In an affluent neighbourhood in the hills surrounding Marbella, this pretty whitewashed villa boasts bold, modern architecture, as well as breathtaking surroundings. Step inside and it’s instantly apparent that this is no average holiday home. Polished marble floors cover the light-filled living space, modern art adorns the walls, and statement lampshades and showpiece furniture create a unique space. Each of the bedrooms is designed with characteristic flair, with some leading out onto little balconies where you can admire the view over the palm trees down to the sea. The bathrooms are decadent and sleek – we love the double shower in the main bathroom and the freestanding tub, where you can soak in a bubble bath after a day of exploring. Just off the main house is a quaint guest house, with its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Spend lazy summer days lounging in the sun, cooling off with dips in the saltwater pool. Make use of the beautiful kitchen and enjoy alfresco lunches on the terrace, or get the barbecue going and enjoy flame-grilled delights. You could easily spend your day admiring the gardens and splashing around in the water, but there’s plenty to explore nearby too. The house is 3 kilometres from a beautiful sandy beach with crystalline waters. The bright lights of Marbella can easily be reached by car, where you’ll find bustling beach bars, excellent restaurants and stylish boutiques. Home truths: *There's a separate guest house here with its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – perfect for guests wanting a bit more privacy *You'll need a car here – parking is available for two cars in the garage, while more spots are available on the driveway *If you're travelling by plane, Malaga is the nearest airport – it's about 50 kilometres away *This home is spread across two floors with no internal lift *The pool isn't fenced in, so children will need to be supervised outside at all times *If you need to work from home, the dining table doubles as a desk