by: Patricia Winter
In 1974 Cyprus was invaded by Turkey. As a result, the country was divided into two parts – the north being under the control of the Turks to the present day. The regime in the north has never been acknowledged internationally by any country other than Turkey and discussions have been underway for some years to try and reunite the island.
There is a major problem in the north – properties (either land alone or land plus buildings) belonging to Greek-Cypriot refugees are being sold without the knowledge or consent of the legal, registered owners.
The following is just one such case:
A few years ago Meletios Apostolides visited his former home and land in the north and found it inhabited by a Turkish-Cypriot family. Mr. Apostolides wasn’t unduly concerned as he acknowledged that Turkish-Cypriot families were also victims of the events in 1974. To his surprise though, a new villa had been erected on the land and was occupied by a British couple. The couple, David and Linda Orams, relayed to him that he did not have any legal rights to the property as they had bought it.
Mr. Apostolides commenced legal proceedings against the Orams in the Nicosia District Court and, as the defendants failed to appear, he secured a judgment by default.
The judgment was abundantly clear – the couple should deliver the property back to Mr. Apostolides, stop trespassing and pay damages for the use of the property. It was further acknowledged in the judgment that Mr. Apostolides had rights of ownership to the land.
The Orams subsequently lodged a petition to set aside the judgment by default but both attempts, at the Nicosia District Court and later at the Appeal Court, failed.
Mr. Apostolides took the judgment to the U.K. and applied to have it registered and executed against the Orams.
His case was heard first in County Court where certain points were referred to the European Court. Both of these courts ruled in favour of Mr. Apostolides. The Orams placed an appeal at the British High Court which gave a final judgment in favour of Apostolides that:
1) Judgments secured in a Cypriot Court regarding issues in the occupied northern part of Cyprus can be executed in the U.K.
2) The British Court has jurisdiction to enforce the judgment against the British couple who, with their act of building on the land belonging to Apostolides, were trespassing.
The Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the EEC in 2004. European status and laws cover the entire country, but these laws have been suspended in the northern occupied areas until a solution is found for the political problem. All EEC countries are obligated to enforce any final court judgment issued in any one of the EEC member countries.
The above judgment sent a strong message to all those who rushed to buy cheap Greek-Cypriot properties in the north – their status is not only illegal, but they risk being taken to court by the legitimate property owners.
The Orams have since been compelled to lodge a request for a demolition permit and pay compensation to Mr. Apostolides for the use of his land. Legal fees are in addition to this.
A very expensive lesson.
Caveat Emptor.
Walk to the Scenic Coastal Path
• 140 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - €315,000 EUR - Sea Views - Furnished
Chloraka Village, Paphos - This beautifully maintained villa is located within easy walking distance to the scenic coastal path from Paphos towards Coral Bay, with its many beaches and stunning views. The local shops and restaurants are only a few minutes drive away.
The ground floor is divided into distinct areas with a spacious living room and guest toilet on the one side and a large kitchen and dining area on the other. Patio doors from the dining area conveniently lead onto an outside covered veranda and the swimming pool area/garden.
Upstairs comprises three good size double bedrooms all with plenty of storage space, and a large separate bathroom. Two of the bedrooms, including the master bedroom with en-suite shower room, have patio doors leading onto a spacious balcony with stunning views of the sea. A great place to watch the beautiful sunsets.
The pool area is a good size with lots of room for relaxing, and the covered veranda has a sun awning providing more shade if required. The garden is well laid out and designed for easy maintenance, and the pool has an automated cleaning system. A large shed provides additional useful storage.
This impressive villa has very good quality finishes and is in excellent condition. Ideal for both residential and holiday use
Property information
The Lands and Surveys Department figures were issued on March 2nd, 2010 for February 2010 showing that 704 contracts of sale were deposited at Land Registries throughout Cyprus. This was an increase of nearly 30% compared to February 2009. In the first two months of this year, 1274 contracts were deposited and their overall numbers are up 27% compared to last year. This is a positive sign despite the overall sales still being down in comparison to the height of the market a few years back. In addition, the number of estate agents, real estate agents and marketing companies have decreased due to the economy and many companies either closing shop altogether or drastically downsizing making those agents that are left busier or as busy as they were before.
The figures showing how many of these contracts and sales are to foreign buyers should be published soon also.
Property Sales (Source: Department of Lands and Surveys)
By: Patricia Winter
The carnivals are over and Lent is underway – a 40 day fasting period of no meat, poultry or dairy products. The bakeries accommodate those who fast by adding dairy-free, egg-free and meat-free pastries and cookies to their already vast array of goodies. Generally, fasting is followed more strictly in the villages of Cyprus than in the towns, but most restaurants and takeaways also add fasting dishes to their menus during this period.
