Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children under 5 No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Villa Gwendoline is a beautiful new villa, built in 2004, comprising 4 double bedrooms, 3 en-suite one with Jacuzzi Bath, lounge (Satellite TV&DVD) , fully equipped kitchen, fully air conditioned, own private pool, sun terraces and garden with sea views. Villa Gwendoline is situated just a 10 minute downhill stroll to the quaint but chic village of Kalkan with its' plethora of restaurants, shops and bars.
View from Villa Gwendoline
Private Pool + large Sunbathing Terrace with 6 Loungers (not in picture) and Dining Area
Lounge with Satellite TV (family channel package) and DVD Player
Fully Equipped Kitchen, Dishwasher, Cooker, Large Fridge Freezer
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/8322
The Turquoise Coast/Lycia region
CLIMATE
Kalkan has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and warm wet winters. The sea water rarely drops below 16°C (60.8°F), therefore allowing swimmers to have an eight to nine months of bathing season.
The hottest days of the hottest months are cooled down by the "Meltem" that is a breeze which blows every afternoon. Nevertheless, people who have problems coping with the heat are recommended to visit the region during spring, early summer, or in the autumn.
History and Architecture of Kalkan
Kalkan circa 1960
Kalkan has been a place of settlement since antiquity with the important location as the only safe harbour between Kas and Fethiye. Kalkan was a very important port during the 19th century - even more so than Fethiye or Antalya, its two larger neighbors.
The Kalkan you see today was settled 150 to 200 years ago by people of both Greek and Turkish origin subject to the Ottoman Empire. Camels brought goods to Kalkan from the nearby Xanthos valley and from as far away as the mountain highlands near Elmali. Cargo ships were then loaded in Kalkan's harbour to sail for the far reaches of the Ottoman Empire carrying charcoal, silk (you can see many mulberry trees in Kalkan today), olive oil (still produced in Kalkan) and wine, as well as cotton, grain, sesame seed, flour, grapes, acorns used for dye, and lumber from the vast cedar and pine forests.
By the early 20th century Kalkan had become quite a sizeable village. At the turn of the century it had its own custom’s house and in 1915 there were reportedly seventeen restaurants, a goldsmith, a shoemaker and several tailors. The first local elections were held in 1928 and in 1937 the present elementary school was opened.
Kalkan in the 1950's
Following World War I, the exchange in population between the new Turkish Republic and Greece took place in 1921 during the Turkish War of Independence. Most of the Greek origin people then living in Kalkan left Turkey (some going to the nearby Greek island of Meis), but trading continued until it faded away in the 1950’s due to the improvement of the Turkish road system and the adoption of overland transport.
With no more sea trade, the population of Kalkan trickled away as people moved to larger coastal cities to find work. Luckily, Kalkan was saved by the arrival of wealthy English yachtsmen in the 1960's and tourism eventually became the main economy of Kalkan. Because of this, Kalkan has retained its historic charm. Strict building and preservation codes are enforced and many of Kalkan's buildings are listed. Because of the determination to keep Kalkan beautiful, Kalkan has a specialness to it lacking in many other towns along the coast.
Despite the changes tourism has brought to the people of Kalkan, traditional life still continues for many of the local residents. Historically, many locals of Kalkan have owned land both in Kalkan and in the nearby mountain village of Bezirgan, set in a beautiful valley. Today many of these residents continue to follow the pattern of their ancestors, spending summers in the coolness of the mountains and winters near the warm coast.
Architecture
Kalkan's Greek origin can still be seen in its distinctive architecture which is very similar to the architecture of the nearby Greek island of Meis (Castellorizo). There is also a Greek Orthodox church by Kalkan's harbour which has been converted into a mosque.
As you walk about Old Kalkan you will notice much historic architecture. This architecture is very special, of the traditional 'Kalkan Style', and is well-preserved and protected.
Old Kalkan's houses line narrow streets winding up from the harbour and are quite beautiful, often covered in bougainvillea. They are characteristically built of stone with small shuttered windows and timber balconies, whitewashed walls and contrasting woodwork. and often have courtyards and gardens. Narrow passages criss-cross between the houses. To combat the heat of summer, houses were built for coolness. Balconies, terraces and courtyards were constructed to create cool, comfortable areas, while small windows could be tightly shuttered from the hot noon sun. Windows and balconies of the upper floors face the sea to take advantage of any breezes.
Old Kalkan buildings are usually two stories high, unless the road is very steep. In this case there is sometimes a mezzanine. Behind the pediment (the hallmark of the traditional Kalkan house) is the red-tiled roof and chimneypot. Ground floors are usually used as shops or for storage while residents live on the floors above.
