Phil Bass, 44, from near Sevenoaks in Kent, initially embarked on his self-build journey in the UK, but after a few years of pacing up and down potential plots he drew a blank. He simply couldn't find the right land at the right price for his 'grand design' and so decided to continue his search in southern Spain where prime building plots are still relatively easy to come by – if you know where to look.

Phil is no stranger to property in southern Spain, and the Costa del Sol in particular, having owned a penthouse apartment in Puerto Banús for the past five years.  But this home, despite its idyllic beachfront location and quality finish, did not readily accommodate his four-legged family.  Phil and girlfriend Jackie share their property in Kent with two dogs and two horses, none of which suit Spanish penthouse living - a predicament that Phil was keen to remedy through self-build in a countryside location.

Phil comments, "After a fruitless plot search in England, Spain was a logical alternative as we know parts of the country well.  We know that the Costa del Sol has a near-perfect year-round climate, is easy and affordable to get to and is packed with first-rate golf courses, something which is dear to my heart as I've been golfing for 22 years, whittling my handicap down to a respectable seven."  With the help of a Spanish property company, Jackie and Phil plumped for a 3,660m² plot at Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club, 20 minutes from Marbella, with views over the 18-hole golf course and the Mediterranean. "Finally, my self-build journey is underway and our extended four-legged family will be welcome to join us when it's finished," says Phil.

Phil hasn't held back when it comes to designing his Spanish pad. As self-build is so much cheaper than the 'off-the-peg' alternative, Phil has opted to maximise his budget and build a 600m² villa with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and indoor and outdoor swimming pools to boot.  Once finished, he and Jackie plan to spend approximately three months of the year at Monte Mayor, split down into manageable two week chunks so as not to interfere with his role as a company director in the UK.

It was recommended to Phil that he employ a professional, bilingual project management team to oversee the build. Phil was quick to enlist their services and would suggest that other would-be long-distance self-builders do the same - whether working on a property in southern Spain or further afield.

Phil comments, "Although a project manager incurs a certain expense, it's money well spent.  He appoints and coordinates all the contractors, runs a tight ship on site and guarantees that all build licensing and health and safety regulations are met. We fixed the build costs at the start and our project manager ensures that our property will be delivered within that initial budget and on time. He and his team keep me fully informed with reports and photographs of the build every month and I don't need to concern myself with the day-to-day challenges."

Phil continues, "The advice I would offer to those considering the self-build route is to be patient, don't get stressed, expect some delays and allow your project manager to keep on top of everything."

Phil's 'grand design' should be ready for occupation in summer 2007 and with an 18-hole course and driving range at his disposal on his brand new doorstep, it shouldn't be too long before that handicap of seven is whittled down even further. Jackie plans to positively encourage Phil's golf practice so that she has the perfect excuse to test out the on-site spa facilities on a regular basis.

Carrington Estates helped Phil and Jackie find the right plot.

The project management team enlisted were Johnson & Wilkey.

Further Information on Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club:
Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club is designed in harmony with the natural surroundings.  It is a low-density project which consists of rustic-style townhouses, high-spec apartments and undeveloped plots for self-build villas. All plots offer sea, golf, lake or mountain views or a combination thereof. 

As well as property, the project encompasses a clubhouse, gymnasium, spa facilities, horse riding centre, nature trails, shops, tennis club, helicopter pad and a challenging 18-hole golf course designed by Pepe Gancedo. The developer, in conjunction with a leading hotel chain, will also provide on-site services from chauffeuring and gardening to rental management and babysitting.
Contact Sarah Drane by email

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Article published on 30 December 2006