The Castle of San Ramón in El Playazo de Rodalquilar is still looking for a buyer three years after it was put up for sale
It was in the year 2017 when the owners - fifty owners - commonly known as the Playazo Castle (because of its location on this beach in Rodalquilar) they put up for sale for just over €3 million , this architectural jewel that has been standing since 1764 , year in which the first stone was laid. Today, it is still waiting for the perfect buyer who will take a Well of Cultural Interest , self-sufficient, with centuries of history behind it and 740m2 built in this privileged place in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park , in Almeria.
“We are talking about a unique property, which is also located in a emblematic natural space and hardly comparable with any place of this beauty in the entire area of the Spanish Mediterranean coast, and I would dare to say, that even in Europe”, he comments to Traveler.es Jordi Bernadó, CEO of the real estate company Bernadó Luxury Houses who is in charge of managing the sale of the castle.
Castle of San Ramon and El Playazo
You may wonder how one of the most coveted heritage properties in the Andalusian Mediterranean ended up becoming the ultimate architectural gem to hang the 'for sale' sign. Before entering fully into the characteristics and uses of the property, it is vitally important to look a little further back -to its origins- to discover the particularities of this breath-taking enclave and steals the occasional sigh from Almeria residents, tourists and even the pirates of the time. Do we know its history?
THE HISTORY OF PLAYAZO CASTLE
“In Playazo de Rodalquilar, next to what in the 18th century was called the Castillejos Beach , one is placed battery for four guns s that monitors the coastline between the Cerrico Romero and San Pedro Cove . Its origin dates back to the 1764 regulation that ordered its construction and was designed by Joseph Crame , which estimated its cost at 200,000 reales de vellón, being financed by José Arias and built by order of Carlos III”, they indicate to Traveler.es from the non-profit organization, the Friends of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park Association.
a watchtower castle
It was built in the 18th century with the intention of protect and to control the possible invasions of pirates towards the lead and gold mines of the Rodalquilar valley, which were the order of the day. Deteriorated during the War of Independence (1808-1814), was assiduously occupied by several homeless people and by the police forces for the surveillance of the coast, until in 1875 was alienated by the State . that's when an individual acquired it for 1500 of the old pesetas (which today would be less than 10 euros).
Since that date, ownership of the castle has been passing from owner to owner until today where a total of 50 people share possession of it . One of the former owners was a wealthy architect “who in the last two decades was in charge of carrying out the necessary reforms to provide it with the comforts of any modern single family home . This technician segmented and conditioned the interior spaces, providing them with the corresponding supplies of light -by solar panels- and running water -which comes from the farm's own spring- to pass with solvency the long seasons that made it their main residence”, indicate from the luxury real estate.
The central courtyard is an absolute marvel
In 1985 the property was declared Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) . This means that you are already its next owner public or private has the obligation to guarantee its correct conservation, protection and rehabilitation (if necessary) with the intention of guaranteeing its historical values.
"What at one time was little less than a corner for exile, today has become a little paradise that makes up one of the most coveted and exclusive tourist spaces in the national geography . A unique complex in Spain due to its conditions, location, uniqueness and general condition”, they indicate from the real estate company Bernadó Luxury Houses.
THE INTERIOR OF THE CASTLE
“The castle consists of two rooms, one of them with access to the kitchen, and the other with access to the indoor pool area. It has seven bedrooms and an old warehouse that can be used for different purposes”, reads the advertisement for Bernardo Luxury Houses.
Also has two floors, five bathrooms, Arab cistern, terrace, garden, garage, plot of more than 33,000 m2 of protected natural land and views of the magical enclave of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park and the Mediterranean that cannot be valued with money.
“Silence and peace is breathed when one is there. You feel an infinite tranquility and, in addition, somehow you notice that you are part of the history of a fortress several centuries old, in which you can make life, and through which hundreds of people belonging to historical times and moments have passed. very different," suggests Jordi Bernado.
One of the halls of the Castillo de San Ramón
In the absence of knowing what the next owners will do with the property, the Friends of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park Association suggests: “ The battery of San Ramón de Rodalquilar should have a system of visits to the public , always respecting the appropriate privacy and civil rights of private or public owners with the appropriate weighting of the protection of historical values”. This association has, since its origins, claimed the protection and enhancement of the Castillo de San Ramón. And this could be the perfect opportunity for it.
After all, this is an Asset of Cultural Interest and it should be treated as such: with respect, protection and care from the first to the last of the stones that make up this historical jewel of the Alboran Sea.
THE SURROUNDINGS OF THE CASTLE IN CABO DE GATA
The Castle of San Ramón is part of that set of watchtowers or defensive emplacements that dot the eastern Andalusian coast, a habitat of extraordinary beauty and enormous tourist appreciation.
Located near the local road that leads from Rodalquilar to Las Negras , its surroundings are dotted with pirate stories, delicious cuisine, charming towns, immense beaches among a desert landscape. What not to miss in the surroundings?
The views of the Castle of San Ramón
- The Beach of Rodalquilar , one of the most attractive beaches in the area and guarded by the Castillo de San Ramón.
- Visit the town of Rodalquilar with its white houses and a captivating valley, which saw the birth of Carmen de Burgos , known as Colombine and considered the first Spanish war correspondent to make history.
- Drop by the Isleta del Moro , the fishing village that still preserves that marine atmosphere that makes it unique.
- Put the towel on the Playa de los Genoveses and not move it from there all day.
- If we look for history, Let yourself be soaked by the Torre de los Alumbres, the San Felipe Battery Castle, the San Miguel Tower, the San Pedro Castle ...and endless other historical jewels that have a lot to tell!
- Stroll through Las Negras , watch the sunset from its promenade and let the hours pass in La Bodeguiya with a fresh beer in hand.
- Drive to the wonderful lighthouse of Cabo de Gata and let yourself be conquered by its captivating panorama.
An 18th century castle in the heart of Cabo de Gata