City chic

Most of us would be hard-put to define the ideal lifestyle. For some, it is the peace and space of the country, for others the convenience and excitement of life in a trendy city. Very often, however, such answers are to a large part dependent on the lifestyle of the person in question. Those who are no longer bound by the requirements of a career may opt for life in village, while young professionals will put a premium on being close to work and all manner of amenities.

The latter applies to Lucía de Miguel and her husband, Alfonso Maldonado Rubio. Both highly educated professionals, this successful young couple balance a demanding schedule of career, children and social life. “For this reason, at this stage in our lives the convenience of living in the city, close to work, schools, shops, friends, entertainment and a whole range of services is of primary value,” says mother of three Lucía. “And if you’re going to live in the city there’s no place like in or just off the city centre.”

In their case home is on a broad leafy street very close to the city centre and the cultural, shopping and recreational heart of Valencia. “The location is ideal. This is a peaceful area, yet we have a hospital, private clinic, police station, metro and bus links and shops around here. Our children go to good schools nearby and there’s a whole range of other facilities within walking distance, such as fitness centres, after-school classes for the kids, swimming pools and a private social and sports club where you can ride horse, play tennis or just meet up with other mums.”

Surrounded by some of the city’s oldest and most expansive parks, their luxury apartment lies at ‘tree top level’, on the fourth floor of a classic modernist building with just one property per level. Private access from the underground parking and a concierge service at the main entrance ensure privacy and security for the occupants of the building, all of whom are working or retired professionals who together form a small community. “This is big city life, but we’re Spanish so we like to know and get on with our neighbours,” says Lucía.

Featuring tall ceilings and full-width windows that overlook a park in the middle of the boulevard, the 260m2 apartment has been modernised and decorated to the level of a contemporary big city pad. Space, light and an architectural clarity mark the interior, though family pieces and elements such as a solid fireplace confirm that this is a property equally at home with modern, classical and eclectic décor. “We like minimalism, so we have incorporated a lot of cupboard space in white panels ‘hidden’ in the wall,” says Lucía, who worked with an interior architect to redistribute and design this fine modern home. And indeed, a mere touch of the finger reveals a china cupboard where you thought the dining room wall was. “Having such a beautiful home adds so much to your quality of life, especially if it is in the style you love.”

Using this kind of clever combination of aesthetics and practicality, the home counts a spacious living room, a stylish entrance hall that leads to a private bedroom suite with his and hers bathroom and dressers, and a bedroom with a private study overlooking the park. The latter can be shut off from the bedroom, to become an independent space, or can connect with the dining and living rooms. At the touch of a button, a glass panel either clouds over for privacy or looks into the living room to create a sense of connection.

The bathrooms, likewise, feature the latest in design and amenities, including condensation-free mirrors and a stunning ‘rainfall’ shower that squarely covers one in warm droplets. In such a thought out and well designed home you wouldn’t expect anything less of the kitchen, whose state-of-the-art use of space makes it as practical as it is impressive to see. An additional utilities room and secure private lift add further everyday practicality, while the property features another three bedroom suites, including a service maid’s room, with modern amenities such as centralised heating, cooling and B&O sound system. A fully up to date city home that speaks of modern sophistication and urban chic; New York City, eat your heart out.

View or request more information about this Valencia luxury apartment for sale.

New post on at Monday, 7 September, 2009, 9:59 am and is archived in Décor/Architecture/Industrial & Furniture Design, House Elements, Interviews, Lifestyle, Luxury, People, Properties. Subscribe to answers with RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.