The Cortijo Painted by Picasso: Lagar Hurtado, for Sale in the Montes de Málaga
A Fascinating Artistic Connection
In the Montes de Málaga, surrounded by the landscapes that inspired one of Pablo Picasso’s earliest emblematic works, lies the estate known as Lagar Hurtado—a property steeped in history and art.
It is said that during his youthful summers (between 1895 and 1897, when he was around 15 years old), Picasso often visited the nearby wine estate Lagar de Llanes, owned by his godparents. It was during these escapes into the Mediterranean scenery, brush in hand, that he painted one of his first significant canvases: Montañas de Málaga (1896), an oil on panel that today rests in the Museu Picasso in Barcelona (Architectural Digest Spain, Grupo Mathiven).
A Historic and Majestic Estate
Lagar Hurtado is not just a picturesque setting: it is a 17th-century estate, located within the protected surroundings of the Montes de Málaga Natural Park. It was acquired between 1638 and 1658 by Cristóbal de Villarroel, who built the house, the wine press, and extensive vineyards that thrived until 1663 (Grupo Mathiven).
Over the centuries, the property passed through the hands of notable families, including the Torrijos—linked to General José María Torrijos—as well as other prominent names such as Larios and Lasso de la Vega (Grupo Mathiven).
By the 19th century, the area had become a setting for visits from the young Picasso; it is said that he even visited Lagar Hurtado directly, as well as other nearby estates such as Hacienda El Lince, owned by his uncle Baldomero Ghiara (Architectural Digest España, Grupo Mathiven).
A Boutique Hotel Among the Mountains
Today, Lagar Hurtado has been transformed into a boutique hotel with 36 rooms, preserving its 19th-century essence while offering a unique experience: an infinity pool, century-old pathways, scenic viewpoints, and details such as the Avenllana spring or the “La Cuca” area, which connect guests with its historic past (Architectural Digest Spain, Grupo Mathiven).
The estate, with over 766,000 m² of untouched land, is just minutes from the city of Málaga and the airport, offering 360° views of the sea and mountains—a perfect location for high-end tourism projects as well as eco-friendly retreats (Grupo Mathiven).
What is the asking price on the market?
Currently, Lagar Hurtado está a la venta por 14 millones de euros, is for sale at €14 million, a price that includes the land, the building, and the plans to develop an organic winery estate or a sustainable wellness eco-resort (Architectural Digest España, X (formerly Twitter)).
The technical sheet details several plots with different permits:
- Cortijo Hotel: existing buildings (3,791 m²) with a license
- Villa Mirador: 400 m² built
- Finca Postigo: Old country house, orchards, wells
- Building Rights: Up to 10,000 m² for new projects such as a resort or glamping, with environmental and regional permits already obtained, and grants activated worth up to €5.9 million (Grupo Mathiven).
What Makes It So Special
- Artistic Legacy: A direct connection to Picasso’s earliest landscapes.
- Living History: 17th-century estate with traditional Andalusian architecture and historical records spanning generations.
- Strategic and Protected Location: well-preserved natural surroundings, accessible and close to Málaga.
- Tourism and Investment Potential: Existing infrastructure, advanced permits, and financial support.
- Preservación y sostenibilidad: Ideal for eco-friendly projects and high-end experiences.
A Visual and Emotional Appeal
Imagine strolling along pathways planted in the 19th century, immersing yourself in an infinity pool with sea views, and feeling part of a story that begins with the brush of a young Picasso and continues in every stone and corner of Lagar Hurtado.
