Scandinavians
in Marbella
The Scandinavian love affair with Marbella is not a new thing. In fact, Norwegians, Swedes, Danes and Finns were among the first to ‘discover’ the Costa del Sol, and they now form a vibrant community that both integrates and retains its traditions. We spoke to some Scandinavian residents who have settled in Marbella and are also successful in business here. WORDS Michel cruz Photography kevin horn and Courtesy of Nordica Sales & Rentals
Torgeir Wemmestad-Haaland, Solvilla
By comparison a relative newcomer, Torgeir moved to Marbella from Oslo five years ago, after selling his successful marketing company. “That is when we bought a home here, but we have been living here fulltime since 2013,” says the young entrepreneur who spent some time researching the local market before launching Solvilla. “I knew I wanted to get involved in property development and bring some Scandinavian design, technology and comfort into the wonderful properties and lifestyle mix of this region.”
As a result he now enjoys great success building high quality contemporary villas in the €1.5 to €3 million range. “Our design and product/service concepts are central to the success we have enjoyed, but so are trustworthy partners such as Grupo Vasari and our strong ties to the Scandinavian market.” He highlights the welcoming atmosphere in Marbella, and in particular the support he has received from his lawyer Mauro Cruz-Conde and Solvilla’s director Claudia Salem in putting the business on a sound
footing so quickly. “We came here to start a new chapter in our lives and it has been very exciting. With two young children under three it isn’t so much about parties and living the high life, but about true quality of life in a beautiful setting with gorgeous weather. I would have been a better skier had I stayed in Norway, but I can live with that,” he laughs. “I do miss friends and family, but we are doing our best to sell them all holiday homes in Marbella to ensure we get to see them a lot.”
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