Villa Saranda is a lovely private villa set in the peaceful retreat of Sögüt. The villa enjoys the most picturesque rural hilltop location together with truly stunning views. Söğüt – it’s hard to spell, difficult to say, nobody has heard of it and it’s not easy to get there and that is what makes this peaceful retreat hugely desirable. This is the place to really relax, unwind and take a step back in time to a more simple life. Villa Saranda situated at the top of the hill is not overlooked at all, you have absolute privacy and an exceptional view. The most distant island is the Greek island of Symi – and this area is known as the Symi Gulf – the others are small Turkish islands with no habitation but with plenty of good swimming and snorkelling around them. Villa Saranda – the name is taken from the old Greek name for this area – is rustic, it’s a mountain lodge – alpine chalet style – rough stone walls and warm pine are complemented with comfortable furnishings, antique collections and quirky pieces. Climb the steps to the upper floor and you’ll notice they accommodate the huge rock that has stood in the same place for many millions of years. As you sit on one of the huge terraces marvelling at the views you cannot help but be mesmerised. Come evening you will be spellbound by the intensity of the sunsets. Be prepared to take a lot of photographs! Alternatively this may be the place that persuades you to a digital-detox, the scale and beauty of the surroundings seem to encourage you to reconnect with nature. Earlier and later in the season this is an area to walk and hike. The 800km. long distance walking Carian Trail passes nearby. Venture down the hill to the sea front – it’s likely that you will pass a wild donkey or two – there’s a handful of sea-side restaurants, it’s unpretentious, it’s quaint and it is a way of life rarely experienced these days. Rüchan and Verda the charming owners of Villa Saranda live nearby and ensure that fresh bread is delivered daily and Verda has a wealth of knowledge about the area. Ilios Travel offer an exclusive escape to Villa Saranda. Room Details Ground Floor Pool Terrace with sunbeds, shades and two separate dining areas. Steps up to main entrance with open plan living areas, to the right a large farmhouse kitchen with small eat-in breakfast area and terrace access to outdoor dining area, to the left a very large sitting room with dining area, stone fireplace and picture window. Guest cloakroom with WC. Steps up to: First Floor Master Bedroom with double doors opening onto upper terrace with remarkable vistas. The terrace is furnished with dining table and chairs, sun beds under a vine clad pergola and a hammock. Family bathroom with shower/WC. Twin bedroom. Facilities Washing machine, hob, mini oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, water cooler. TV, DVD, CD, i-pod docking station, Wi-Fi internet access. Iron & ironing board, safe, hairdryer. Air conditioned throughout. Swimming Pool Private swimming pool. 12.00 x 3.75 metres. Constant depth of 1.50 metres. One end has a platform 3.75 x 1.50 with a depth of just .50 cm. Pool towels supplied. Beaches It’s a 5 minute drive to the sea front. Shops The closest mini market is situated approximately a 5 minute drive from the property. Larger supermarkets can be found in nearby Bozburun, less than a 15 minute drive and Selimiye which is approximately 25 minutes. Nearest Airport 2 hours and 15 minutes from Dalaman airport Notes Maid service is provided on a daily basis for light cleaning, with towels and bed linen changed every two days. This property is not suited to very young or those with limited mobility due to a steep hillside location.