La Fortaleza, in Pollensa, Majorca, could be the crowning glory of even the most impressive property portfolio. With its colonnade of archways that frames the horizon and a history of aristocratic bohemia, this private fortress is crying out for a buyer who will continue its role as the grande dame of Majorca. For the considerable sum of € 100 million (£79 million), you could rule your own kingdom in La Fortaleza, pictured right, a 232-acre site on the northwest tip of the island. This is arguably one of the finest properties currently on sale in the Mediterranean.

The fort was built in 1628 to defend the Pollensa peninsula from the Saracens, but is now more likely to fend off paparazzi and stray tourists. La Fortaleza protects its inhabitants from the outside world with 15,360sqft of terraces and 11,840sqft of gardens dotted with palm trees, olive trees and umbrella pines. Every architectural addition has been gracefully executed and exquisite vistas appear at every turn.

The Argentine painter Roberto Raumagé purchased the fortress in 1919 and renovated the existing buildings - which were then ruins - before adding a dramatic arcade, an intricate network of terraced gardens and a huge ornamental pond in which he was rumoured to keep dolphins. Raumagé was famous on the island for throwing wild, extended parties, and would often gather an artistic crowd to mix with his aristocratic pals from overseas, showing them a good time for weeks on end. One of the more sedate party pastimes was said to be playing the Chinese gambling game Mah Jong at sunset.

During Raumagé's ownership of La Fortaleza, the property evolved into the estate that it is today. His friend José de Creeft, a Catalan sculptor, created engravings and sculptures that remain throughout the buildings, and Raumagé's semi-circular arcade dominates the gardens - it resembles a classical amphitheatre at the crest of the Punta de l'Avançada peninsula that the fort occupies. The fort was confiscated by the Spanish Government during the Spanish Civil War and the Raumagé family had to re-purchase it for a fee rumoured to be 16 million pesetas in 1985; four years later it was sold to the present owners.

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As well as the hexagonal tower, which is the focal point, there are seven villas in the grounds, a studio and two swimming pools. The fort itself has three storeys, with marble flooring and a fantastic top-floor reception room with panoramic views. It feels separate and aloof on its own promontory, but the fort has been pivotal in local history. It needs a high-rolling owner who can continue Raumagé's legacy and keep up La Fortaleza's reputation for infamy and grandeur.

La Fortaleza is for sale through Private Office, the Mayfair-based luxury property arm of Engel & Völkers. The firm sometimes invites prospective buyers to dine at the property. For more details, contact 020-7647 9770 or e-mail info@private-office.com

Fact file

Majorca has a population of 701,000 and attracts five million tourists a year.

The average property price in Majorca is €480,000 (£382,000), which is twice the national average for Spain.

Robert Graves, Ava Gardner and Anaïs Nin all lived in Deia.

Claudia Schiffer and Michael Douglas both own villas in Majorca.

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