pedro de Alcántara and the beautiful landscape of the Ronda hills.
These properties are available now from €232,000, Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.
Costa Blanca takes up the stretch of Mediterranean coast that corresponds to the province of Alicante, a great example of what is known as Mediterranean landscape.
The traveller can choose any part of this coastline, from the liveliest, most cosmopolitan stretch to areas that still maintain a rural feel. Wherever you decide to go, try to visit the neighbouring regions where you can discover the beautiful Mediterranean landscape.
The horizons of the Costa Blanca feature many different types of attractions ranging from the valleys, where the memory of its Moorish past is kept alive in its terraced vegetable gardens, to the palm trees. The climate is also variable. The temperature is generally mild – the annual average being slightly higher than 17ºC – with little rainfall, and in the northern mountains in the area, the rainfall is logically higher than that registered in the lowland surrounding Elche and Orihuela. The combination of almond tree fields, vineyards, orchards and magnificent palm trees creates a type of vegetation that is unique in Europe.
They became a symbol of the global housing market crash, unsold, half-built, lining the Mediterranean like skeletal relics of a bygone, more prosperous age.
But villas and apartments on the Spanish Costas are suddenly hot property again as Britain’s second-home buyers rediscover the attractions of life in southern Spain.
Fresh from a chilly, dismal winter, drawn by falling prices and apparently undaunted by the low sterling-euro exchange rate, a new generation of would-be buyers has descended on Spain, according to the Spanish division of Taylor Wimpey.
Typical holiday home buyers are no longer “stereotype retirees”, the UK’s biggest house builder said. Instead, executives with families who spend an average of 60 days a year in Spain have emerged as the dominant British buyers in a region that enjoyed huge popularity during the credit-fueled boom years.
Perhaps in search of a bargain, Rightmove Overseas, the website, said that the number of searches had risen by 60 per cent compared with March last year. Portugal was its most popular search among buyers of holiday homes, it said.
Primelocation.com reported a rise in searches for international property of 72 per cent between February 2009 and 2010, with France recording the biggest annual rise of 113 per cent. Spain remained the most popular country, accounting for 32 per cent of all searches, compared with 29 per cent for France.
Due to this increase in British property buyers and a slight strengthening of sterling against the euro, leading UK building company Taylor Wimpey is due to begin construction of a number of small property developments in various parts of the Alicante province. The company aim to use some of their prime sites it previously acquired before the economic downturn to build developments of up to 30 properties in areas such as Btera, Calpe, Monforte de Cid and Rojales.
Spanish sales director, Victor Sagu, said “sales have been steady over the last year with 200 properties sold”. Taylor Wimpey hopes the current trend continues so they can keep building. Sagu added “the company had reduced its prices by between some 20 to 35 percent and this has meant that a detached property with a garden valued at 180,000 euros, which was originally planned for sale to British buyers, has now become affordable and have been purchased by young Spanish buyers as their main residence”.
In a bid not to overstretch during this tentative period of recovery in Spain’s beleaguered property market, Taylor Wimpey will not embark on a massive building programme but will instead opt for small developments of up to 30 quality properties. According to Sagu the company will build properties in the medium to high luxury level and they will be promoted on the British, German, Dutch and Danish property markets.
Costa del Sol takes up about 300 kilometres of the Mediterranean littoral that corresponds to the province of Malaga.
Protected from the northern winds by a mountain chain that in some parts comes down to meet the sea, this sheltered coast is shaped by a succession of extensive beaches, coves almost hidden between cliffs, marinas and anchorage for fishing.
The mild climate, infrequency of rainfall and the sea breeze make for semitropical vegetation in which palm and cypress trees, bougainvillaea, oleander and hibiscus are common. The proximity of such different landscapes -the mountain, the valleys blanketed in vegetable gardens and the sea- is, without a doubt, one of the greatest attractions of this coastline which combine all the appeal of the Mediterranean landscape and culture.
Residential areas, marinas, golf clubs, entertainment centres, nightclubs and many more tourist attractions have been built around and now coexist within the peaceful ambience of country villages, which have astonishingly conserved their traditional town centres. Summer beach holidays and all the appeal that this can offer along this stretch of the Mediterranean is not, however, the only attractions offered by the Costa del Sol: you will have the chance to uncover the most genuine, authentic features of the Andalusian culture very close by.
