Istanbul Properties

Turkey voted top country

Turkey has been chosen by Condé Nast Traveller readers as their favourite country in the destination category at the Condé Nast Traveller 12th Annual Readers’ Travel Awards for the first time.

 

Turkey‘s popularity also ensures a spot in prestigious The World’s Top 100 list too where it was voted number 2 overall.

 

Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010 also scored highly; Istanbul was voted in the top 10 in the Overseas Cities category (5th place), with top marks for people / hospitality.

 

The city is also home to some of the readers’ favourite hotels as the Ciragan Palace Kempinski was voted in 6th place and The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, 13th place in the Category of Overseas Leisure Hotels.  The Ritz Carlton Istanbul also secured 8th spot in the Overseas Business Hotels category.

 

Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK Irfan Onal expressed his delight at winning the award: “We are thrilled that Turkey has won this prestigious award, which is even more meaningful given that it is chosen by the readers themselves.  This is the highlight in what has been a very successful year as the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK.

Indeed, visitor numbers from the UK continue their spectacular rise, with year-on-year figures up 15.5% for the first 7 months of this year.”

 

Turkish Ambassador H.E Mr. Unal Cevikoz received the country award. Also attending the award was the Ambassador’s wife Mrs. Emel Cevikoz, Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, Mr. Irfan Onal and Deputy Director, Dr. Aysegul Gurgezoglu.

 

 

Source: www.ftnnews.com

YALI SEASIDE RESIDENCE – ISTANBUL PROPERTIES

The History of the Yali

Set on the banks of the Bosphorus are exclusive properties better known as ‘yalý’, pronounced “yah-luh”. Originally a Greek word, it literally means ‘on the seaside’. Most of the properties were built during the 19th century but there are some dating back to the 18th and early 20th century too. The oldest building that still remains was built in 1699. The primary material used was a finely worked wood. Yalis today are probably even more popular than ever. They are rare jewels to view and even rarer to own with only 620 built and no permission to build any more. Some have been converted into exclusive hotels but most remain as homes owned by the rich and famous. These properties are a symbol of wealth, power and status. Despite building restrictions on the Bosphorus, there is the opportunity to restore an older property as long as strict guidelines are met. Reconstructions are done mainly with steel frames but the cosmetics of the properties still reflect the traditional design of ‘the wooden mansion by the seaside’. Houses along this strip vary in price but the most expensive belongs to a Turkish family and is estimated to be worth $100 million and is ranked the 5th most expensive property in the world by Forbes magazine. Typical neighbours include celebrities, politicians and businessmen docking their boats literally inches from their doorsteps.

Yali Seaside Residence from Cumberland Properties

Our property is located in the heart of the Bosphorus strait in Anadoluhisari (Anatolian Fortress), with views of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Rumelihisari (European Fortress) on the opposite side of the water. The bridge connects Asia to Europe and offers spectacular viewing of the comings and goings of this magical city. Massive cargo ships carrying imports and exports are a regular sight here on the narrowest part of the water way. At the rear of the property is a collection of restaurants, banks, patisseries, cafes, markets and florists.

The property is 4 storey’s – including a basement, ground floor, first floor and penthouse. Every aspect in the development of this property has had the word sophistication at the forefront. The entrance is actually located to the rear from the main road. A small garden/court yard leads to the front door. Once inside a grand open hall including a seating area gives you space to meet and greet your guests. To the left for there is a powder room and WC. The magnificent staircase is a breathtaking feature sweeping from left and right the stairs lead you upstairs and the middle takes you to the lower floor. The large kitchen is located opposite the staircase and boasts a middle island for a contemporary American feel. The impressive dining room, including a bar, is next to the kitchen giving you the excuse to host many dinner or cocktail parties in a luxurious atmosphere. The lounge on this floor offers great views of the Bosphorus via the traditional windows complete with the wooden shutters which are a feature of yalý’s. Moving upstairs the master bedroom is situated on the left hand side of the second floor. This extravagantly spacious bedroom is completed with his and hers walk-in wardrobes, Jacuzzi room and separate shower room, once again views of the Bosphorus are a prominent feature. Two further bedrooms are located to the right of the staircase – both large in size. Taking the staircase to the penthouse you will find a studio apartment, including its own bathroom, kitchenette and a living room – again with those spectacular views. The basement level, accessed from the middle staircase on the entry level, is a space for relaxation and enjoyment with the games room offering a full-size pool table. The games room leads through to the home theatre complete with its inviting sofas. To the right of the stairs the heating/laundry room is where you can determine the climate throughout the property. The traditional maid’s quarter is separate and includes a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a kitchenette. The net space of this property is an impressive 530m2. This home really is a rare find and offers the height of luxury and a fantastic location in the heart of the Bosphorus strait. PRICE: £ 5,795,000

“A piece of history and a unique restoration project of which we are very proud!”Helen McDonald
Cumberland Properties & Management Ltd.

 

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