If a gated community with a guarded entry seems like a modern-day security measure, think again. Homes in a neighborhood in Alanya, a city in the Turkey province of Antalya, are surrounded by miles of medieval castle walls complete with watchtowers.
Aerial view from the Citadel of Alanya on the Red Tower (Kizil Kule) and marina.
Alanya Kale was built as a fortress on a rocky peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea. On the harbor side is the foreboding Red Tower, a defensive stronghold that protected the castle from attacks by sea. The castle, tower and shipyard took shape in the 13th century.
Alanya Kale was built as a fortress on a rocky peninsula surrounded on three sides by the … [+]
Today, the resort town along the Turkish Riviera draws tourists to a hotel-lined stretch of sand named Cleopatra Beach, where it is believed the Egyptian queen once swam.
The castle, tower and shipyard date to the 13th century.
The castle itself is an open-air museum. Privately owned red-tile roof homes fill the grounds. The early villas, from the 18th and 19th centuries, reflect the architecture of the Ottoman reign.
Alanya is situated on the south coast of Turkey.
One of the houses within the walls, named Korakesium Ev, is currently for sale—an infrequent occurrence. “On average,” says listing agent Stephen Garvey of Best Invest—Turkey, the rate of ownership turnover is “one per year with prices starting at about €2 million.” That’s about US $2.2 million.
Named Korakesium Ev, this Alanya villa sits on the fortress slopes overlooking the harbor.
Set on the fortress slopes above a narrow cobblestone path, the timber-frame house features a stone ground floor and a second story supported by cantilevered wood beams.
About one of the Alanya villas come to market each year, making the historical properties something … [+]
From this vantage point the views are “breathtaking,” Garvey says, and capture the castle walls, the Red Tower, the Taurus Mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, the metropolis of Alanya and the expansive coastline and beaches. Nearby are the harbor, boardwalk, restaurants and nightclubs.
A reflection of Ottoman architecture, the villa features a mix of stone and plaster walls set … [+]
The villa reflects the area’s Ottoman architectural heritage with rows of modular windows, stained glass, symmetrical design and a semi-open floor plan.
Wood accents built from local timber are observed throughout the home.
The double-height entrance hall serves as an internal courtyard from which to enter the living spaces. The walls are a mix of stone and plaster set between wood frames or wood panels.
Real estate agents representing the villa anticipate the selling price will be about €2.5 million … [+]
Wood accents built from local timber carry throughout the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house, which has 250 square meters or nearly 2,700 square feet of living space.
Mehmet Gökkaya and Garvey of Best Invest—Turkey are the listing agents.
Mehmet Gökkaya and Garvey, both with Best Invest—Turkey, are the listing agents. They anticipate the selling price will be in the neighborhood of €2.5 million or about US $2.7 million.
Panoramic view of the harbor of Alanya on a beautiful summer day.
The buyer could be of any nationality, according to Gökkaya, as a property purchase in Turkey is a path to citizenship. He envisions the villa being used as a vacation or retirement home.