Antonio Banderas, the renowned Spanish actor, has clarified the reasons behind the recent demolition of his long-time residence, “La Gaviota,” located in the exclusive Los Monteros area of Marbella.
The decision to tear down the property, which had been his home for many years, was not due to any legal or urban planning issues, as some speculated. Instead, Banderas explained that he simply wanted to “build a new house.”
During his appearance at the Starlite Gala in Marbella, where he served as the host, Banderas made it clear to the press that the demolition was a personal choice, driven by his desire to start anew with a fresh design for his home. He emphasised that the decision was entirely unrelated to any legal concerns.
History of “La Gaviota”
“La Gaviota” has a storied history, having been purchased by Banderas in the mid-1990s from the heirs of the late journalist Encarna Sánchez. The property, where Banderas lived during part of his marriage to actress Melanie Griffith, became a point of contention when the Andalucian High Court (TSJA) nullified its building permit in 2003. The court ruled that the house had been built on land designated for “healthcare facilities,” rendering the construction illegal. Despite an appeal, the decision was upheld in 2008.
In 2013, Banderas reached an agreement with the Marbella Town Hall, ceding over 1,200 square metres of the property’s garden to the town. This agreement led to the partial demolition of the exterior wall, facilitating the extension of the coastal promenade.
Future plans and personal life
Banderas is currently focused on his various projects in Spain. These include the Teatro del Soho Caixabank and the Sohrlin performing arts school in his hometown of Málaga. He is also working on a new musical production, “Gypsy,” which will premiere in Málaga this October before moving to Madrid.
While the actor remains committed to his professional endeavours, he revealed that marriage is not in his future plans, despite being in a long-term relationship with Dutch businesswoman Nicole Kimpel. Reflecting on his past, he humorously remarked, “Marriage has been very expensive for me.”
Concerned about Venezuela
Additionally, Banderas expressed a strong connection to Latin America, particularly Mexico, where he has spent significant time filming some of his most famous movies, such as “The Mask of Zorro” and “Desperado.” He also voiced concerns about the ongoing political situation in Venezuela, stressing the importance of transparency and democracy in the country’s electoral processes