In addition to the folkloric displays in the tourist centres, you can also experience the lively and popular celebrations. The fiestas, Easter parades, song contests and the bull runs without a doubt claim first place on the list of recommendations for travellers who want to see beyond what first meets the eye. Tasting country wines in the intimate cellars of yore and having some traditional fried fish (cooked to perfection by the local folk) are some of the temptations that will seduce all visitors, specially those that prefer the wonders of local gastronomy over the ever-present international fare.
Taylor Wimpey España recently launched its new luxury development on the Costa del Sol in a move that signals the return of happier times in the premium Spanish property market. La Floresta de la Mairena, set in a stunning location in the hills above the town, is the first new development to break ground in Marbella for over three years and reflects Taylor Wimpey’s growing confidence in the demand for premium property throughout Spain. The development represents an €8.5million investment for Taylor Wimpey España and has been triggered by the company’s success in selling over 80% of its stock in the Costa del Sol in 2009.
The very special appeal of La Floresta de la Mairena lies in its location and specifically in the views that the location affords. Situated in the La Mairena hills above Marbella and surrounded by a strikingly beautiful oak forest, the view from La Floresta provides one of the most striking panoramas in the Mediterranean. To further add to appeal, most of the land surrounding the development has been designated a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO ensuring that the stunning views will remain permanently unobstructed.
Victor Sague, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey Espana is confident of significant interest in La Floresta from the UK market:
“The last six months has shown us that as demand for the best properties in the best locations continues to rise whilst the existing stock of such properties gets smaller and smaller, prices will inevitably continue to rise. We sold 52 units in Marbella last year and today there are almost no premium homes available in the town. Anyone who visits La Floresta and experiences the ambience and the breathtaking views cannot fail to see that this will be one of the most sought after locations in the whole of the Costa del Sol. Marbella continues to hold a very special attraction to the British holidaymaker and with La Floresta being only seven kilometres from the town centre and the beaches and offering golf on the doorstep – I am confident we have the perfect package.”
The launch of La Floresta is the developer’s first under its new moniker of Taylor Wimpey España after spending the last fifty years trading as Taylor Woodrow de España. Headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, with offices in Barcelona, Alicante and Marbella and a staff of nearly 100, over the past fifty years Taylor Wimpey España has sold over 3,000 homes throughout the Balearic Islands, Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.
Majorca (Catalan and Spanish “Mallorca“) is synonymous with world-renowned beaches and coves, but is also a perfect destination to enjoy countryside, golf, culture, water sports, entertainment… There are many reasons to visit this enclave in the Balearic Islands.
The island measures almost 80 kilometres from one end to the other and is outstanding for its diversity. It has 550 kilometres of coast, where you will find some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful coves and beaches: white sand beaches with a full range of services, as well as small coves set between cliffs and pine groves in the north of the island.
Its clean, clear waters are ideal for swimming and water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, sailing, and even surfing. However, these are not the only sports available: there are a range of well-designed golf courses, harmoniously set in their surroundings, suitable for all levels.
The countryside also plays an important role. Almost 40 percent of the island is protected. Its landscapes are characterised by contrast. There are outstanding areas such as the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains, in the north, with peaks reaching over 1,400 m above sea level, and the Cabrera Marine and Terrestrial Nature Reserve, a group of islands and islets, just over an hour away by boat.
There are pleasant surprises to be found in every corner of Majorca. Good ways to explore the island are hiring a car or going on outings. There are a host of routes and hiking trails, both along the coast and inland. They are fully signed, with information panels, meaning you can discover the island’s diversity on foot or by bike.
Towns such as Deià, Pollença and Valldemossa have captivated artists for centuries, on account of their picturesque atmosphere. Nowadays, Majorca is a favourite holiday destination for famous people from the world of politics, film and fashion.
Culture is a vital part of the life of the island. Throughout the year there are festivals, concerts, literary events, exhibitions… The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is the island’s cultural centre, outstanding for its historic old town and excellent night life.
