Townhouse for sale in Purchena, Almería

Purchena is pleased to present for sale this exceptional and historically significant property in the heart of Purchena. The property occupies an entire city block and comprises a substantial 1,170 m² main house, with an additional 20 m² terrace, a 374 m² former village cinema, a 309 m² apartment attached to the cinema, with an additional 3 m² terrace, a 478 m² traditional olive press and storage building, together with a total of 8,694 m² of land, comprising 7,748 m² plus a further 946 m².

The property is situated next to the Town Hall, with the library, police station and all other local amenities and services within easy walking distance.

The Main House

The main house measures 1,170 m² and includes a 20 m² terrace. This is a substantial family residence with a fascinating history and considerable potential.

The property was formerly a family home with staff, and its layout reflects the way the house was traditionally used.

In general terms, the ground floor was where the family lived. There are two separate staircases providing access to the levels above and below. The staircase located in the kitchen was traditionally used by the household staff. The upper floor included accommodation for the staff, together with storage areas for horses saddles and equipment.

The basement contains extensive historic wine vats, some measuring more than 6 feet in height, together with barrels that were historically used in connection with the distribution of wine.

As is common with traditional properties in southern Spain, the internal layout differs from what many buyers may be accustomed to in Northern European homes. In particular, it is not unusual for one bedroom to be accessed through another bedroom. Consequently, the number of bedrooms may not be immediately apparent from the existing layout. Depending on individual requirements, some rooms could potentially be reconfigured to create walk-in wardrobes, en-suite bathrooms or other accommodation, subject to the necessary works and permissions.

The Former Village Cinema

Adjoining the main house is a remarkable 374 m² former village cinema, which seated approximately 300 people and included a bar and toilets. Remarkably, the original projector is still in place.

The cinema closed in 1987, but the building continued to be used afterwards by the Town Hall for village meetings.

The Apartment Attached to the Cinema

The property also includes a 309 m² apartment attached to the cinema, together with a 3 m² terrace.

The apartment has three bedrooms and one toilet. There was originally direct access to the apartment from the street, although this entrance has since been boarded up. Years ago, the apartment was rented out and used as a residence.

The apartment is located beneath the terrace from which the land can be viewed.

The apartment, cinema and main house are all part of the same property and are owned by the same owner, together forming the entire property holding occupying this city block.

The Olive Press and Storage Building

The property also includes a substantial 478 m² olive press and storage building.

This traditional almazara was historically used for extracting olive oil from olives and for storage. A number of original features remain, including old presses, substantial wooden beams and traditional wooden carts. The roof of this building has unfortunately collapsed, but the remaining structure and historic features provide an insight into its former use.

The Bodegón and Agricultural Use

One of the traditional buildings is known as the Bodegón. It was used to store agricultural equipment and tools from the orchards, together with horses, mules and other items associated with the property.

The family was never involved in livestock farming. The horses and mules kept here in Purchena and at other country properties in the surrounding area were primarily used for riding or as working animals.

Swimming Pool and Tennis Court

The original swimming pool was built by the owners grandfather next to the tennis court, behind the Bodegón. Although the swimming pool is no longer in use, the original structure remains.

The property also includes the remains of an old tennis court.

Historic Wine Production

The property has a fascinating connection with the wine industry in the area. The family historically produced and sold wine throughout the wider region and, at one time, had approximately 200 hectares of vineyards.

The extensive historic wine-making facilities within the property, including the large wine vats and barrels, reflect the scale of this former operation and form an important part of the property's history.

Land and Development Potential

The property includes a total of 8,694 m² of land, comprising 7,748 m² plus an additional 946 m².

All of the accompanying land is registered as urban land, which may offer considerably greater potential for future development than land classified as rural, subject always to the applicable planning regulations, permissions and approvals.

This is a truly exceptional property combining a substantial historic family home, former village cinema, attached residential apartment, traditional olive press and storage building, extensive land, former agricultural facilities and historic wine-making features.

Properties of this scale, history and character are extremely rare, particularly with an entire city block comprising such a diverse collection of buildings and land.

Please note: The video walkthrough provides coverage of the ground floor of the main house only. The accompanying photographs predominantly show the main house, staff quarters, cinema and wine storage areas. Due to time constraints during the visit, it was not possible to photograph or video every part of this extensive property.

Location: Purchena (04870), Almería, Spain. Coordinates: 37.3472° N, 2.3604° W.

Purchena is a small, charming town in Almería, southern Spain. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra de los Filabres, in the middle of the Almanzora River Valley, surrounded by woodland that ascends into the mountains, offering a greener, more scenic environment than many neighbouring towns. Full of character and a vibrant local community, Purchena features narrow Moorish streets and historic plazas. Amenities include schools, shops, bars, restaurants, banks, a medical centre, sports facilities, and a weekly market. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and cycling.