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.
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
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.
That said, Andy Probert, author of the Turkey Buying Guide, warns that “bus services are likely to be few and far between, supermarkets will be in the local town several miles away and the arrival of a postman will no doubt have the flags out”. To some people this is heaven, leading Andy to add that “adapting quickly to the environment and the language may well help foreigners break down the barriers and living in the countryside can well be a valid experience”.
A stunning example of a rural property is this stone-built villa 30 minutes from Fethiye with a large pool and three acres of land. The villa, in a tiny village called Sahil Ceylan and close to the town of Kemer, was completed in 2008, after British 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 is being sold by estate agency Spot Blue International Property, on the market for £365,000.
“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.”
Browse the Rightmove Overseas listings to search for more property in Turkey.
A simple way to save money when buying property in Turkey is to use a currency exchange specialist when transferring your pounds into Turkish lira or euros. For more information on this, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.
For more information on buying property successfully in Turkey, download the Overseas Guides Company’s free Turkey Buying Guide – and start receiving free news updates by email.
