In recent years, more and more prominent Spaniards have chosen to live in small towns near Madrid. Carmen Maura’s decision to settle in Miraflores de la Sierra stands out as a notable example of this trend. For many in Spain, it’s not simply a change of address but a search for a balance between work and personal space—a particularly relevant pursuit given changes in urban environments and rising housing prices in the capital.
Miraflores de la Sierra, located just 45 minutes from central Madrid, has long attracted those who value nature and privacy. Here, Carmen Maura has created a cozy space for herself, with every element recalling her former life on a large farm in Ávila. According to Vanitatis, the actress designed a small garden, planting the same trees as she once had at her old estate. This approach allows her to maintain a connection to the past without sacrificing the comforts of city life.
Unlike the bustling center of Madrid or lively Paris, Miraflores de la Sierra offers peace and the chance to watch your own plants grow. For Carmen Maura, this has become not only a way to unwind after intense filming on projects like ‘Calle Málaga’, ‘Vieja loca’, and ‘Tierra de mujeres’, but also an opportunity to stay connected with nature. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, such lifestyle changes are becoming increasingly popular among older Spaniards.
Historic neighbors
Miraflores de la Sierra is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its famous residents. In the early 20th century, the Madrid elite used to come here, and later such figures as Vicente Aleixandre and Santiago Ramón y Cajal settled in the area. Their homes became gathering places for discussion, giving the town a special cultural status. Today, Miraflores is home not only to the descendants of former families but also new noteworthy neighbors, including designer Yvonne Blake, writer Carmen Martín Gaite, and former prime minister Felipe González.
According to Vanitatis, many of these houses have preserved the atmosphere of past eras. They host family celebrations, and their gardens feature rare species of trees. This creates a unique blend of history and modernity, which new residents particularly appreciate. Miraflores de la Sierra remains a place where you can meet well-known people on a casual walk down the street.
A new life outside the capital
Carmen Maura’s move to Miraflores de la Sierra reflects a broader trend among Spanish celebrities and creative professionals. More and more people are choosing to spend their free time away from the hustle of the city, opting for small apartments with their own gardens or terraces. This choice allows them not only to relax but also to pursue hobbies like gardening or harvesting their own crops.
At the same time, being close to Madrid offers the advantage of quickly returning to work and maintaining connections with the professional community. For many, this becomes a decisive factor when choosing a new place to live. As Vanitatis notes, such changes are often accompanied by interior renovations and the creation of new family traditions.
Housing market trends
The real estate market in Madrid’s suburbs continues to grow, especially in towns with well-developed infrastructure and good environmental conditions. Miraflores de la Sierra is one such place, where demand for housing is steadily increasing. According to russpain.com, this is driven not only by the desire for privacy but also by the opportunity to invest in property that retains its value even during periods of economic instability.
In recent years, Spain has seen growing interest in small towns and villages that offer both comfort and proximity to nature. These changes affect both the structure of supply and demand and the development of local infrastructure. Miraflores de la Sierra exemplifies how small towns can attract new residents and foster their own unique atmosphere.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in well-known figures choosing to live in small towns near major urban centers. Similar trends have emerged in places like San Lorenzo de El Escorial and La Granja de San Ildefonso, where members of the cultural and artistic communities also reside. These changes contribute to local economic growth and the creation of new communities, making such towns increasingly appealing to people of different generations.
