After many years of an international career, Antonio Banderas has finally returned to his homeland, Málaga, where he fulfilled his dream by opening the Soho Theater. His connection to Andalusia is growing even stronger: it was recently revealed that he plans to build a luxurious mansion in Marbella. The actor is personally overseeing the construction while also preparing for a major event—the wedding of his daughter, Stella del Carmen, which will take place in Valladolid.
The arrival of this new family home is expected to ease the unpleasant memories associated with the demolition of his famous villa, “La Gaviota,” last year. This house, which once belonged to Encarna Sánchez, was reduced to rubble due to legal issues surrounding a permit granted back in 1995, during the administration of Jesús Gil. For decades, “La Gaviota” was truly home to the Banderas family, filled with warm memories. It was there that they spent the 2020 lockdown, and where the actor enjoyed happy years with his former wife, Melanie Griffith. Their daughter Stella grew up within those walls, having been born at a nearby clinic. She recalled her childhood fondly—days spent on the beach with her family and sandwiches with chocolate spread.
At the site where “La Gaviota” once stood, in the prestigious Los Monteros residential area, a new mansion is now taking shape. The actor has named it “Mi Calle” (“My Street”). Construction is in full swing, and the modern three-level building, spanning 500 square meters, is already visible. According to available information, the residence will feature a panoramic pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, enormous windows, open spaces, and a spacious party hall. There are even reports that a special safe room will be installed in the basement to ensure the family’s security.
The total cost of the project may exceed ten million euros. To bring it to life, Banderas has enlisted the well-known construction company La Cuveña, prioritizing materials from local suppliers. Among the actor’s neighbors in this exclusive corner of Marbella will be celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan and The Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood.
Although the work is far from finished, there is already speculation about the future purpose of this palace. One version suggests it might become a special gift for his daughter on the occasion of her marriage to American businessman Alex Grushinski, scheduled for October 18. The wedding ceremony will take place under strict secrecy, with no media access and a ban on mobile phones for guests. The chosen venue is the luxurious hotel Abadía de Retuerta in Valladolid province, a former 12th-century Romanesque monastery surrounded by vineyards and equipped with a helipad. The bride shared that she is delighted to be marrying in her homeland and is confident that her loved ones and friends will be enchanted by the magic of the place. The ceremony is expected to be attended by Stella’s grandmother and sister—Tippi Hedren and Dakota Johnson—while her proud father, unable to hide his joy for his daughter, will walk her down the aisle.
