Villa Alberca: The Estate Where a Chapter of Jávea’s History Began
Some houses are built simply to be lived in. Others, over time, become part of the history of a place.
Villa Alberca belongs to the latter.
Hidden among the Mediterranean greenery of El Tosalet in Jávea, this extraordinary estate has witnessed generations, encounters and transformations. Long before this area became established as one of the Costa Blanca’s most renowned residential enclaves, Villa Alberca was already there.
And at the heart of its story stands one woman: Doña Julia.
Doña Julia and the Origins of El Tosalet
The history of Villa Alberca is closely intertwined with the beginnings of El Tosalet. The property was originally the country residence of the founder of this emblematic residential area and later became the home of Doña Julia, a figure closely associated with the development of El Tosalet.
In the 1960s, as the Costa Blanca began to embrace a new era of tourism and Mediterranean living, Doña Julia opened the doors of El Tosalet to prominent figures from Madrid’s political and social circles.
The estate became her retreat.
A place far removed from the pace of Madrid, from commitments and public life. Surrounded by gardens, traditional Tosca stone, courtyards and trees, Villa Alberca offered something that continues to define it more than half a century later: privacy, tranquillity and freedom.
In its own way, this lifestyle also helped shape a new perception of Jávea and the Costa Blanca. It was no longer simply about visiting the Mediterranean for the summer, but about finding a second home here — a place to stay, to slow down and to embrace a different way of life.
A Chapel with Nearly 250 Years of History
Within the estate lies one of its greatest treasures: the Hermitage of San Hermenegildo and San Martín, built in 1773.
Finding a private 18th-century chapel within a residential property is truly exceptional.
The chapel connects Villa Alberca to a history that predates even the development of El Tosalet and maintains links with old traditions of Cap Martí. Its presence makes the estate much more than a grand Mediterranean residence, adding a historical and architectural dimension that is extraordinarily difficult to replicate.
Almost two and a half centuries after its construction, the small hermitage continues to form part of the landscape of Villa Alberca, reminding us that this place was already full of life long before it reached the present day.
Architecture with the Identity of Jávea
History can also be read through materials.
Villa Alberca retains the character of the great traditional Mediterranean houses, with the original Tosca stone of Jávea playing a particularly important role — a natural stone that has given some of the town’s most characteristic buildings their distinctive identity for centuries.
Natural stone walls, inner courtyards, covered terraces and shaded corners create an architecture designed for the Mediterranean climate and for a way of life that remains permanently connected to the outdoors.
Among the estate’s buildings is also a magnificent traditional riu-rau, another architectural feature deeply rooted in the landscape and rural history of the Marina Alta.
These are not decorative elements added to recreate a particular style. They are authentic features that belong to the history of the estate itself.
Almost Two Hectares of Privacy
Villa Alberca extends across approximately 18,706 m² of land, with around 1,199 m² of built area.
The scale of the estate becomes apparent from the moment you enter the property.
Expansive gardens, Mediterranean vegetation and numerous fruit trees surround the different buildings, creating a remarkable sense of seclusion that is difficult to imagine given how close the property is to the Jávea coastline.
Set within these surroundings is a large private swimming pool with changing facilities, complemented by generous outdoor areas designed for relaxation and Mediterranean living.
The estate also has its own well for garden irrigation, an independent residence for caretakers or staff, an enclosed garage and the large traditional riu-rau, currently used as an additional parking area.
A Grand Mediterranean Home
The main residence is arranged over two floors and retains the generous proportions of a home designed to welcome family and guests.
The main floor comprises a spacious living room with fireplace, dining room, bedroom, guest cloakroom and a generous principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room.
The large kitchen, complete with pantry, connects to one of the most charming spaces in the house: an inner courtyard, around which two additional double bedrooms and a full bathroom are arranged.
Upstairs are three double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, together with a spacious covered terrace overlooking the gardens — an ideal setting from which to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and the exceptional tranquillity of the estate.
The property also includes an independent residence for staff or caretakers, comprising a living and dining area, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
A Retreat Just Minutes from the Mediterranean
Perhaps one of Villa Alberca’s most remarkable qualities lies precisely in this contrast.
Within its grounds, there is a feeling of being in a secluded Mediterranean estate, far removed from the outside world. Yet Arenal Beach is only around five minutes away by car, with its seafront promenade approximately one kilometre away on foot.
El Tosalet also offers a well-established residential environment with 24-hour security, while Jávea’s restaurants, shops, beaches and services remain within easy reach.
It is an increasingly rare combination: space and connectivity, privacy and proximity to the sea.
A Property with a Past — and a Future
The scale of Villa Alberca, its layout and the characteristics of the plots that make up the estate open the door to a range of possibilities for the future.
This adds another dimension to the property. Beyond continuing as an extraordinary private residence, its characteristics allow it to be considered from a heritage, real estate or investment perspective, while always respecting the essence that makes Villa Alberca so exceptional.
Because the value of Villa Alberca cannot be measured in square metres alone.
After nearly 250 years of history, Villa Alberca is opening its doors once again.
This time, for new stories to begin…