El Martinete: More Than Just a Villa
El Martinete, a villa in Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is not just a symbol of architectural grandeur and luxury. It is a testament to a life of excess, untold tales, celebrity encounters, endless parties, and clandestine romances under the Mediterranean sun. The villa’s story is intertwined with the life of its creator, Antonio Ruiz Soler (1921-1996), also known as Antonio el Bailarín.
The Flamenco Dancer’s Dream Home
Antonio el Bailarín, a Seville native, won the world over with his powerful and elegant dance moves. As his fame and fortune grew, he sought solace in his birthplace, Andalucía. Being a sociable person who loved hosting grand parties, he needed a home that matched his stature. Thus, in 1959, El Martinete was built. This magnificent beachfront property, spanning over 4,000 square meters, is located on Marbella’s Golden Mile. The villa was named after his signature dance, the ‘martinete’.
Scandalous Parties and Love Affairs
El Martinete, often referred to as a miniature Alhambra by Antonio, was the backdrop for numerous love affairs and extravagant parties. Over time, tales of the happenings within its walls during Antonio’s lifetime have only grown more intriguing. Rumors of a rule that only nude people could swim and Antonio’s bisexuality have added to the villa’s mystique. The villa was frequented by Hollywood stars, dukes, duchesses, and other celebrities, contributing to Marbella’s fame and prestige.
El Martinete’s Role in Film and Television
Following Antonio’s time, El Martinete has served as a location for numerous films and television series, including Culpa Mía, Los Lioneses, and Torrente en Marbella. In these productions, the villa often portrayed the US embassy.
Antonio, Picasso, and the Famous Swimming Pool
In 1961, the year El Martinete was inaugurated, Antonio was invited to Pablo Picasso’s 80th birthday celebration. Legend has it that Antonio’s dance performance at the party so captivated Picasso that he painted a portrait of Antonio, titled La Danza (the dance). Antonio had this portrait silk-screened in his swimming pool, making it Spain’s most famous swimming pool.
El Martinete: A Symbol of Opulence
El Martinete, with its eccentricity, opulence, and excess, stands proudly on the Mediterranean shore. The villa’s decorative elements, including parts of the furniture and column abacuses, are painted with real gold. The villa boasts nine bedrooms spread across three houses, a master suite spanning 120 square meters, and a plethora of luxury amenities.
The Cost of Luxury
Such luxury comes at a price. The villa’s maintenance costs are estimated to be between twenty-five and thirty thousand euros a month. While not currently for sale, it is speculated that the villa could be worth over thirty million euros. However, it can be rented for a weekly fee ranging from 35,000 to 80,000 euros, depending on the season.