As Easter draws near, an air of festivity envelops the towns and villages. During Holy Week (the week preceding Easter Sunday) there is a flurry of church-going, shopping for new clothes and baking. The smell of the traditional Cypriot flaounes cooking, combined with the heady scent of orange blossoms in the air and the sound of singing which emanates from the churches, creates an atmosphere of expectation - a feeling that something good is just around the corner.
Easter is the most important religious holiday in the Greek Orthodox Church. The date of Greek Orthodox Easter is based on a modified Julian calendar. In 2010 Greek Orthodox Easter will coincide with Easter in the Western Churches which use a different calendar, the Gregorian. The date this year is April 4th.
Thursday of Holy Week is when the wonderful aromas begin to waft out onto the streets as this is traditionally the day when housewives start preparing the flaounes (small loaves made of flour, eggs, cheese, mint and sometimes raisins). These are shaped into triangles, sprinkled with sesame seeds then baked in the oven. Tiropites (small cheese pies in puff pastry), paskies (small meat pies) and koulouria (biscuits made of milk, flour, spices and sugar) are also prepared. Eggs are hard boiled and dyed red in preparation for games on Sunday. Everywhere is a hive of activity.
On the Friday morning before Easter (Good Friday or “Great Friday” as it is called in Greek) families, carrying flowers, gather in the churches. The flowers are collected and used by young girls to decorate the Epitafios (Holy Sepulchre) during the service. The Epitafios is a four-post litter with a canopy in which the icon of Christ is placed.
Early Friday evening a solemn service is held in all churches where the decorated Epitafios is carried into the streets, for a short procession, then returned to the church for a continuation of the service.
On Easter Saturday two services are held in church - one in the early morning and another at 11 p.m. Before the 11 p.m. service, which is called "The Ceremony of the Resurrection," church bells peal out in the villages and towns of Cyprus calling everyone to come and celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Huge bonfires are lit in the churchyards and slowly people begin to gather there. Every person carries a large unlit lampada (candle) and there is a general feeling of excitement in the air.
The church services start at 11 p.m. A few minutes before midnight the lights in the church are extinguished and the choir sings the story of the three
women who arrived at Christ’s tomb only to find it empty. The lights are switched on again and the priest calls the congregation to “take from his candle the light which never dies.” The flame is passed from person to person until everyone is holding a lit candle. The ceremony then continues outside the church for approximately 30 minutes, after which the priest returns inside again to begin the special Sunday liturgy for another two and a half to three hours.
At this point, a majority of the congregants leave to celebrate with family and friends by watching the firework displays which are held outside most churches, and to share a meal of the traditional Cypriot trachana (a creamy, savoury soup of wheat and yogurt) or magiritsa (a creamy, lemony soup).
The eggs which were hardboiled and dyed on Thursday are now used in a game where they are tapped against each other and whoever is left with an uncracked egg wins. The breaking of the eggs is symbolic of Christ breaking free from the tomb.
Easter Sunday is when the celebrations really begin. Feasts of ovelias (whole roast spiced lamb, cooked on an open charcoal fire) or souvla (large pieces of lamb or pork also cooked on an open charcoal fire), salads, vegetables, breads, cakes, biscuits, sweets, flaounes and wine are prepared. The smell of outdoor roasting permeates the island. Lamb is the traditional Easter meal as the early Christians adopted this symbol from the Jews who sacrificed lambs for their Passover celebrations.
From Sunday lunchtime until Tuesday night, in village squares and churchyards, traditional food, games and live traditional Cypriot music are to be found. Everyone, Cypriot and non-Cypriot, is welcomed and usually greeted with an enthusiastic, Kopiaste! Christos Anesti! Or Chronia Polla!
Happy Easter!
Fantastic Views of Coastline & Sea
• 72 sq. m., 1 bath, 2 bdrm apartment "Well Designed" - €95,000 EUR - Title Deeds
Chloraka Village, Paphos - This first floor, two bedroom apartment is located near to the popular village of Chlorakas, a few minutes from the sea, and 10 minutes drive from the centre of Paphos
The apartment features a spacious lounge, dining area and corner kitchen with breakfast bar. Two sets of patio doors lead to a double size private veranda with built-in shelf seat. From here there are the most breath-taking unobstructed views of the coast and surrounding countryside.