The many decorative elements of old Kalkan’s architecture provide a link to the area’s ancient past. Such elements can be seen in the sills placed between the floor levels and the tops of windows and on the corners of buildings enhanced with pilasters and pseudo column capitals. Adorned pediments grace facades, and dentils and cornices decorate eves.
Kalkan area
Kalkan is a place to fall in love with ...
A small peaceful Mediterranean resort and fishing town on the beautiful Turquoise Coast of Turkey, Kalkan has not been touched by mass tourism. More sophisticated than the usual resort town, Kalkan appeals to travelers looking for more than a "sun and sea" holiday.
Because of its great charm, Kalkan has a growing number of perennial visitors who say the town is the only holiday destination they would choose to visit repeatedly. There is simply no other town quite like Kalkan along Turkey's coast
Kalkan curls snuggly around an ancient harbour sheltered at the foot of the towering Taurus Mountains. The town overlooks a beautiful bay in which islands seem to magically float upon the shimmering sea. Narrow streets twist down to the harbour through the historic town and are lined with listed whitewashed villas with shuttered windows situated alongside small local specialty shops and restaurants. Overhead hang original ornately carved Ottoman timber balconies garlanded with brilliantly coloured bougainvillea cascading to the streets below. It is a very special place.
Why Kalkan is so special
Not only is Kalkan beautiful, but unlike other Turkish coastal resort towns Kalkan's main economy is tourism and therefore its citizens put much pride and effort into the town's historic preservation. Because of this, Kalkan has retained the texture of its history with its distinctive Greek architecture (it was once a Greek and Turkish fishing village). Very strict building codes keep the town small and architecturally blended with the historic heart of the town known as "Old Kalkan".
Besides the famous "Kalkan Style" historic architecture, the many excellent restaurants of Kalkan contribute to the special atmosphere within Kalkan. Good dining has always been the way of life in Kalkan and continues today. In fact, Kalkan is said to have the highest number of restaurants and bars per inhabitant or square meter on the Turkish coast. Additionally, Kalkan is especially renowned in Turkey for its numerous roof terrace restaurants and bars which offer a wonderful view of the town, sea and stars. You can also sit at one of the many fine harbour-side restaurants and watch the fishermen leave early in the morning as you eat breakfast, or see them return with the day's catch in the evening.
How to get there
Best airlines to travel to Dalaman Turkey are Thomson Fly http://www.thomsonfly.com British Airways www.ba.com XL.com and Coop holidays Direct . Eastern Avenue, Lichfield Staffs WS13 6RH tel 0870 241 1047 Fax 01543 421401 -
Kalkan 1 1/2 - 2 hours by car or Airport Transfer
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Dalaman: 100 km
Activities near Kalkan
Sports: Watersports Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Beach or lakeside relaxation
Double beds (4), Lounge seating for 5, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: The large lounge is tastefully furnished with a large sofa, two arm chairs & coffee table and also enjoys air conditioning.
As you would expect with a property of this nature, all fixtures and fittings are high quality. The kitchen is fully fitted and includes washing machine, hob, cooker, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, kettle
Three of the four bedrooms are en-suite (with a further cloakroom downstairs), all are air conditioned and have balconies which enjoy beautiful mountain or sea views. Bedroom 1 has a double bed, bedroom 2 a kingsize bed, bedroom 3 twin beds and bedroom 4 a double bed and jacuzzi bath in the en-suite bathroom
Further details outdoors: In addition to the large private pool, the sun terraces are tastefully furnished with wooden sunbeds & cushions, sun parasols, dining table to seat 6 with iron chairs & cushions and a further table with iron chairs to seat 2.
Further details
This is a newly built property in 2004 and is available from May 16th
Conditions
The pool is checked daily and maintained as required. The house is also professionally cleaned weekly
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Late Season
3 Sep 07
1 Oct 07
750£ 750
0-
0-
1 Week
End of Season
1 Oct 07
29 Oct 07
500£ 500
0-
0-
1 Week
off season
4 Mar 08
28 Apr 08
450£ 450
0-
0-
1 Week
Early Season
28 Apr 08
2 Jun 08
500£ 500
0-
0-
1 Week
Late Spring
2 Jun 08
7 Jul 08
600£ 600
0-
0-
1 Week
Early Summer
7 Jul 08
28 Jul 08
750£ 750
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season
28 Jul 08
1 Sep 08
900£ 900
0-
0-
1 Week
Late Season
1 Sep 08
29 Sep 08
750£ 750
0-
0-
1 Week
End of Season
29 Sep 08
27 Oct 08
500£ 500
0-
0-
1 Week
81
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Please note that the property is rented Monday to Monday. This is due to the majority of flights in the UK
It will be available to new guests from 3pm on the day of changeover and needs to be vacated by 11am when leaving.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/8322
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/8322