LOCATED IN THE HEART OF LOS MONTES DE MÁLAGA
Surrounded by lush pine forest, Lagar Hurtado was established in 1844 as a prototype for wine exploitation and marketing facilities known as lagares. At its peak, over 800 wineries operated in the area, exporting Malaga wines internationally until the phylloxera outbreak in 1878 led to the region's depopulation. Today, some farms, like Lagar Hurtado, still reflect the agricultural origins of these mountains.
Location
Located in the Montes de Málaga, a unique natural park just a 20-minute drive from Málaga's old town and 35 minutes from Malaga Airport, it offers an exclusive and serene retreat amid unspoiled Andalusian nature. The area is well-connected with amenities, including museums, restaurants, golf courses, and Marbella’s beaches, and provides access to a local workforce for recruitment.
About The Property
The property encompasses 766,000 square meters of pristine land, featuring unparalleled 360° views of the coast. This secluded retreat, set in a breathtakingly beautiful location, underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2004. Despite this significant update, it has remained non-operational since 2016 and now seeks additional renovation to restore its former splendor.
Hotel Cortijo
Lagar Hurtado
The estate features a historic main building and several annexes, together housing 36 elegantly appointed ensuite bedrooms. The grand entrance hall, outfitted with modern elevators, creates an impressive first impression. The property includes a reception area, conference rooms, lounges, and dining spaces, all designed with a balance of style and functionality to provide comfort and ample space for relaxation and socializing.
Amenities include generous parking, a large pool, and a spacious terrace that showcases panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The majestic historical building, with its architectural charm and timeless elegance, presents a unique opportunity for various uses, from a luxurious retreat to an upscale event venue. What's truly remarkable about this property is how its history has been seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape.
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Pathways created in the late 19th century wind through the grounds, featuring charming bridges and designated seating areas from which to admire the view. Historical features like the Avenllana spring and the Cuca add to its unique character. It's evident that the property was once managed by some of the wealthiest elite of the time, reflecting its rich legacy of a traditional cortijo.
Villa Mirador
Adjacent to the hotel is Villa Mirador, constructed in 2004. This villa boasts 5 spacious bedrooms, with 3 featuring en-suite bathrooms and 2 having separate bathrooms. It includes two large lounges, a welcoming hallway, and a modern kitchen. Outside, Villa Mirador offers an expansive infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding valleys, providing a perfect blend of luxury and nature.
Finca Postigo
Opposite El Mirador lies Finca Mirador, a magnificent expanse of land that crosses the Arroyo de Lomillo. Here you'll find Finca Posito, an old farmhouse with a 400-square-meter building that has been here since the early 20th century. The property features orchards filled with fruit trees such as apples, pears, pomegranates, lemons, and walnuts. The land also boasts four newly installed wells and a complete electrical system. As you ascend the mountain, the views are extraordinary. At the exit of the finca, there's a local bodega offering regional wines, eventually leading to Venta Puerto León, the highest restaurant in Los Montes de Málaga at 900 meters.
Historical Overview
The Lagar of Hurtado is situated in the rural district of Jaboneros, part of the Natural Park of Los Montes de Málaga. Its proximity to medieval fortresses like Cerro de la Reina adds significant historical value, highlighting the exploitation of these lands by the Castilians since at least the 16th century.
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​Historical archives, bibliographies, and testimonies document Pablo Picasso's summers in the region during 1895-1897, where he produced notable works in the area known as Los Llanes. His time here remains inextricably linked to his early artistic development.
17th Century Origins
Cristóbal de Villarroel purchased the estate between 1638 and 1658, building the house and its lagar, and expanding the vineyards by 1663.
19th Century
By the late 19th century, José Gärtner resided nearby, with Pablo Ruiz Picasso visiting the Lagar of Los Llanes on several occasions. The mill of El Lince, owned by Picasso's uncle Baldomero Ghiara, was also nearby.
Inheritance and Notable Figures
After Villarroel's death, the estate was inherited by Antonio and Lázaro Torrijos, ancestors of General José María Torrijos.
20th Century
Ownership changed frequently, including Malaga locals and foreigners of significant influence, leaving behind diverse surnames and professions such as Heredia, Franquelo, Lasso de la Vega, and Larios, encompassing industrialists, lawyers, journalists, salesmen, notaries, and real estate agents.
History of the Lagar Hurtado
Lagar Hurtado
The Lagar of Hurtado is located in the rural district of Jaboneros, belonging to the Natural park of Los Montes de Málaga. Its proximity to the high medieval fortress of Cerro de la Reina to the north or to various others, gives it a high historical value, especially considering the exploitation of these lands by the Castilians since at least the 16th century to the present day.
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The earliest records date back to the mid-17th century when Cristóbal de Villarroel purchased the estate between 1638 and 1658. He built the house with its Lagar, planted vineyards, and by 1663 expanded the vineyard area. Upon his death, the property was inherited by the brothers Antonio and Lázaro Torrijos. The former was a lawyer, magistrate, and war captain, while the latter chose to be a councilor in Málaga.
They were also owners of the well-known Torrijos Lagar and likewise ancestors of General José María Torrijos, who was executed by firing squad in Málaga in 1831 in his fight against the absolutism of King Ferdinand VII.
From the mid-19th century, numerous owners succeeded each other. By the end of the 19th century, José Gärtner lived alongside the nearby Lagar of Los Llanes, a property that the notable Malaga painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso visited on several occasions. Likewise, close is the mill of El Lince, owned by another uncle of Picasso, Baldomero Ghiara.
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The same pattern of changing ownership continued into the 20th century: some were of Malaga origin, others were foreigners, and many of them had significant purchasing power and importance in the city, leaving their professions, surnames, and histories behind. We will encounter surnames such as Heredia, Franquelo, Lasso de la Vega, or Larios, and varied professions such as industrialists, lawyers, journalists, salesmen, notaries, real estate agents...
Young Pablo at the head of the table