There are two double size bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, and a good size separate bathroom with a full size shower screen fitted over the bath. An additional alcove and cupboard provide extra storage space.
The project is well maintained with attractive mature gardens and impressive communal swimming pool. Steps make easy access to the pool and there are showers nearby.
With it’s spectacular views and beautiful sunsets, this property comes fully furnished. and with a little tender loving care, is a wonderful permanent or holiday residence.
Property information
High Quality Finishings
• 300 sq. m., 5 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story "Character Home" - €680,000 EUR - Title Deeds
Tala, Paphos - This fantastic villa with sea views is situated in the sought after area of Lofos, Tala. It is a superb villa with many features not usually seen in Cyprus homes. The setting is very private, set back from the road, yet in an established residential area close to all amenities.
A covered entrance porch leads to the downstairs accommodation which comprises a well equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, separate dining room, large master bedroom with dressing area, mahogany wardrobes and ensuite shower room, modern family bathroom with jacuzzi, a second bedroom which is being used as an office, and a sewing room.
The farmhouse style kitchen has a wooden beam ceiling, part brick effect walls. The five ring gas hob is inset with a solid oak beam above, specially imported from the UK. There is plenty of cupboard and worktop space with a second sink close to the dishwasher.
Many rooms in this character home have Georgian sash windows, cornice ceilings, ornate coving, wooden skirting boards and door frames with decorative wooden architrave.
The lounge with period fireplace is full of light with a wall of windows and patio doors leading onto an impressive veranda with archways and stone balustrade. The terrace spans the width of the house and has steps leading down from the centre to the wonderful swimming pool with roman steps, built-in barbecue and attractive stone wall garden.
Upstairs there are three double bedrooms, one with modern en-suite, and a separate bathroom. All have fitted wardrobes and wooden beam ceilings. One bedroom has a substantial sitting room area, and two have patio doors leading on to an enormous balcony with stone balustrade from where you can see the beautiful sea views and sunsets.
There is a further separate bedroom and large shower room, ideal as guest accommodation or maid’s quarters. This accommodation, together with the pool area can be accessed via a specially built pathway suitable for wheelchair access.
Property information
Fully Furnished
• 1 bath, 1 bdrm 3 story - €79,000 EUR - REDUCED - MUST SELL!
Kato Paphos, Paphos -
Diana 44 is a new complex located in an ideal location in Kato Paphos, minutes from picturesque fishing port and harbour of Paphos.
The apartment is fully air-conditioned and located on first floor. The open plan lounge is spacious with all furnishing and kitchen appliances included. The tastefully decorated apartment has a large balcony overlooking landscaped gardens and large swimming pool.
The surrounding pool area has plenty of sunbathing areas, picnic benches, seating areas and play facilities for young children. It is situated close to many bars, restaurants, tavernas, shops and the tourist area of Paphos harbour.
Allocated parking is provided, although the local bus service runs every 15 minutes to the old town of Paphos with its numerous designer, souvenier shops and large undercover market and to Coral Bay with its sandy beaches and tourist areas.
Property information
Fully Furnished
• 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms - €369,000 EUR - Near 2 Golf Clubs
Secret Valley , Paphos - This beautiful 3 bedroom detached villa is located in the prestigious residential development of Secret Valley, next to Secret Valley Golf Club. It is an easy 15 minute drive from Paphos and is situated on unspoilt coastline near to Aphrodite's Rock and Birthplace. The nearest beach is 5 minutes’ away and about the same distance from Secret Valley Golf Club and Aphrodite Hills Golf and Leisure complex.
The ground floor features a spacious open plan lounge, dining area, kitchen, and a guest toilet. Patio doors lead from both the lounge and dining area to a covered veranda which spans the front of the house, and overlooks the mature front garden. The fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar and granite worktops is impressive, and well equipped with built-in oven, hob, extractor, fridge/freezer and washing machine.
A staircase leads up to a spacious hallway and three double size bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes. Patio doors in the master bedroom open onto a good size covered balcony with attractive archway, and from here there are stunning sea views. There is a spacious en-suite shower room and bedroom two and three share a large family bathroom.
At the side of the property there is plenty of space for relaxing around the swimming pool and enjoying the lovely sea views and sunsets. Outdoor dining is made easy with the built-in outdoor barbecue/grill.
At the rear of the property is a gated driveway providing ample parking space for two cars, and landscaped gardens with fruit trees.
This property is ideal for residential or holiday use and comes fully furnished.
Property information
By: Patricia Winter -
Which one of the following would you prefer 1) a “grab and go” high fat/high sugar meal from one of the many fast food places around or 2) a delicious, healthy and freshly prepared meal?
