In May of this year “the most interesting man in golf” won the Open de España at a course owned by arguably the most dynamic man in Irish business. The golfer is Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the businessman is Denis O’Brien, and the course is PGA Catalunya.
Jiménez’s win at PGA Catalunya perfectly showcased the heralded Stadium course and its accompanying modernist real estate.
The golf resort is located in scenic countryside, an hour’s drive north of Barcelona and 10 minutes from the historic city of Girona. It is also 20 minutes from the coastal towns and villages of the Costa Brava, which feature idyllic beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants aplenty – making it a perfect spot for the property investor.
Paying from €395,000 (Dh1.9 million) for a villa plot to €2.3m for a completed villa, buyers can invest in land, villas, town houses and apartments. Plot buyers can hire their own architect to design their villa, or alternatively PGA Catalunya Real Estate will recommend an architect to work on the design with you.
Owners can also rent out their property stress-free, as the company also manages rentals. In the mid-range, semi-detached villas are available for €695,000 and town houses for €710,000 with the more affordable apartments ranging from €250,000 to €455,000.
However, it’s the completed villas that are the standout at the resort. PGA Catalunya has a no fences or walls policy, and all construction must fit in naturally with the environment. The villas are low-lying two-storey Cubist constructions – Salvador Dalí lived in nearby Figueres – featuring marble and glass and are dotted along the fairways of the resort’s two courses The Stadium and The Tour.
There are direct views on to the fairway. However, the properties do not impinge on the overall aesthetic of the golf experience. And for avid fans of the sport, they come with golf course privileges; access to a state-of-the-art gym and spa; tennis and paddle courts and tapas-orientated Catalan cuisine served at the Clubhouse – all just a short stroll away.
The whole concept is driven by the telecoms and media mogul Mr O’Brien, who terms it a “core holding” among his many enterprises. He has also overseen the development of the prestigious Quinta do Lago golf resort in Portugal.
Q&A
Julio Delgado, the chief executive of PGA Catalunya Resort, reveals more about the development.
How did the PGA become associated with the venue?
The golf club at PGA Catalunya Resort was established in 1999 and has been affiliated with the PGA European Network since then. The resort’s Stadium course was designed by Spanish golf legend Angel Gallardo and Ryder cup star Neil Coles and has played host to the PGA European Tour’s Spanish Open on three separate occasions.
Did you plan to take a Modernist approach to the property design?
It was always the aim to create a destination that represented the next generation of luxury villas, something which really stood out among Spain’s traditional golf resorts. By executing a low- density design project with private residences that blend with their natural surroundings we have brought innovative design without compromise to all the properties on the resort.
Where are buyers coming from?
Sales have consistently remained healthy over the last few years. We have buyers from across the Middle East, Europe and globally who are looking to own their own piece of the Costa Brava.
What about the Arabian Gulf market?
We are receiving increasing levels of interest. The temperate climates of the Costa Brava can provide a welcome escape from the searing heat of summer in the Arabian Gulf. Our well-connected location makes it a great base from which Gulf residents can visit popular European destinations including Barcelona, London, Paris and Rome.
sbuckley@thenational.ae
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