Michael Douglas reveals secrets of Spanish mansion he couldn't sell

Michael Douglas has offered a rare glimpse inside his sprawling Mediterranean estate, revealing how a historic Spanish mansion he once tried to sell has become a cherished retreat for him and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The Oscar-winning actor, 82, and Catherine, 57, divide their time between their property on the Spanish island of Mallorca and homes in New York, with Michael describing the 190-acre S’Estaca estate in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

The mansion, which dates back to the 19th century, was purchased by Michael and his first wife, Diandra Luker, in 1990 for $3.5 million before becoming the subject of a lengthy and unsuccessful attempt to sell it.

Michael said: “Our Mallorca house dates to 1867 and sits on 190 acres.”

He added: “We love being surrounded by nature and our serene view and privacy.”

The actor, whose films include Wall Street, Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct, also described some of the more personal features of the property, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

Among his favourite places is a fuchsia armchair positioned beside an open window facing the water.

Michael also revealed the mansion's wine cellar contains a TrackMan golf simulator, allowing him to practise his swing indoors.

The same space doubles as a home cinema, providing another entertainment area within the extensive property.

According to Architectural Digest, S’Estaca includes five apartments and two cottages, as well as a library, games room, outdoor kitchen and heated swimming pool.

The estate has reportedly hosted several Hollywood stars over the years, including Tom Cruise, 64, Nicole Kidman, 59, Michelle Pfeiffer, 68, and Jack Nicholson, 89.

Michael originally bought the property with Diandra, with whom he shares his eldest son, Cameron Douglas, 47.

Following the couple's divorce, the estate became part of an unusual arrangement under which Michael and Diandra each spent six months of the year at the property.

Speaking to the Mallorcan newspaper Última Hora in 2021, Michael acknowledged the difficulties created by the arrangement.