Uçhisar is the most striking of Cappadocian villages, a stone-age rabbit’s warren at the foot of the region’s tallest fairy chimney. Here a French architect who fell in love with the millennial rhythms of Anatolia acquired a string of cave dwellings deserted by the upwardly-mobile villagers and converted them into contemporary homes of extraordinary aesthetic verve. He lets them by the day as fully serviced holiday houses. Mr Avizou is a man of very Gallic temperament - charming and difficult. His houses combine extraordinary simplicity of concept with an unfailing sense of detail that extends from colour harmony to the choice of perfume. One house has a dream-like garden. Another offers a vast underground cellar. There are fairy chimneys outside, and nooks of undescribable charm and surprising topography everywhere. The entire project was nominated in 1998 for the prestigious Aga Khan prize of architecture. Services are limited. Breakfast is delivered daily as a basket. Other than that you are pretty much on your own to enjoy, for a few days, a private cave home of your dreams.
The host says...
Perched at 1300 meters, Uchisar dominates the breathtaking scenery of Cappadocia.
A French architect, Jacques Avizou, has spent the better part of twenty years renovating the the oldest part of the village. These long forgotten homes have come back to life as a stunning hotel and self-catering venues: “Les Maisons de Cappadoce”.
Sixteen restored Houses or Studios, fully equipped, sharing a magnificent view, are available to the discerning visitor who seeks a holiday of the highest order. Jacques refurbished them without compromise: modern comfort blends with millenium architecture, carved lintels, vaulted ceilings, accentuated with colorful kilims, carpets and authentic earthenware. One of them: "Maison des Roses" has its own private heated infinity swimming pool on the terrace overlooking the Pigeon Valley.
One may choose the type of vacation that he desires: the perfect intimity and liberty of a house or studio, or, the coddled luxury of a boutique hotel.
This is a place where one immediately feels the magic, one of the birthplaces of humanity
Quiet and natural setting · Architecturally remarkable/historic building · Nice garden · Swimming pool · Restaurant · Suitable for families with children · No-smoking rooms · Open all year
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