Julio Iglesias described his estate in Ojén, Málaga, as “a place of great beauty, perhaps unique on the Mediterranean coast.” Nestled just ten kilometers from Puerto Banús, the sprawling 400-hectare property features a main house, two guest houses, various swimming pools, and even a helipad. Among its many amenities are a recording studio, a game room, a wine cellar, seven bedrooms, and eight bathrooms.
Among the things Julio treasures most are the ancient trees, gardens, and orchards—all the natural beauty that his estate has to offer. A passionate advocate for the environment, Julio faced a devastating blow on August 30, 2012, when a horrific fire ravaged a part of his beloved Cuatro Lunas, taking with it a piece of his heart and that of his family.
He recalled in a report how significant this home was to him. The enormous fire destroyed an area that he had personally nurtured and loved. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that “each burned tree felt like a piece of our souls stolen by a criminal hand.” Many of the trees on his estate were planted by him, from ancient cork oaks to slender cypresses and majestic pines.
The tragedy prompted him to document the most beautiful spots of the estate before they were scorched. This was done as a tribute to showcase what was once the realization of his dreams before the devastation.
The fire affected a vast area, spanning from Coín to Monda, Mijas, Alhaurín el Grande, and Ojén, destroying over 8,000 hectares of land. Julio described the heartache he felt upon seeing images of the charred land, stating that losing their dog, Chaplin, was equally heartbreaking. “Every burnt tree represents a piece of our soul taken away,” he reiterated.
Despite the disaster, Julio had previously proposed a plan to create a more sustainable urban environment around his land—a plan that emulated an eco-friendly vision similar to Beverly Hills. However, his proposal was rejected, but he built firebreaks around his home. Luckily, those precautions helped save parts of his estate from the flames and spared the chapel where he and Miranda celebrated their wedding, as well as their children’s school, where the Spanish flag remained untouched.
Following the fire, his family mourned for two days. Julio was in Punta Cana at the time but remained in constant contact with his estate’s staff. He shared how close they were to the fire, escaping just five minutes before its arrival. “It could have been a greater tragedy,” he reflected in a deeply personal interview.
However, he remained optimistic, stating, “In a couple of years, this estate will be perfect again.” His primary concern was to restore the land to its former glory and support those who lost everything during the fires that swept through that summer.
Even after the calamity, Julio’s resolve never faltered. He remains a passionate lover of Spain, with its beautiful mountains and valleys. After searching for a temperate climate, he found it in Marbella, which became the perfect place to establish a refuge for his family. His estate, an Andalusian-style cortijo on the Costa del Sol, is not just a retreat for him but also a favorite among Miranda and their twin daughters, Victoria and Cristina.
Currently, his daughters are relishing the outdoor beauty of the estate, enjoying activities like horseback riding amidst the centenary cork oak forests and three pools, including one infinity pool that seems to merge with the Mediterranean. The family also relishes their time hiking on the four miles of private paths within the estate.
Julio’s estate is a testament to his love for nature and family, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
Image and News Source: https://es-us.vida-estilo.yahoo.com/entramos-cuatro-lunas-refugio-julio-103229824.html