Furthermore, the island has excellent communications, with Son Sant Joan international airport, eight kilometres from Palma, and scheduled boat and ferry services from Palma and Alcúdia ports.
Amongst all the conflicting news stories about the health or otherwise of the Spanish property market, premium property in Mallorca is still regarded by most experts as one the soundest investment opportunities available.
So why is premium property in Mallorca bucking the trend? The answer lies in the enduring beauty and attraction of the island coupled with what are now seen as far sighted planning regulations initiated in 1990.
Since the birth of tourism in Europe at the end of the 18th Century Mallorca has attracted the rich and famous. The artists, poets and writers of the 19th century, were followed by film stars of the 50s and 60s and now global sports stars and entrepreneurs are the latest to enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of the island. Richard Branson, Claudia Schiffer, Michael Schumacher and Michael Douglas are all regular visitors to their second homes on the island.
With such natural attraction and easy access from all over Europe, Mallorca could have become quickly over-developed as everyone sought to pick up a little piece of paradise. What prevented this was some incredible foresight by the Mallorcan authorities who in 1990 realised that the key asset of the island was its natural environment and therefore introduced tight restrictions on building licences on the island. These regulations severely restricted the land available for development; at one stroke both protecting the beauty of the island and immediately increasing the value of the very best positioned properties.
The planning restrictions have remained in place limiting development in Mallorca and preventing the huge build up of cheap stock properties seen in many other areas of Spain. This restriction of supply has maintained a healthy market for the best properties on the island. Taylor Wimpey Espana’s Sales and Marketing Director, Victor Sague explains:
“Over the last two years the Spanish property market has suffered price falls comparable to those in England, but the market is now beginning to turn. The prices for new homes in locations where there is significant over-supply will continue to fall whilst homes in the best locations are in short supply and already prices are rising steadily to keep pace with demand. In the Balearics, it is not an exaggeration to say that we could be left without any stock at all in twelve months.”
With the downturn of property prices through Spain in the last two years, premium property in Mallorca has held its more of its value and is now already seeing price growth as savvy investors seek out the few bargains that remain before they become out of reach.
An exclusive lifestyle
Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, peaceful forests, magnificent mountains – with natural beauty like this on offer along with excellent cuisine, a vibrant culture, a wide choice of entertainment and leisure activities, and regular flights to and from countless European airports, it’s easy to see why Mallorca is just as popular as ever with tourists. But away from the crowds is where the real delights of the island can be discovered, and where the finest new residential developments can be found.
Take Los Altos Del Golf for example. In Camp de Mar on Mallorca’s sheltered south-western coast, this tranquil setting is just five minutes from the beach and only 20 minutes by car from Palma and the airport – yet seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the major resorts. Located on the prestigious Andratx Golf complex, which includes Boris Becker and Michael Douglas among its members, it’s the perfect place to relax or rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
It’s even more remarkable, therefore, that this private collection of two, three and four bedroom townhouses is priced from only 355,000euros. The specification and build are of the highest quality, the location – with views of both the golf course and the sea – inspirational. The very best of nature and design combine at Los Altos Del Golf, one of the most desirable new developments on this very popular island.
The best of the best
Mallorca is fast becoming one of Spain’s most sought-after places to call home. But with new Taylor Wimpey Espana apartments starting at just €143,900 the price to buy here is still surprisingly affordable. Maybe not for long.
Though affected by a slowdown in sales along with the Spanish market in general, Mallorca is already showing rapid signs of recovery, with both the leading Spanish bank Caixa Catalunya and the Spanish Valuation Society predicting that coastal areas with little existing stock will see the most significant increases in 2010.
Victor Sague is in no doubt that this is the time to buy in Mallorca:
“In the best areas the best units are being sold now. Those looking for a bargain may benefit from waiting for prices to fall further in less attractive developments in less attractive areas. But if you want to buy in Mallorca act quickly, as prices will only continue to rise.”
Mallorca is famous for sunshine and warm temperatures all year round. Right now it also offers the perfect climate for buying property.
