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If the idea of swimming in a real Picasso sounds like a dream come true, Marbella may just have the place for you. Villa El Martinete, a stunning beachfront mansion in Nueva Andalucía, is officially on the market - and it’s home to the only swimming pool in the world painted by Pablo Picasso himself.

 

The Costa del Sol has long been a hotspot for luxury living, with Marbella standing out as one of Europe’s most glamorous playgrounds for the rich and famous. Nestled in this glittering scene, Villa El Martinete is a masterpiece in its own right. The villa was created in the late 1950s by famed flamenco dancer and choreographer Antonio Ruiz Soler, better known as Antonio “El Bailarín.” The villa’s very name pays homage to one of his most iconic dances, “El Martinete,” reflecting the deep connection between his art and home.

 

The story took a remarkable turn in 1961, when Soler was invited to celebrate Picasso’s 80th birthday. There, the Malaga-born artist sketched a simple yet expressive figure of a dancer on a piece of paper, dedicating it to Antonio with the words: “To Antonio. 10/29/61.” Years later, this intimate gift was immortalised by transferring the artwork onto custom tiles lining the bottom of the villa’s swimming pool, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind work of art that no other pool in the world can claim.

 

With more than 4,000 square metres of living space, the villa features nine bedrooms spread across three houses, luxurious gardens overlooking the sea, and all the grandeur you’d expect from one of Marbella’s most exclusive properties. The price? An estimated €30 million. If an outright purchase is too steep, weekly rentals range from €35,000 to €80,000, making it one of the most covetable holiday homes on the Costa del Sol.

 

In recent years, Villa El Martinete has embraced its cultural roots, teaming up with The Fusion Art Gallery to host exhibitions, performances, and exclusive artistic events that echo its original spirit. As Antonio intended, the home remains a unique sanctuary where life and art intertwine beautifully.

For those who dream of owning a slice of Spanish luxury with a priceless artistic legacy, Villa El Martinete offers that rare blend of history, beauty, and unmatched glamour.

 

Image: wikicommons