There are few places in the world like Cappadocia in central Turkey. A fairytale landscape of volcanic rock sculpted by time and the elements into a geological dance of rock spires and needles, between which apple, apricot, and mulberry trees flourish in fertile valleys. Perched at 1300 meters, the ancient village of Uçhisar dominates this breathtaking scenery and potent history. Captivated by this beauty, a French architect, Jacques Avizou, has spent the better part of ten years renovating the magnificent cave dwellings in the oldest part of the village. These long forgotten homes, with their vaulted rooms and stone terraces, have come back to life. Eleven restored houses are available to the discerning visitor who seeks a holiday of the highest order in a place that has left few unmoved.

Each house shares a magnificent view over the landscape. Each has been refurbished by Jacques and Anne Avizou without compromise: the comfort expected by western visitors blends effortlessly with millennium architecture-carved lintels, vaulted ceilings, and in-house cisterns, accentuated with colorful kilims, carpets and authentic 'Avanos' earthware. This is a place where one immediately feels the magic, one of the birthplaces of humanity: the first christians carved churches and dwellings out of the rock and dug underground cities here to evade the heathen invaders centuries ago. In May 2000, Les Maisons de Cappadoce was honored by GOURMET MAGAZINE when we were named "The most unusual 'Room at the Top'" in their prestigious annual hotel poll.

Getting there.

Two airports serve Cappadocia. One is in Kayseri at 80 km (50 miles) that has two daily flights to and from Istanbul. The other at Nevsehir is closer (20km) and more recent, but had only two flights a week in and out of Istanbul in 2001. A shuttle service between the airports and Uçhisar serves each flight and is available upon request. The departures are coordinated with the airline arrivals.

Les Maisons de Cappadoce

"Maison Le Jardin"
(6 persons) Lovely interior garden with barbecue. Two levels and central heating. Upper level: Open-air entry.Bedroom king bed with bathSalon, bedroom (twin beds) with bath. Lower level: Large cave salon. Winter dining room with chimney.Bedroom king bed, bath.

"Maison Le Konak"
(4/5 persons) Registered historic monument, incredible view.Central heating. Upper level: Entrance, WC, large sitting room, chimneyFully-equipped kitchen, terrace and barbecue. Lower level: Bedroom (king bed), bathBedroom (twin beds), bathSmall sitting room, one bed.

"Maison Le Sucre"
(6 persons) Extraordinary view. Upper level: Entrance, sitting room with chimney, large, fully equipped kitchen, WCTerraces with barbecue. Middle level: Bedroom (king bed), bathSmall terrace Lower level: Bedroom (king bed), chimney, dressing, bathLarge bedroom (twin beds), chimney, dressing, bath Courtyard, small gardenLarge troglodytic rooms.

"Maison Les Chèvres"
(6 personnes) Two levels. Remarkable example of Greek architecture. Extraordinary view. Upper level: Open-air entry, pergola, large terraces.Bedroom king bed with chimney. Bedroom twin beds. One bathroom. Lower level: Interior courtyard, Open patio. Kitchen.Bedroom king bed, bath. Dressing room.Troglodytic rooms.

"Maison Le Mariage"
(4 personnes) Wonderful view. Upper level: Entrance, fully-equipped kitchen, sitting room with chimney, terraceBedroom (king bed)Bedroom (twin beds)One bath Lower level: Courtyard, large troglodytic rooms.

"Maison La Forge"
(4/5 personnes) One level. Courtyard, barbecue, garden.Large troglodytic salon with chimney, bar.Fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher. Bedroom king bed, bath.Bedroom two individual beds, bath, chimney, storage.

"Maison La Paille"
(6/7 persons) Exceptional view. Three levels. Upper level: Entry, salon with chimney. Kitchen Large roof terrace with barbecue Middle level: Interior courtyard.Bedroom king bed with chimney and bath,loft with single bed.Bedroom twin beds, bath. Lower level: Bedroom twin beds, bath, troglodytic salon.

"Maison Le Pont"
(6 personnes) A troglodyte house built on two levels. Extraordinary view. Upper level: Courtyard, pergola.Bedroom (king bed), bedroom (twin beds). One bathroom. Lower level: Interior courtyard, garden, barbecue. KitchenBedroom twin beds, bath. Storage.

"Studio Les Chèvres"
(2/3 persons) Gorgeous view, central heating Sitting room, kitchenTroglodytic bedroom with king bed, fireplace.Bathroom (shower, WC)Terrace garden and barbecue.

"Studio Le Pont"
(2 personnes) Studio carved out of the rockwith king bed, kitchenette, bath.Terrace with barbecue. Wonderful view.

"Studio La Paille"
(2 persons) Wonderful view. Studio with bedroom twin beds, bath. Kitchen, garden patio with barbecue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Uçhisar like?
Uçhisar is arguably the most beautiful site in central Turkey, perched on its hill at 1300 meters (4000 feet) overlooking the entire Cappadocia valley.
Can we communicate with the rest of the world?
Sure, although once you're here you'll probably decide that the rest of the world is delightfully unimportant. Voluntarily, none of Les Maisons de Cappadoce have a telephone (or television). Phone calls can be made from the local post office or from one of the public cabins in Uçhisar. Faxes can be sent or received at the offices in town. The GSM mobile network is active in Turkey and covers this region, so you can bring your mobile phone and it will work.
What about medical facilities?
A modern, fully-equipped clinic is located in Nevsehir. Most of the doctors there speak english. You should, however, bring any personal medecines you might require with you from home.
What are the Uçhisarians like?
The friendliness and hospitality of the local people is legendary.
What should I know about the dwellings themselves?
The eleven Maisons de Cappadoce are located in the most ancient part of the village; each was chosen for its view over the countryside and the quality of its architecture. Each is fully furnished, comfortably equipped (220 volts), and decorated exquisitely, showcasing the potteries, weaving, and stone-carving of the Cappadocian culture. Bedsheets are changed twice a week, towels every day. We do ask the guests to understand that the interior gardens require maintenance on a daily basis, and that the gardening staff be allowed to perform their duties. If other arrangements have not been made beforehand, the houses are available after 4 PM on the day of arrival, and should be vacated before 10 AM the day of departure.
Are there optional services proposed during our stay?
As an option, you can order a breakfast basket from us that includes fruit juice, milk, instant coffee, tea, sugar, butter, jam, eggs, cheese, fruits, cookies, and breakfast cereal for the price of 5 U$ per day. This service includes delivery of fresh bread delivered to your door each morning. According to availability of personnel, we can also supply maid-cleaning service.

BOOKING

 Click on Reserve button to make Hotel Reservation.