OVER THE FENCE
When it comes to Turkey, holiday home owner Caroline and local resident Jeanne say that nothing compares to Dalaman’s old-world welcome
PHOTOS A LA MY
NAME: Caroline Smith
OCCUPATION: Retired
Tell us about your home in Dalaman.
My husband and I started coming to Turkey on holiday about 25 years ago and fell in love with the place. Four years ago, we bought a three-bedroom bungalow with its own swimming pool overlooking a lake in the Akkaya mountain region. It cost us £108,000. The area we’re in isn’t a tourist resort, but the airport is only 25 minutes away, and the lovely beaches of Sarigerme and Gumusluk are also just a short drive. So we have it all – the peace and tranquillity of the mountains close to all the action and nightlife.
What do you do when you’re out here?
We tend to spend a lot of time driving around the area finding new places to visit, or relaxing on the beach and pottering around the garden. We have made some good friends, albeit English ones, and have a really good social life. We like to explore remote villages and eat in local restaurants – if you find a restaurant that’s full of local people you can absolutely guarantee the food will be great and really authentic.
What would you recommend to visitors?
Dalyan is a really good place for its market and restaurants. In the evening it really comes to life and the spectacular rock tombs are wonderful when they’re lit up at night. There are so many great places around that wherever you go there’s always something interesting for us to discover.
Where do you go to eat?
For a special experience, there’s a fantastic restaurant close to where we live which has been built into a gorge and overlooks the lake. In the summer you eat outside on seating areas built into the trees. It’s amazing sitting up there and enjoying a really good meal. The staff are very friendly and the food is good. It also has a large swimming pool and shower facilities you can use, and organises trips on the lake and horse riding.
Have the locals been welcoming?
Our property is located in a farming community and we have a lovely old farmer living just across the road from us. I often go out to Turkey on my own and he always comes over to make sure I have everything I need. When we visit Turkey I always feel like I’m going home, and I feel so safe and comfortable even when I’m on my own. I have absolutely no problem driving there; in fact I prefer to drive in Turkey than in the UK.
What about the future?
My husband retires in August and we shall be spending more time in Turkey and less in the UK. The pace of life is very slow and the tranquillity of the area is great. There’s just such a lovely feel to the place and so much to see. I just love being out there – it’s like heaven to me!
NAME: Jeanne Grey
OCCUPATION: Retired
How did you end up living in Dalaman?
I am a retired teacher from London with two grown-up kids. My husband passed away three years ago. We had come to Turkey many times on holiday and loved the country, so I decided to buy a property and live for part of the year in the Dalaman area.
How do you spend your time?
There is so much to do in the area. I love walking and bird watching, and there are some wonderful countryside trails with all sorts of interesting wildlife. The beaches are good, although I prefer to go on boat trips, which are a lovely way to spend the day and very economical. When my daughters come over we visit historical ruins and explore the fantastic markets.
What’s the Turkish attitude to life?
It’s very relaxed, something we lost in Britain a long time ago. It’s appealing for expats as you have more time for the important things in life, like friends or family.
What are the must-buy local products?
A carpet is a great souvenir – or cushion covers if your budget is more limited. Are there any places you can recommend that newbies should check out? The local markets are fantastic – so colourful and the produce is all fresh and cheap. You can try anything before you buy it and the people are so friendly and helpful. It’s a real experience.
What do you love about Turkey?
The laid-back lifestyle, the wonderful unspoilt countryside and the great weather.
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