Richard Off the beaten track properties in Turkey, which combine stunning scenery and a rustic lifestyle with easy access to coastal resorts, are capturing the hearts of a growing number of overseas buyers, said Spot Blue International Property in March, adding that some of the prettiest homes are inland.
Many of today’s property-buyers in Turkey are looking for a more tranquil lifestyle beyond the busy holiday resorts, and as Turkey’s ownership laws have become friendlier towards foreigners and infrastructure in lesser trodden areas gets better, buyers are venturing inland to less touristy spots.
“Like anywhere, take a short drive inland from one of Turkey’s beach resorts and you’re in another world,” said Julian Walker, director at Spot Blue International Property. “The foothills behind Fethiye are gaining popularity and there are some real gems there, ideal for buyers looking for their own slice of rural Turkey. For example, currently on our books is an amazing three-storey property close to the small town of Kemer, around 30 minutes from Fethiye, set in spectacular countryside and built lovingly from scratch by a British couple.”
A one-off opportunity, the Kemer property for sale through Spot Blue International Property comprises a stone-built villa with a large pool and three acres of land, dotted with 150 olive trees. The villa, in a tiny village called Sahil Ceylan, was completed in 2008, after owners Margaret and Jonathan Machin purchased the plot and had it built to their specification by a local building firm.
“After holidaying in the Fethiye area, we decided we wanted a private bolt-hole in the countryside, which we could use with our son and grandson,” said Margaret, from the couple’s UK home in Somerset. “So I went out there in 2006 to start searching and found our perfect plot in 2007. We bought it for around £60,000 and got all the necessary permissions to build. We then commissioned a local building firm to knock down the existing old farm buildings and build our villa.”
The end result is a triplex-style villa with four large en-suite bedrooms – two on the top floor and two on the bottom floor with independent access from the swimming pool terrace – and a kitchen/diner, bathroom and ample living space on the middle floor. There is also a large basement area, currently used as a games room. The property has all mod cons, wood-burners and is being sold furnished. The Machins, both in their early sixties, own their villa through a Turkish company, which has permits for the property to be run for tourist purposes.
“It’s in such a picturesque spot, with incredible views and packed with wildlife,” added Margaret. “It could be run as a small B&B or rural retreat, offering horse-riding, bird-watching, walking, yoga or fishing in the nearby river – all the paperwork is in place. I was based out there for seven years, with Jonathan coming over every six weeks or so, as he still works in London. Sadly, family commitments mean I’m back in the UK now and it makes sense for us to sell. For the right buyer, the villa could be a dream property.”
For more details on the Machins’ villa, which is on the market for £365,000, contact Spot Blue International Property on +44 (0)20 8339 6036, or click here.
