BTW - Prepare yourself for the sight of a monsterous new hotel development in Akyarlar Bay. Quite how they got permission - direct from Ankara - to build 11 floors in some parts is a mystery to us all but one thing's for sure, it's fcuking terrible.

yeah I had heared about this last year ... I hope they will not mess up Akyarlar with mass turizm

As discussed in great depth last night, we could not find a single nationality that would find such an hotel appealing. Except maybe the Russians - at a push - seeing as they already have the major %' age of anywhere decent around here

Any of the Bodrum crew (esp. chic) got any views on Gokcevel as a place to live?

Nasty hotel complex in the offing? Chances of local revolution? Things to do nearby? Weird local population with penchant for bestiality? Terrorised by a village idiot with a resemblance of David Simpsony (by the way, that's a good thing)?

Any help much appreciated. Many thanks.

Gokcebel by any chance?
If so, there's an upper village, lower village and seaside area. Considered one of the more desirable areas to live as has combo of 'traditional' Turkish village life (mosque, kahve, snotty nosed kids and chickens/donkeys running around) and very posh stone villas. Low building permission in general. No hotels at all as far as I'm aware. Located on the North side of the Peninsula between the better known resorts of Yalıkavak & Gündoğan so good choice of local facilities. There's bound to be a village mentalist around but can't vouch for his/her resemblance to DS. Gökçebel would be on my list of places to live if I could get my arse out of bed early enough to make it to work before lunchtime (20 min drive into Bodrum). If you need a particular place checked out, PM me.[/b]

It is Gokcebel indeed and they say there are a bunch of expat families...

I'm sure there are - the foreign real estate market is pretty active in the whole area - but probably less than in surrounding areas. The main expat scenes seem to be in Turgutreis, Yalıkavak & Bitez.

Having only just joined this website I was hesitant to make a comment, however I feel I must defend Bodrum which usually refers to the whole of the Bodrum Peninsular. I live in Turgutreis and go to Bodrum town about once a week. We have a wonderful climate on the Peninsular but a bit hot in July and August in the centre of Bodrum as it doesn't get the breeze. Turgutreis still has a village atmosphere with a touch of glamour because of our extremely smart marina and surrounding shopping centre. The shopping between Bodrum and Turgutreis is excellent with good furniture shops, hardware, electrical and lighting etc as well as the smart shops in Oasis shopping mall. There are many excellent restaurants and some stunning views. The pretty little houses in the back streets of Bodrum are charming. Having toured the whole of the South Coast of Turkey I really feel I have hit 'gold' here.

I love Bodrum. Started by visiting once in 2001, and have been back twice a year ever since, staying in either Bitez or Ortakent. We even visited four times in 2006.

Biffo, before we send you a medal, perhaps you could take the time to introduce yourself first. We might be nicer to you then.

Note to self: There are sufficient volunteer police on the forum without joining in as well.

[quote user="Spicy Lady" post="100752"]Having only just joined this website I was hesitant to make a comment, however I feel I must defend Bodrum which usually refers to the whole of the Bodrum Peninsular. I live in Turgutreis and go to Bodrum town about once a week. We have a wonderful climate on the Peninsular but a bit hot in July and August in the centre of Bodrum as it doesn't get the breeze. Turgutreis still has a village atmosphere with a touch of glamour because of our extremely smart marina and surrounding shopping centre. The shopping between Bodrum and Turgutreis is excellent with good furniture shops, hardware, electrical and lighting etc as well as the smart shops in Oasis shopping mall. There are many excellent restaurants and some stunning views. The pretty little houses in the back streets of Bodrum are charming. Having toured the whole of the South Coast of Turkey I really feel I have hit 'gold' here.[/quote]

Missed this valuable insight. Spicy Lady, you don't need to defend Bodrum to me. Most of us (ehem) quite like it though Datça is much better and they're always looking for new expats to make regular visits there I wouldn't live in Turgutreis mind.