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Murcia and the Costa Cálida

Looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten track, but still within the reach of budget airlines? Murcia, leaping up in popularity, could well fit the bill

It may not be over-run with visitors, the inland might be almost deserted, but property in Murcia has seen an impressive 30% capital growth over the last two years.

Hot and dry it certainly is, but there’s planning for 37 golf courses over the coming years, which means that now is a great time to buy while the marketplace is still young. And to help you get around, there’s a well established road network, an airport at San Javier, and one on its way in 2007 closer to Murcia City.

Happy Valley

The Sierra de España nature reserve is a fantastic mountain park at the heart of the region of Murcia. If you don’t like driving round sharp hairpin bends with sheer cliff faces along the edge of the road, this one’s not for you. Almost completely forested with pine trees, there is much wildlife,. With birds of prey circling overhead. Together with all the botanical diversity there is also great variety of wildlife; keep your eyes open for the Sierra Espuña squirrel, the goshawk, wild boar, eagles and, at the highest summits, you might catch a glimpse of the Atlas deer or arrui. A few roads criss-cross the park and give access to some pretty stunning walks.

Medsea Estates latest enterprise is Frondoso Valley, a development in the Valley Carrascoy nature reserve, with stunning views of the Sierra Espuña.

The beautiful beaches of Mazarrón are only 30 minutes away and Murcia city, with designer shopping and abundance of delicious food is only a short drive from here.

Frondoso Valley is well-situated for many leisure activities. As well as the on-site sports facilities, the local are offers horse riding, cycling and trekking. No less than 12 world-class golf courses are within a 45-minute range, and the Sierra Nevada ski resort and the beautiful city of Granada, are just two hours away.

The development consists of semi-detached and terraced two-storey houses, all with roof terraces. Each house has its own private garden, and terraces on the first floor and roof levels. The development also has 24-hour on-site security. Prices start from €150,000.

Moorish Murcia

The most Moorish Murcia you’ll find is along the Ricote valley heading north from Murcia city. This lush valley was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain and is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of Murcia, threading its way along the fertile plains watered by the river Segura.

The region clings to its Arab heritage, as shown by the numerous remains from this period, including the ingenious irrigation system of water wheels.

The hills around here invite some gentle walking or tortuous mountain biking accompanied by well signposted walks.

If it’s rural isolation you’re looking for then at the end of the valley, near the serene town of Cieza, Immo-Antaño hs a country house, or finca, for sale. Just a mile from Cieza, yet close to the mountains and lakes and all that great riding, walking and fishing. It is a semi-detached property with 3 bedrooms, living and dining room, patio, 2400sqm plot of land, and electricity and water. Admittedly the place needs a little restoration, but at €108,000 it appears to be a bargain in a region showing so much interest with Uk and Irish buyers.

North West Murcia

Thise folk up on the Costa Blanca might claim that the best rice for paella comes frim Valencia, but ask any chef and they’ll say from Calasparra in the north west of Murcia. During the growing period it enjoys the natural pure mountain water using the same irrigation methods invented by the Moors over 1,000 years ago. What makes the rice unique is that it is a centuries-old strain of rice, and has a leisurely maturing process, 30% slower than other kinds of rice. This longer growing cycle produces rice grains which are exceptionally dehydrated which means that the rice absorbs much more of the tasty saffron flavoured stock used to make the classic paella.

The town of Calasparra is surrounded by mountainous countryside but you are still within easy reach of the region’s airports, cities, golf courses and beaches.

It’s proving very popular with newcomers who don’t need to be that close to the coast and new villas from Your Place in the Sun have either 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with the option of a private swimming pool. Prices start from just €
176,00.

Just south of Calasparra is the village of Mula, with its 15th century hilltop castle. Mundo Vivienda has a rural house here on 5,500sqm, the property itself has 3 bedrooms, water and electricity, and an optional swimming pool and is on offer at €223,000.

Golf Attractions

The success of La Manga Club in Murcia has established Murcia as a top region for golfers and you ain’t seen nothing yet

Just inland from the shores of the Mar Menor and the popular resort of Alcázares is the town of Torre Pacheco. At the moment it has a very Spanish feel and a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants plus a lively Saturday market.

Golf is well catered for here, too, with the 9-hole Torro Pacheco golf course at hand, as well as the soon to be completed Polaris World Development, Mar Menor ll Resort.

CJ Spanish Homes has three villas for sale on the Mar Menor ll Resort. The resort is gated, with 24 hours security and shops and restaurants all on-site.

The properties have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and the master bedroom is en-suite. The kitchen includes an oven, hob and extractor, and there is a good sized living/dining area with air conditioning. The villas are centrally heated and have terraces and a large roof terrace to get the sun.

The airport is just 15 minutes away and the places are due for completion in 2007, with stage plan payments at prices from around €265,000.

Perfectly placed

Coast 2 Coast is offering off-plan investments in United Golf Resort La Tercia, a residential complex, in the village of La Tercia, south of Murcia City. It’s close to the main routes, but surrounded by countryside, so it’s an ideal spot for such a development.

The first phase is just 15 minutes from the coast and the fabulous beaches of the Mar Menor, while Murcia city, less than 25 kilometres away, provides great shopping and sightseeing.

The resort will include a 9-hole golf course and an additional 1032 homes superbly located on a gentle slope overlooking the golf course.

Buying off-plan property can certainly reap great rewards, especially if you buy right at the start and purchase during the first phase of a development.

With apartments, townhouses and villas available in the first phase there are also another three golf resorts planned.

Prices within this new ‘golf valley’ are rising fast, with some investors seeing reat returns on their initial outlay, in addition to high rental yields that golf resorts usually command.

These properties are exclusively available through Coast 2 Coast Properties – and with prices starting at just €132,000 they are certainly worth a look.