Successfully established as one of the Coasts favourite grazing and watering-holes since the early 70s, El Paraíso Country Club not only boasts a loyal following of expat and Spanish clients - residents and holidaymakers alike - but also plays an invaluable role as the vibrant hub of the local community.

Enjoying a secluded parkland setting - the focal point of which is the attractively-designed swimming pool - although El Paraíso Country Club most definitely exudes all the atmosphere and intimacy of a private members only club, it is in fact open to all. With its appealing al fresco terrace, and cosy bar and indoor restaurant for winter dining, its a popular spot for lunch as well as evening meals; while its picturesque setting and ability to cater for up to 300 covers -

on the terrace and around the pool - also mean that its in great demand for weddings and communions.

Upstairs theres a large terrace with fabulous sea and mountain views, while additional facilities include both a large function room and private dining room with open fireplace, making it a sought-after venue for smaller celebrations as well as being a regular meeting point for local clubs, charities and theatre groups. Alternatively, the entire upper floor could easily be converted into a comfortable apartment perhaps for the manager.

Centrally located between San Pedro and Estepona, the property is at the nucleus of an extensive residential area representing a significant captive audience locally, while also attracting a large number of patrons from further afield.

What the owners say…

"Wed known and loved El Paraíso Country Club for a very long time," says proprietor Roy Lewendon. "After all, wed been visiting my family who live nearby, for 22 years! So when we heard that the previous owner had sadly died unexpectedly, we decided right there and then that we had to buy it to ensure it retained the same atmosphere we were all so fond of."

"Wed already retired when we purchased the property in 2008, and to be honest we bit off a little more than we could really chew," his wife Marion confides. "Back in the UK we had owned a high dependency nursing home and although weve both got good front of house skills, and introduced various new elements to El Paraíso Country Club - for example we had a well-attended wedding fair, several cabaret nights that were hugely popular, and a range of other events that all proved very successful - at our time of life it was a steep learning curve to fully capitalise on its real potential.

"True to its name, it really is a paradise. Heaven by day, romantic by night, and it has so much untapped scope for further initiatives… Were really going to miss it. If only wed been ten or 20 years younger when we bought it, El Paraíso Country Club wouldnt be on the market now, and thats a fact."

WHAT YOU GET

Ground floor:

Entrance lobby

Main indoor restaurant - 54 covers

Terrace - 60 covers

Bar & lounge bar

Kitchen with cold room & 2 storerooms

Toilets

Large outdoor swimming pool

Sunbathing area, lawns & outdoor toilets

Office

Sunbed store

Laundry room

Storage area

First Floor:

Crystal Room - function room / private dining room seating 45 pax

Sala Rústica - private dining room seating 22 pax

Large terrace

Toilets

Basement:

Cellars

Staff showers & toilets

Machinery and storage rooms

Built: 785 m2 (including basement)

Plot: 2,721 m2

Offered for sale fully equipped and furnished, it may also be possible to divide the property into two separate units.

In addition to the principal income generated by the F&B operation, other revenue streams include the rental agreement in respect of the onsite community office, and the pool and gardens concession. In 2007, the property was officially valued by the bank at just over €1.5 million.