Villa Paradiso

Should an estate agent ever use the word 'palace' to describe Villa Paradiso, they wouldn't be exaggerating. Villa Paradiso is the flagship property in an enclave of millionaires' mansions located in San Eugenio Alto.

The imposing gates of the Villa sit at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac;  Mercedes and a Porsche are nestled in the huge garage. The drive leads to the main entrance: a carved double wooden door in the shape of an arch, past which is the cool, air-conditioned ambiance of the marbled hall. A sweeping staircase dominates this large and light space. At the top a galleried landing features intricately detailed cornices and an elegant chandelier. 

Double doors lead off from one side of the hall into an urbanely furnished study; while further doors reveal two connecting reception rooms. The plasterwork, the furniture and the decorative features all ooze opulence. The view from the balcony spans Las Americas and the glittering ocean. The bedrooms are found upstairs. To the left is the master suite. A splendid four-poster bed rises from a sea of soft carpeting; the elegant bathroom harbours a roomy Jacuzzi; and the dressing room all polished wood.

Across the landing from the master suite is the family room. Sunlight floods in from the windows on one side, and comfortable chairs face the familiar electronic paraphernalia of modern life: TV, hi-fi, satellite receiver and other clever boxes designed to entertain. The landing leads onto four further bedrooms on the other side of the house. Comfortable designs, en suite bathrooms and made-to-measure quality. 

For visitors, there's a two-bedroom guesthouse; while the property also features maid's rooms, caretaker's quarters, storage areas and a laundry room. 

The dining room is dripping with splendour. A chandelier crowns the room; golden chairs surround a glass table. A simple hamburger would taste like a gourmet meal in these surroundings. Adjoining this is a kitchen that beats even the catalogues. At one end is a breakfast area, while at the other granite work surfaces sit atop copious cupboards.

From another huge balcony, stairs head down to the pool area. Heavily padded furniture sits idyllically around still blue waters. On one side a hot tub gurgles and on the other sits a substantial barbeque area. Nearby is the wet room; a comfortable and waterproof seating area in which to shelter from the sun's rays while sipping a martini. Both a gym and sauna are located up some stairs at the side of the house.

There's a huge, empty floor below that could be yet another guesthouse, or maybe a recording studio, depending on the whim of whoever takes the mansion over in the future.

Villa Paradiso is for sale through Spencer Grindley Exclusive Homes, the luxury property arm of Tenerife Property Shop, who can be contacted on 922 718 041.