Homes that are a real Turkish delight

The interior of a Seaview property

In 2003, Cumberland Properties decided to build investment and holiday homes in and around the Bodrum Peninsula in south-west Turkey that offered five star holiday resort quality, comfort and amenities.

In the intervening seven years the company has gone from strength to strength, addressing the growing need in the area for high-quality properties with architectural appeal.

One high-end property development, Seaview Regency, is now completed with a second, Woodland Regency, due for completion this autumn and a third, Valley Gardens Regency, currently under construction. A luxury, stand-alone ‘Yalı’ is also being constructed in Istanbul.

Ideal for investment, holiday/retirement home or permanent residence, all Cumberland Properties’ developments are located near amenities and beaches. In addition, Cumberland Properties has an excellent after-sales service.

As the company has grown, so too has the popularity of Turkey, as a destination for both holidaymakers and ex-pats. Its natural beauty and wonderful climate combined with the relative strength of the pound against the Turkish lira now attracts over 1.2 million UK tourists each year.

The Bodrum Peninsula in particular has seen its visitor numbers soar. There really is something for everyone, from rustic fishing villages and idyllic secluded bays to the energetic bustle of Bodrum itself. The latter has established itself as one of Europe’s premier hotspots, with its beach clubs, stylish marina and designer stores.

The Properties

Woodland Regency

This 5.4-acre site is set in the midst of a serene forest of established olive and pine trees. Its rural feel belies its location in the village of Konacık, just five minutes from the centre of Bodrum – ‘the Marbella of Turkey’ – and the stunning beaches of Bitez.

Woodland Regency consists of 20, two-storey buildings, which in turn make up a total of 62 units. These range from one- or two-bedroom apartments to beautiful three-bedroom, three-bathroom, semi-detached villas.

Prices start from just £72,000; even more remarkable are the low monthly service charges. Owners can expect to pay only £60 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, a fraction of the cost associated with similar properties in countries such as Spain.

Interiors are finished to the highest standard with Corian kitchen worktops, natural travertine or Kalesinterflex flooring, Jacuzzi baths and air conditioning throughout.

Outside, Woodland Regency is equally as impressive, boasting two spectacular swimming pools and a fabulous Club House comprising a bar, fitness centre, sauna and, of course, Turkish baths!  There is even a putting green, perfect for all levels of golfers, from the occasional amateur to the keen enthusiast.

Guide prices: from £72,000 to £225,000

The kitchen/dining area of Woodview

Valley Gardens Regency

Also under construction by Cumberland Properties in the Bodrum area is the Valley Gardens Regency, which offers the peace and quiet of rural living, coupled with the luxury of secluded beaches just minutes away. Comprising just 18 apartments in nine blocks of modernist-inspired homes, this is a real barefoot luxury concept.

There is a choice of two- or three-bedrooms, which can be further tailored to a client’s specific needs. Upper floor apartments benefit from a sloping glass roof covering most of the living area. All bedrooms include floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a large terrace. Outside, a spectacular raised-level infinity pool with Jacuzzi and children’s pool, landscaped gardens and a tennis court provide the comforts you would expect to find in a luxury hotel.

Guide prices: from £120,000 to £140,000

Seaview Regency

Seaview Regency is a recently completed boutique development of just 19 elegant and stylish three-bedroom, two- and three-storey villas, of which 13 are detached. The properties are located on a gently sloping hill overlooking a jewel of a bay called Küçükbük, near Gündogan, 15 miles from Bodrum. The villas face onto private gardens, a communal pool and a valley planted with citrus orchards, which in turn leads down to one of the peninsula’s only sandy beaches. As the development’s name suggests, each villa has uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Aegean Sea.

Guide Prices: from £190,000 to £245,000

Yalı Seaside Residence

Set on the banks of the Bosporus are exclusive period properties steeped in history. Known as ‘Yalıs’, most were built during the 19th century, but some date back to the 18th and 17th centuries. Today Yalıs are rare jewels to view, and even rarer to own, with only 620 in existence and no permission to build any more.

Cumberland Properties are currently renovating one of these original residences. When finished, it will be a stunning example of exceptional-quality, high end Turkish property.

Every aspect of this elegant 530m² property will be finished to the highest of standards. A charming garden will lead up to the front door, which will open up to reveal a sweeping flight of stairs. The lounge will offer spectacular views of the Bosporus, framed by the famous traditional windows with wooden shutters. The house will also boast a games room, home theatre and separate maid’s quarters.

Price on application.

Cumberland Properties – an eco-friendly developer

Cumberland Properties are constantly looking at ways to improve as an eco-friendly home provider, by considering issues like re-usable materials, resource conservation and waste recycling.

In the very first stages of development, its site planners and landscape architects work together closely to preserve as much as the existing flora as possible. When drawing up a site layout, special consideration is paid to the location of existing trees and plant life and plans are adapted where necessary.

During the construction process, Cumberland works on ways of reducing its waste, whether by re-cycling onsite materials or composting organic matter. The workforce is housed locally to help lower the inherent carbon cost of travel and wherever possible, building materials are obtained from local sources, an example being the Travertine flooring.

Well-designed and laid out homes maximise the use of natural light and create healthy living environments. During Bodrum’s hot summers, a well sealed and insulated home allows climate control systems to operate efficiently, whilst in the winters, only minimal heating is required.

An exterior view of Seaview

One of Cumberland’s subsidiary projects has been the establishment of a greenhouse and nursery to provide long-term sustainability. Here almost 20,000 flowers, shrubs, trees and herbs are currently being grown simultaneously. Palm trees from seeds, banana trees, daisies, basils, cacti and roses are the more recognisable names, but the majority are local flowers and plants which help the company achieve a constant stream of blooms in its gardens.

Five Reasons to Buy in Turkey

• Top Place to Invest

The Financial Times voted Turkey into the Top 10 Investments for 2009

• Inexpensive Property

On average, prices are 30% cheaper than the Spanish equivalent.

• Cost of Living

The cost of living in Turkey is up to 60% cheaper than the UK. In addition, Turkey has very low property taxes, and no capital gains tax after five years of ownership, a substantial saving for any investor

• Market Stability

The Turkish market has been hit by the downturn despite sales holding up well last year and prices have remained relatively static. Global financial management and advisory company Merrill Lynch estimates a 3.5% economic growth rate in Turkey for 2010, predicting that it will make a quicker recovery than other countries in Europe thanks to relatively minimal damage in the banking sector

• Strong Rental Potential

Turkey recorded an increase in visitors last year: over 27 million people from around the world flocked to Turkey during 2009, an increase of 2.8% on 2008. A property in Turkey therefore offers high capital growth rates and annual rental yields of between 6% and 10%.

For more information, contact Cumberland Properties 020 7586 7179 or go on-line to www.cumberland-properties.com