Estates and vacation homes two hours from Madrid: the jewel of any estate

Traditionally, when we think of country estates, we think of a large expanse of land with a house or farmhouse in the communities traditionally considered the ‘golden mile’ for rural land (mainly Andalusia, Extremadura, or Castilla La Mancha), but the focus has changed, and being within easy reach of Madrid, where most potential buyers reside, is one of the determining parameters. It is a market in excellent health; the first quarter of 2025 was the best period for the purchase and sale of rural properties since 2007 (INE data), a fact confirmed by Silvia Hengstenberg, CEO of The Sibarist: “In the last two years, we have seen a very significant growth in demand for country estates and vacation homes located less than two hours from Madrid. The first quarter of 2025 has been especially dynamic. Our clients are looking for a natural retreat with character, not only as a second home, but also as a long-term emotional and heritage investment.”

The most sought-after properties are recreational properties. While they may have hectares of farmland, this is not their primary purpose. They are, above all, a place to disconnect from the frenetic pace we’re all experiencing. But let’s not forget that they are also a solid investment option with high potential for long-term returns.

The profile of recreational property buyers is a rural enthusiast with financial solvency who values ​​enjoyment and sharing time with their loved ones. “The most common profile is a professional or manager based in Madrid, looking for a property to unwind and enjoy with family and friends, with some flexibility for remote work. We’re also seeing a trend among Latin American buyers—especially those from Mexico and Colombia—who, after settling in Spain, want to recapture that connection with nature that many enjoyed in their countries of origin. They tend to value design, privacy, and the potential for shared use,” Hengstenberg confirms.

A market where supply and demand meet

On the other hand, demand is high and supply is sustained. Throughout Spain, 40% of rural property owners are over 65, so it’s likely that they will eventually come onto the market. However, many of these transfers are made through inheritance and donations. Also, as with the most exquisite properties in the residential market, there are properties that don’t come onto the general market and are sold off-market. On the other hand, even when there isn’t an agricultural operation involved, the sale of a property involves many aspects that the buyer may be unaware of, so it’s highly recommended to have an agent or advisor guide us through this process. “We receive properties through direct relationships with owners or trusted partners, which is why we primarily work in the private and off-market channels. We take great care in curating our products: we look for properties with unique value—whether architectural, historical, or scenic—and that convey a life experience. The sales process is more thoughtful than in urban residential properties: the average closing time is between three and six months, although some special properties find buyers within weeks if the conditions are right.”

Losing money in the countryside is difficult, as all experts agree, and it’s considered a safe haven, as was seen during the 2008 crisis, when land values ​​held up despite the housing collapse. “The countryside has been experiencing a quiet revaluation since COVID. Land and houses with character in natural settings are increasingly scarce. As these are tangible assets, with potential for immediate use and emotional enjoyment, they become a very solid asset investment. Furthermore, many of these properties can be developed as tourism, agroecological, or simply family projects, which multiplies their appeal.”

This is the case of this property (last image and below) in the Gredos mountain range (Villanueva de la Vera, Cáceres) in the area known as El Secadero, a rustic estate of approximately 4 hectares that exudes authenticity and tranquility. Its 384 m² (3,840 ft²), with large, bright, and airy common areas, the constant presence of stone, wood, and open ceilings, as well as a 60 m² (600 ft²) porch, make it perfect for sharing moments. The jewel of Gredos is Almanzor, the highest peak in the entire Central mountain range, and its views are privileged from this property available in our portfolio.

It’s also perfect for any time of year, as this valley boasts a privileged microclimate. It also has a swimming pool with its own well, a vegetable garden, and a tool shed.

Estates for enjoying and entertaining

These properties are a place for relaxation, but also for socializing, a place to entertain family and friends. That’s why the house’s size is considerable, and a guest area is essential. This is the case with this wonderful estate for sale in Chapinería, a town in the Sierra Oeste de Madrid, just 45 minutes away. In addition to the main house, it features a magnificent open-plan pavilion with ceilings over five meters high, perfect for hosting celebrations, with two en-suite guest bedrooms, a kitchen, and a game room on the upper floor.

The family home is located in the main building, with an imposing period fireplace salvaged from a country house in Alsace and a spectacular library reminiscent of times past. It also includes three en-suite bedrooms, an open kitchen, and a guest toilet. A vacation home like this had to have all kinds of spaces designed for enjoyment, such as the bathroom with a steam room, shower, and bathtub, boasting wonderful views from the master bedroom.

Another space for enjoying this special property with friends is a unique underground wine cellar clad in local granite. The estate also has a third building, a former storage warehouse, adapted for any activity in a spacious and bright space.

Perfect towns for urbanites

The provinces surrounding Madrid, and especially those within 250 kilometers, are the most desirable, but climate change has undoubtedly caused those located on the northern slopes to experience particular demand in recent years. Following the COVID health crisis, it was in Castilla y León where interest in buying a home in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants grew the most in the first year after the pandemic, rising from 23.7 percent of searches in January to 33.7 percent in June. This is ten points higher, well above the increase recorded in other autonomous regions such as Castilla La Mancha.

In our catalog, we feature this charming property in Soria (Sotillo del Rincón, 264 km from Madrid), a restored old water mill with a perfect balance between its historic essence and modern amenities. It has 400 m² of built area and features six spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms, a living room with a fireplace and a separate dining room also with a fireplace. The property includes a 2,500 m² plot with two lawns, a garage for several vehicles, a storage room, and a porch overlooking the garden.

Another highly valued area of ​​Spain is the area surrounding the Gredos mountain range, in all the surrounding provinces: Salamanca, Cáceres, Ávila, Madrid, and Toledo. But without a doubt, the warmer climate of the southern region makes the Toledo and Cáceres area one of the prime locations for the luxury property market. It merges with the Tiétar Valley, which boasts a privileged climate, mild temperatures, and varied, abundant vegetation. The Cáceres area is known as the Vera region, and in this privileged enclave, we have a property in Jaráiz.

This is a beautiful 231-hectare pastureland surrounded by cork and holm oaks, ideal for livestock farming. Completely fenced, it has abundant water from streams, ponds, and five springs. The property includes a 693 m² main house with a swimming pool and paddle tennis court, registered as a rural house, and a 280 m² livestock barn with a bullfighting arena. It is also possible to purchase only part of the property.

The mountains of Madrid, a perfect escape

The truth is that there are also homeowners looking for this natural escape with a shorter commute than two hours, either for work reasons or to ensure greater use of their property. For this reason, the capital itself boasts mountain ranges as interesting as the Guadarrama, which includes towns as interesting as vacation spots as Guadarrama itself, Los Molinos, Becerril de la Sierra, and Navacerrada, among many others.

In the latter, we have this property for sale, ideal as a second home for spending weekends or even long periods, even if you have to work in Madrid. It’s a 757 m2 house with a garden and pool, on a 1,818 m2 plot. It features the iconic materials of this mountain range: granite stone and wood. The rear has a large lawned garden with large trees. In this part of the garden is the independent annex with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and full bathroom, perfect for guests.

The distance chosen for our escape point will depend on each owner’s life circumstances, but whether in provinces bordering Madrid or in the Community itself, what they all agree on is offering a connection with nature and spaces for enjoyment, with family or friends, which makes it not only a place to relax, but also a place to spend great moments. That’s why it’s a market that always holds strong, and one that also attracts more and more international clients.