Villa Lampara en la colina

Situated amidst over seven thousand square meters of gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, the enviable location of this luxury private residence in Marbella is only the beginning of its story. More captivating than its elegant white appearance is the history behind the land: previously owned by Madeleine Carroll, who in her time was Hollywood’s highest paid female actress and played opposite stars like Gary Cooper, Ronald Colman and Henry Fonda. Remembered in classics such as ‘The 39 Steps’ and ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’, she epitomised the cool British blonde and first visited Andalusia in 1934.

Taking over ownership from Madeleine Carroll in 1986 was Glenn Tipton, a Grammy Award-winning guitarist, songwriter and producer as a member of Judas Priest. Over three years, he sought to pay homage to the land’s history while adding his own understated touches. The resulting residence was a stately country home offering airy spaces, seven individually designed bedrooms in the main house and a separate casita for the caretakers, remaining largely unchanged since the acquisition by MUSE.

The timelessly warm atmosphere is apparent as soon as one sets foot in the entrance hall with an intimate alcove that could inspire stories to be tapped out on the vintage typewriter. Stone floors with intricate tiled borders flow through interlocking spaces where panoramic views illuminate almost every space with tall French doors and windows. The living area, library, and classic games corner are washed with mellow shades of honey, caramel and ivory, where quiet moments and private conversations find the perfect surroundings.

A hint of baronial gothic prevails in the dining hall with its antique stone fireplace, chandelier and custom-made heavy wooden dining table set that seats 12 persons. The connecting kitchen is spacious and fully equipped with appliances and essentials for the preparation of delectable cuisine served at the informal dining areas, either indoors or outdoors. On the large al fresco terrace, enjoy tantalizing aromas wafting from the barbecue, and a circular daybed by the balustrade that hangs over the river valley provides a perch to take in the view of a green oasis scattered with wildflowers.

At the centre of it all, a Moorish-style inner patio with dwarf orange trees and its fountain takes inspiration from the Alhambra in Granada, offering a space for tranquil contemplation. The patio radiates out to allow access to all the common spaces and leads to the upper level where all bedrooms are housed.

Discover a little path leading to a secret garden where Madeleine Carroll had planted trees decades ago to shade her picnic table, an old millstone. A grassy patch nearby with a majestic mountain range backdrop is perfect for a change of picnic scene. The sweeping stone staircase with a tinge of Hollywood feel descends to the slim pool tiled in blue mosaic with two leaping dolphins and embraces the mountain scenery with only birdsong breaking the peace.

This casually luxurious yet storied private residence accommodates up to eleven guests, where a taste of the old, a twist of the new and a whole lot of charm is experienced.

The bedrooms on the upper-level feature:

Master Suite
A dramatic blue and gold-hued, four-poster king-size bed reigns with a view that stretches away to the sea. The light-flooded suite is decorated with an understated elegance featuring antique doors and furnishings designed by local artisans. An en suite marble bathroom invites one in through the swinging saloon doors where a separate shower area, double vanity and an inviting jacuzzi tub beckon. A walk-in dressing area and two separate private terraces with arresting 180º views of the valley and sea, complete the truly intimate sanctuary.

Guest Suite 2,  3 & 4
Two striking artworks above the king-size bed pay tribute to the history of dance in Spain, adding a subtle vibrancy. The en suite bathroom features a double vanity, bath and shower area. The private terrace lures one’s gaze onto the lush valleys, setting the stage for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon tea.

Each of these bedrooms are designed as a haven of calm with muted colors with unique individual touches, enhanced by the beauty of the natural surroundings. Both bedrooms feature a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with vanity, bath and shower area. both have private terraces for those quieter moments

Second master suite/family room 5   (ground floor)

New for 2020   the old music study is converted to nice 2nd master suite/family room inviting suite just situated off the inner courtyard,  Featuring a super king bed,en-suite modern walk-in shower room for 2 and double vanity also has very nice sofa bed for 2 and cafe table plus 40″ TV  nice room for those guests with  younger children..

Bedroom 6 and 7
A background of earthy tones lends a feeling of warmth and coziness in both bedrooms. One features twin beds with a private terrace that faces the mountainside while the other bedroom has a single bed, a perfect arrangement for children and their childminder. The shared bathroom has a double vanity, bath and shower area.

With 7 spacious bedrooms comfortable capacity for 15 people.
Includes a children’s twin room with connecting Nanny suite
Classic games room/ library.
New infinity pool with magnificent views to the mountains and sea, surrounded by gardens and tropical beach sunshades
Outdoor dining terrace with BBQ  Landscaped gardens with day-bed and Secret Garden

New 2022  events platform for dining or yoga  18m by 7m   with a bar, a capacity of 70 people for weddings and celebrations.
Free Optical fiber internet, wifi indoors and outdoors,

Modern Andaluz-style kitchen with 5-ring gas hob Bosch and Bosch appliances, bottelero fridge,
Filtered water machines stations in the kitchen, bedroom floor & Pool area
Formal indoor & outdoor dining areas seating for 14 people
Andalucian patio with fountain
Fully air-conditioned and underfloor heating. Private parking on a gated driveway
Fully staffed housekeeping onsite 24/7, breakfast service available, VIP service available,

Security gated entrance, 24-hour security and complete privacy from prying eyes

Below is a selection of images from recently held weddings in 2022

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