Whether you’re looking for your dream place in the sun or a rewarding investment opportunity, head straight for this beautiful island in the Mediterranean. Don’t miss the boat.
Despite the economic downturn, searching for property abroad is at a record high as Britons look to ride out the storm in sunnier climes.
According to research from property website Primelocation, internet searches in Britain for property abroad are at a record high, up over 100 per cent from this time last year.
Data from the company’s international search index shows that searches for property in Spain increased the most. Last month, there was a 151 per cent increase in searches compared to June 2009, and the country accounted for nearly a third of searches overall.
Despite a potential rise in capital gains tax and a precarious economic situation in southern Europe, investors appear to be taking a long term view on the market, while hoping, in the short term, to take advantage of a weaker euro.
Ann Wright, International Development Manager of Primelocation International, said: “While the market in Spain has suffered from some bad publicity recently, there has been no significant drop in the number of people searching for property in the country on Primelocation International.
“The fact remains that there are many reasons why the country remains attractive to British buyers. Spain’s main attractions are still the warm climate, great beaches and unique culture all just a short flight from the UK; these factors will still draw in international buyers whatever the economic situation.
“It is also worth remembering that, while most of the problems experienced in recent years have centred on the Costas, there is far more to the Spain than just the southern coast.”
Following Spain came France, the U.S, Portugal and Italy. Searches for property in the U.S increased by nearly 200 per cent on last year’s figures.
The upturn in international property searching contrasts sharply with the volatility experienced during the banking crisis in the late summer of 2007 when searches fell by 38.5 per cent between July and August.
Primelocation also revealed a third of all those considering buying property abroad are looking to emigrate permanently. By contrast, only 23.7 per cent of the 1,500 investors questioned were looking for an overseas holiday home and only 12.4 per cent were searching for an investment property. A further 15.3 per cent were foreign buyers looking to purchase a UK property.
Taylor Wimpey in Spain
Taylor Wimpey plc is an international housing, property and construction company, employing more than 7,000 people worldwide, with its headquarters in the West Midlands (UK). Taylor Wimpey de España has been operating in Spain since 1958 and is a key part of our operation, with a number of new and architecturally stunning developments in the Balearic Islands, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, all prime locations.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the biggest Balearic Island and the most suitable for all year round living due to its very good international flights connections through Son San Joan Airport to the UK and most European capitals. Mallorca is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean with its amazing sandy beaches, gorgeous scenery and idyllic coves to explore, as well as its historical monuments and villages.
PROPERTIES AND TAYLOR WIMPEY DEVELOPMENTS Our developments are located throughout the island:
We offer our customers the opportunity to purchase their dream home to live in, retire to, enjoy for their holidays or as an investment on this magical island that we are sure you will fall in love with.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol in the south of Spain is one of the best locations to buy a property thanks to its excellent climate, breathtaking views and landscape and all the services and leisure facilities that are available. The Costa del Sol is one of the main holiday destinations for the British Market as it is an ideal location to invest in a holiday home or even a permanent home to get away from the cold and the rain and to make your dreams come true.
Taylor Wimpey is proud to be able to offer a new development of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments at Los Arqueros, next to Benhavis, and close to Malaga, Marbella and Elviria.
Costa Blanca
We have many properties available in Costa Blanca, including developments in Alicante, Calpe and Alenda.
At Taylor Wimpey we know all about homes in Costa Blanca, having been building here in Spain for 50 years. Our local knowledge means that we have built property in some of the best locations in Costa Blanca, and some of these houses are currently available to you. Let us help you find the property you want in Spain.
Lifestyle Visit
Don´t just imagine what your Spanish property will be like, come and see it!
The best way to find out about our homes in Spain…is to visit them. Whether you’re looking for a holiday home or are planning to settle, we can help you find your perfect place in the sun. Why not view your new home on one of our Lifestyle Visits*. Its’ the perfect opportunity to get a feel for life in Spain.
- Flights from your nearest UK airport*
- Collection service from the airport in Spain
- Accommodation near to your chosen development
- Full presentation of homes and development
- Time to get acquainted with the area
- Return trip to the airport in Spain
* Subject to availability and terms and conditions.