$3.5 Million Homes in Andorra
This four-bedroom stone house from 2001 is near the center of Ordino, the northernmost of seven parishes that make up Andorra, the independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. For more than 700 years, Andorra has been jointly ruled by Spain's Bishop of Urgell and the president of France — roles that are still intact, but largely honorary. The official language is Catalan.
While Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it uses the euro as currency. It largely relies on tourism, particularly at its ski resorts, and is a popular shopping destination for its duty-free goods. Its tax rates, including on income and real estate, are among the lowest in Europe.
At an elevation of 4,265 feet, Ordino is about 10 miles north of Andorra's capital, Andorra la Vella. It is a year-round tourism destination, with attractions including the UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve and historic iron mines. This home is near the Grandvalira ski resort, in the Arcalís sector.
Size: 4,500 square feet
Price per square foot: $727
Indoors: The first level has the common areas: a large living room with exposed wood ceiling beams, built-in shelving and a glass wall overlooking the yard. Adjacent, but closed off by a sliding pocket door, is a home office with built-in shelving. The large kitchen has a modern design, with light-colored wood cabinetry, black granite countertops and a center island that seats four. The dining area, like the living room, features a glass wall overlooking the garden.
On the second level are four bedrooms. Two share a bathroom and the other two are organized as a junior and primary suite, both with en suite baths. The primary has wraparound picture windows with mountain slope views, a dressing room and a walk-in closet.
The lower level offers access to a four-car garage, a storage room and a wine cellar. There is a preinstalled elevator shaft, should the buyer wish to install a lift. With a southwest orientation, the house receives ample light throughout the day.
Outdoor space: The grounds include a privacy hedge, a stone barbecue, a dining area on the large stone-block patio, and a storage shed.
Costs: Annual property taxes are $568.
Contact: Thomas Kampfraat | +376-88-66-88 | Engel & Völkers Andorra
La Querola d'Ordino | €3.24 million ($3.36 million)
This two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment is in La Querola d'Ordino, a new complex of seven buildings designed by Jean Nouvel in collaboration with the Barcelona architect Josep Ribas and the Andorran architect Jordi Sala from his eponymous atelier.
Mr. Nouvel is a French architect with a global portfolio of modernist buildings, including the National Museum of Qatar, the Schenzhen Opera house in China, the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the Nouvel Chelsea apartment building on 11th Avenue and 19th Street, which is clad in windows of varying sizes that are set at different angles.
His project in Andorra features a natural slate facade with irregular shapes, incorporating wood, steel and glass. The design is meant to integrate with the mountain environment, according to the site dossier. Owners will have access to a common swimming pool and a variety of spa and concierge services. The complex comprises 51 apartments in total; this building has 10.
Size: 4,263 square feet
Price per square foot: $789
Indoors: A wood and slate column with a built-in hearth and transparent fireplace divides the large open-format great room into a living room and dining area. On the living room side, a door offers access to a terrace. Other areas feature built-in storage and furniture including slate benches. The sleek kitchen, designed by Mr. Nouvel with integrated Miele appliances, is anchored by a custom Parsons-style table that serves as both a work surface and dining space. There is integrated storage and wardrobes along the hallway.
A floating staircase leads to the upper floor and the two bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. The ground level offers access to a two-car garage, laundry room, a flexible family/recreation room with a fireplace, a kitchenette and a full bathroom.
Outdoor space: There is a 3,498-square-foot terrace and 495 square feet of garden space.
Costs: Annual municipal taxes are $834. Homeowner fees have not yet been established.
Contact: Jordi Tapies | +376-775-077 | Lucas Fox International Properties
Encamp | €3.95 million ($4.1 million)
This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom villa is in Encamp, a high-elevation parish of about 13,500 residents in the center of Andorra, about seven miles southeast of the village of Ordino and five miles from the capital city of Andorra la Vella. Each of the three stories is clad with a different material: the ground level is stone, the upper level is concrete and the top level is wood.
Encamp is also the name of the main town in the parish. This home is in the Els Cortals neighborhood, renowned among competitive cyclists for its challenging incline. It is a mile from the center of town, which has numerous dining options and a museum dedicated to antique cars. Around the town are hiking trails leading to waterfalls and panoramic vistas.
Size: 8,030 square feet
Price per square foot: $512
Indoors: The house is entered on the street level and connects to a six-car garage, with adjacent space housing built-in wardrobes and a wine cellar. One level down, the space is bifurcated into a three-bedroom, 1,938-square-foot apartment, and the main house with double-height ceilings and two floors.
The apartment includes a living room with a fireplace, a dining area, a full-sized galley kitchen and access to a terrace. Each bedroom is en suite. From the apartment, one can enter the main section of the house, which features double-height ceilings, an open-format dining and living room, and two defined areas for entertainment and gathering. Bookcase walls provide additional separation in the large space. The window-lined dining corridor leads to an eat-in kitchen with contemporary white cabinetry and integrated appliances. Also on this floor is an en suite primary bedroom with an oversize bathroom, a long soaking tub and a walk-in shower with a bench. Sliding doors offer access to the yard.
A floating staircase leads to the second level with a mezzanine study, two en suite bedrooms and a laundry room.
The house is equipped with extensive built-ins, walk-in closets, a home automation system, an under-floor heating system and an elevator.
Outdoor space: The 0.32-acre lot includes a yard and a garden. The seller is offering the option to buy the adjacent 0.1-acre lot as well.
Costs: Annual taxes total $434.
Contact: Jordi Tapies | +376-775-077 | Lucas Fox International Properties
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