Famous Marbella residents.
Sometimes, living in Marbella is very similar to residing in certain areas of Los Angeles. Not only is the climate almost the same, but as you drive through certain neighbourhoods, knowledgeable locals will point out the homes of the rich and famous, both past and present, not forgetting the Marbella Club Hotel, which played such a leading role in bringing celebrities to the Costa del Sol and creating a Beverley Hills on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Sixties and Seventies saw some truly stellar names of the entertainment industry living in Marbella, including the one and only Sean Connery, perhaps the best James Bond of them all. Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant can also be claimed as former Marbellís, and Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, as well as his friend Rod Stewart, were among its rock n’ roll residents. Prince, who sadly died in 2016, also owned a fabulous mansion on the coast in the 1990s, adding his particular brand of glamour to the neighbourhood. The world of music continues to be attracted to Marbella. Rick Parfitt of the legendary Status Quo and Scandinavian stars Marie Fredrikksson of Roxette and Ulf Ekberg of Ace of Base have also purchased properties here. Spanish star Julio Iglesias has owned a home in Elviria for many years and in nearby Los Monteros, Hollywood heartthrob and local boy Antonio Banderas has a beachside villa that he visits frequently. In the past it was with his wife, actress Melanie Griffiths, another star-studded name. Swedish actor and martial arts specialist, Dolph Lundgren, has lived in Marbella for many years and whilst many may remember him for his performance in Rocky IV he has been busy working on The Expendables and the TM series Arrow more recently. Brigitte Nielsen, his co-star in Rocky, has also lived in Marbella. Royalty too has a long connection with Marbella, the best-known royal household being that of the Saudi royal family whose palace and mosque overlook the Golden Mile. Philippe Junot, one-time husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, used to be a frequent visitor to Marbella in the seventies and eighties. In recent years Marbella has continued to welcome more famous names including actor Hugh Grant and his former girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley, pop star Peter Andre and British business entrepreneurs Lord Sugar and Simon Cowell. Reality TV stars from The Only Way is Essex and top flight footballers from around Europe are often seen in Marbella, particularly during the summer season, when they flock to private villas and trendy Marbella beach clubs. It’s unsurprising really that so many famous names choose Marbella for a holiday home or permanent residence – it is a spectacular area that is perfect for the celebrity life, creating a California in Europe. For more information about its lifestyle and properties, contact Altavista Property.
