After living in Spain for several years, with my elderly parents planning to move in and a young child to care for, carrying them up and down the stairs daily became a real challenge. That’s when I started looking for a villa with an elevator. I know many people think the charm of a villa lies in its multi-level layout, but trust me, when you’re juggling a child in one arm and grocery bags in the other, an elevator is an absolute lifesaver.
I’ve scouted numerous locations and talked to many real estate agents, and I’ve noticed a growing trend: more and more new or fully renovated chalets are being equipped with elevators, especially in mid-to-high-end neighborhoods. This is a fantastic development, blending space and privacy with modern convenience. Today, I want to share a few areas that particularly impressed me, hoping it can serve as a reference for others with similar needs.
Around Madrid
There are plenty of options around Madrid, but I’m personally fond of the northwest. Areas like Pozuelo de Alarcón and Majadahonda, for instance, are traditional affluent districts with impeccable environments, security, and amenities. Many of the newer townhouses or detached homes built in recent years either have an elevator shaft pre-installed or come with an elevator already fitted. The only drawback is… the price they require a substantial budget. If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable, consider Boadilla del Monte. Its newly developed areas also feature many options with elevators and offer better value for money.
Barcelona and its Surroundings
The situation in Barcelona is similar; finding a chalet with an elevator within the city itself is difficult and usually comes with an astronomical price tag. You’ll need to look at the surrounding areas. Sant Cugat del Vallès, for example, is often called Barcelona’s ‘backyard’ and is home to many international schools, fostering a strong family-oriented atmosphere. The properties there are generally newer with modern designs, so your chances of finding a chalet with an elevator are quite high. To the south, Castelldefels is another excellent option. It’s by the sea with beautiful scenery. Many new or renovated villas there include elevators for easy beach access and to maximize the sea views, making for a very idyllic lifestyle.
I’ve put together a simple table summarizing the characteristics of some areas I visited for your reference:
| Area | Main Advantages | Main Disadvantages |
|---|
| Pozuelo | Top-tier amenities, great school district | Very expensive |
| Boadilla | Good value for money, new communities | Reliant on private cars for transport |
| Sant Cugat | International feel, beautiful environment | High property prices |
| Castelldefels | Close to the beach, scenic views | Can get crowded with tourists in summer |
The key to finding villas with elevators is to focus on new developments or thoroughly renovated pre-owned homes. Although the total price and future maintenance costs might be higher, the daily convenience they provide is substantial. For families with elderly members and young children, an investment in a villa with an elevator is, in my opinion, absolutely worth it. Do you have any other great neighborhoods to recommend? Let’s discuss them in the comments!
