Villa Lalai, Near Esentepe

Description

Villa Lalai is a spacious house set in a large garden, planted out with figs and bougainvillea and has natural stone sculpture. It has an 8 x 4 swimming pool with Roman steps – the views from the private, secluded pool area are spectacular, looking up to the Besparmak mountains. There are sun loungers with parasols, a BBQ and patio dining for eight. Close by are olive groves and the sea is about a 10 minute walk away. At night the pool and garden lights give a magical atmosphere for your evenings sipping wine on the terrace. We have excellent WIFI.

Furnished in a tasteful, modern style, the interior is light and spacious with a marble staircase. Much care has been taken in the interior design and modern art adorns the walls. There is air conditioning in all bedrooms, plus standing fans. The lounge has patio doors leading onto terraces at the front and back of the house. There is ample parking space.

We will happily book airport collection and car hire for you and our property manager lives close by for your assistance. We have fast internet connection through our own wifi.

As well as relaxing, swimming and sunbathing, many activities can be enjoyed in the area, including scuba diving, sailing, snorkelling, walking, bird watching (300 species), horse riding, mountaineering and much more. There is a championship golf course nearby. Museums and castles abound. However, if it is relaxation you are after and you want to leave the pool for the day, there are lovely quiet beaches to be found close by. Alagadi is an official Turtle Watch beach (10 minutes from villa). At certain times of the year you can watch the turtles lay their eggs in the soft sand or watch the young as they head for the open sea. Acapulco is a hotel complex (about 20 minutes away) with all facilities including an aqua park bars and restaurants. Travelling east you will find wonderful beaches where you will be totally alone, just get out of the car and swim.

A walk into the nearby hills of Esentepe will lead you to the ancient monastery of Antiphonitis with its 12th Century frescoes and domed roof.

Bellapais Abbey is a magical place – built in the 12th Century it commands views of the whole northern coastline. At night the Abbey is floodlit and enchanting magical, there are classical concerts there at times during the summer season. There is a choice of restaurants in the village, one, ‘The Kybele’ is set in the Abbey grounds, book a seat with a view and be swept away by the panorama. Bellapais is where Lawrence Durrell lived when he wrote ‘Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’.

An excellent day trip would be to Famagusta (Gazimagusa) where the Roman City of Salamis should not be missed. Nicosia (Lefkosa) is about 30 minutes away and boasts the beautiful Selimiye Mosque, built by the Lusignans from 1208. The Great Turkish Bath dates back to the Ottoman period. Walk around the old streets around this area, filled with interesting little shops, then sit in the beautiful square close to the Mosque and enjoy a coffee whilst taking in the historic architecture.

Bahceli village (further up into the mountains) is a very rural village, worth a drive up to see how village life there has remained so unchanged. There are no facilities there – only smiling, curious faces. Esentepe is approximately 8 minutes drive away and is a fascinating village with a butcher, bars and restaurants. There are other bars and restaurants close by along the coast, either rustic or more sophisticated. A large supermarket, Sah, is on the road to Kyrenia where you can find everything you need, they have a great deli. Everywhere is happy to take UK sterling or Euros.

In Kyrenia you will find a bustling town with bars, restaurants and a Wednesday market.

The area is excellent for BIRD WATCHING. Many species can be seen from the patio including hobby, honey buzzard, bee eater, hoopee, roller, black franklin, blue heron and whinchat.

The villa is suitable for the elderly and children.

Please see our video on this location.