Let me invite you into one of the most incredible properties in the world: Villa Cullinan.

Located in the Spanish hotspot that is Marbella – more precisely at the award-winning development Zagaleta – Villa Cullinan is listed by Drumelia Real Estate and sets a new standard in terms of ultra-luxury real estate in all categories. Think opulence, contemporary design, utmost comfort, the finest materials, cutting edge technology, an eco-friendly stance… you get the idea.

Dubbed ‘the Pride of Zagaleta’, the ‘Diamond of Marbella’ and ‘the best among the best’, Villa Cullinan is not just a new top-quality contemporary house, it is the epitome of true modern luxury and a very unique lifestyle.

During my visit to Marbella, I had the pleasure of driving the newly launched Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, an incredible 715bhp supercar and whilst beastly remains sleek and elegant. To me, this is the ideal way to enjoy the sunny roads and views of Marbella with the roof down, whilst toying with the aggressive roar of the 5.2L V12. My recent experiences with Aston Martin have been sublime, and this was no different. At the pinnacle of the brand’s production range, this luxury grand tourer provides the perfect blend of beauty and the beast, ensuring you arrive anywhere in time and comfort.

On my way to Villa Cullinan – located a few minutes from the seaside and center of Marbella – I arrived at Zagaleta’s gate. A highly secure, monitored entrance ensuring only those authorized to do so can enter this private residential area.

A WORD ABOUT
ZAGALETA

Zagaleta is considered Europe’s most exclusive country club and the finest golf resort with services brought to an unprecedented level, the highest level of security and luxurious facilities that include recreational, social and sports activities areas, a bank, a gourmet shop with home delivery, a premier equestrian centre with Spanish and Arabian horses, etc.

The residence has its own heliport, providing easy access from your home to the nearest airport, or your destination of choice (because who can be bothered with airport security?!). If you fancy a luxury shopping experience but the traffic is unbearable, relax, as the helicopter will land you on the rooftop of the largest shopping mall in the area, El Corte Inglés. Here, your personal shopper from the exclusive membership program; Xquisit Shopping, will guide you through the latest designer goods before you fly home.

Everything you need is at Zagaleta, and you could enjoy private living with your family in the comfort and security of this residential area.

Embraced by Mediterranean magic, the privileged area keeps its incomparable beauty of nature, and large green zones separate grand villas and mansions built with the local wildlife in mind. The former hunting estate of extravagant Saudi magnate Adnan Kashoggi still plays host to an abundance of wildlife but the four-legged neighbours are treated kindly.

THE MEGA
MANSION

As I crawl the DBS along the Zagaleta estate, we climb higher and higher into the hills. After a few minutes I turn on a private road leading to a large gate. As it opens, I discover Villa Cullinan for the first time.

I am immediately taken aback by the scale of the villa. The grandiose architecture is very impressive, and the property is huge, with more than 3.110 sqm of living space and about 14.000 sqm of land, with four wings and a portal-like front door. Unsurprising then to discover it has been designed by one of the most prominent design companies on the Cosa del Sol, Tobal Arquitectos alongside several other major architectural firms. This is a staggering development, successfully creating the largest new build modern property in Europe. Naturally this comes with a price tag to match; €32,000,000.

The gardens provide a true Mediterranean experience; rich with hanging flora, and 7m tall exotic trees specially delivered for indoors. My favorite part however are the views; vistas of Southern Spain and the Andalusian mountain landscape with green carpets of golf-courses. On good days you can even see the African coast and both Pillars of Hercules that flank the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

3.110SQM BUILT
14.000SQM PLOT

Bold, Big and Beautiful, Villa Cullinan has been created without compromise and presented flawlessly. It is both a powerful architectural statement and a wonderful livable house with very large living and dining areas, cozy lounges, the entertainment space, which is reminiscent of a nightclub setup, and the amazing al fresco living areas inviting to enjoy the best climate in continental Europe.

The swimming pools are incredible, in particularly the one outdoors. This is a saltwater pool and is designed so that it partially goes underneath the house itself. It also features 3 large windows which provide a direct view from the private cinema, located a floor below.  This was awesome to see Audrey take a dive directly above my head! For the most adventurous (I like to think I am), you can even jump from the roof straight into the pool (with a lot of care), thanks to its depth of 4.56m.

4.5M DEEP
SALTWATER POOL

I love the spacious living areas, regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors, which are a pure pleasure to experience. They are perfectly designed to host great evenings with the family or a group of friends. The main living room features two gigantic floor-to-ceiling automatic windows, and with a push of a button the immense living room opens onto the terrace, giving this area a limitless sense of freedom.

spacious
living areas

There is plenty of space to accommodate your family and friends – 9 large and alluring guest bedrooms – while a serene master suite for yourself occupies an entire wing of the house. Talking about the master bedroom, it features an impressive walk in closet that will accommodate both his and hers fashion items. I could really do with one of these at home! The bathroom too is stunning, with a magnificent 800kg marble bathtub and a large onyx covered shower area. With 14 bathrooms around the house, there’s no need for guests to queue :)

9 GUEST BEDROOMS
14 BATHROOMS

HOME
CINEMA

The house would suit food lovers too, as it’s equipped with two state-of-art designer kitchens which supersede the standards of any of the world’s most demanding chefs. I can’t forget the immensity of the glass wine-wall – a perfect showcase for any collector.

STATE-OF-THE-ART
DESIGNER KITCHENS

SPA-CENTRE

The spa center which occupies one of the wings is incredibly sleek. As you walk down a large corridor, you pass a chic office to your left before reaching a large glass door. When it opens, you feel the warmth radiating from this sensational area. The large 20 meter indoor pool is at the center of the room, with a relaxing lounge area on the left and a wooden bridge which invites you to cross the pool and access the other spa facilities. These include a sauna, hammam, and a Russian bath. 

It’s all there at your fingertips: a pampering SPA-centre, designated chill-out areas, a professional gym and sports lounge, a game room, a home cinema room with natural light coming from the imposing swimming pool windows, undoubtedly the pièce de résistance! 

I can’t lie, pulling up to this mega-mansion in the Aston Martin made me feel like James Bond. Originally parking by the front door, I later moved the car to the indoor parking garage - a large space under the mansion equipped with a 360° rotating platform, black mirror ceiling in a huge glass wall giving direct views of the indoor villa garden. 

WHY THE NAME
“VILLA CULLINAN”

When it comes to luxury and sensational experience, it doesn’t get more special than Villa Cullinan – which, like many properties with a ‘wow’ factor, even has its own name. Cullinan, the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, was presented by Transvaal to his Britannic majesty Edward VII. Its cut parts, created for eternity, were mounted in the Imperial State Crown. No wonder, that ‘only the best is good enough’ has been the concept behind the project named Villa Culllinan.

It’s been pretty unique to stay in Marbella and have the chance to experience Villa Cullinan for myself, and I can’t wait to be back! Maybe this time I’ll bring the whole family!

More information about Drumelia Real Estate & Villa Cullinan: www.drumelia.com

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