I believe that I can guess which one most of us would choose – the second.
A few weeks ago we discovered Dori’s, a Lebanese takeaway that had recently opened in Paphos and provides just such an option.
Tender, marinated, spiced chicken *** souvlaki (kebab) served in large Lebanese pitta bread, filled to bursting with mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce and pickled cucumbers. This can be ordered hot or mildly spiced, with or without garlic. If you’re not fond of chicken, there’s the tender, marinated beef kebab with garlic and spices.
Vegetarian? Try the fried eggplant and cauliflower with hummus, tomatoes, lettuce and pickled cucumbers, or the mix of vegetable and mushroom souvlaki marinated in a special sauce. Falafel (chickpeas blended into a puree and combined with various spices, rolled into balls then fried in oil, is also available as is labneh (strained yogurt with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, mint leaves, olives and olive oil).
Dori’s has a large variety of choices available including grilled, marinated chicken ***, baby fish and freshly prepared French fries.
We have ordered from here several times – it is always sparklingly clean, the service friendly and helpful and the portions are large. It did, however, take time to prepare our orders, so it’s probably a good idea, if you don’t have much time on your hands, to drop in and pick up a menu beforehand, then phone in your order 30 – 45 minutes before you need to collect it. Or, you could simply sit and relax with a soft drink or a cold beer and wait while it’s being prepared. Either way we think it’s worth it.
Dori’s, 13 Tepeleniou St. (that’s the one-way street where the electricity office is located, and Dori’s is on the right-hand side, a few metres before the electricity office), Paphos. Tel: 26 22 25 80.
Fully Furnished
• 1 bath, 1 bdrm 3 story - €85,000 EUR - REDUCED - MUST SELL!
Kato Paphos, Paphos -
Diana 44 is a new complex located in an ideal location in Kato Paphos, minutes from picturesque fishing port and harbour of Paphos.
The apartment is fully air-conditioned and located on first floor. The open plan lounge is spacious with all furnishing and kitchen appliances included. The tastefully decorated apartment has a large balcony overlooking landscaped gardens and large swimming pool.
The surrounding pool area has plenty of sunbathing areas, picnic benches, seating areas and play facilities for young children. It is situated close to many bars, restaurants, tavernas, shops and the tourist area of Paphos harbour.
Allocated parking is provided, although the local bus service runs every 15 minutes to the old town of Paphos with its numerous designer, souvenier shops and large undercover market and to Coral Bay with its sandy beaches and tourist areas.
Property information
Over-Looking Coral Bay
• 3 bedroom, 2 bath Bungalow - €399,000 EUR - Full Title Deeds & Huge Plot
Coral Bay, Paphos - This charming bungalow is located in a private and peaceful setting on a cul-de-sac in Coralo Hills overlooking Coral Bay. You will enter your home through a private, electric gate and a long finished drive that can accommodate up to 5 cars plus a 2 car attached garage that leads directly to the kitchen. The large plot has a well landscaped garden, automatic irrigation system, 11 x 5 square meter pool, pergola with a BBQ table and a large rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Coral Bay, Paphos coast and the Mediterranean Sea.
This 3 bedroom bungalow is perfect for a family, holiday home or as a an investment. You need to see this property in order to really appreciate its' fine qualities from the open and airy living room, the elegant dining room with the open kitchen to the large master with en-suite. This home has it all!
Property information
Carnival time in Cyprus is nearly here! From the 1st until the 4th of February the Town Crier will be announcing the Carnival’s arrival all around Limassol. Carnival was celebrated in ancient Greece and organized in honor of the God Dionysos. Ancient Greeks got dressed in various costumes, wore masks, played games and had feasts that lasted for days. The custom and tradition is still going strong today. Carnival in Cyprus is a two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, festivites and games before the 50 days of fasting before Easter.
The first week of the Carnival is called Meat Week or "Kreatini" since it is the last week for eating meat before Easter. The second week is known as Cheese week or "Tyrini." The last Sunday of Cheese Week is the highlight of the Carnival and this year falls on Valentines Day - February 14th. This is when the Grand Carnival Parade takes place in Limassol. Green Monday or Clean Monday always follows the 2 week Carnival festivites which is also the first day of Lent and a National holiday in Cyprus and Greece.
During Cheese week, you will find many seasonal and fresh specialties such as the Greek pastry "bourekia" which is filled with mint flavor cheese or other delicious sweets such as "daktyla" and "kandaifi." Cheese ravioli is popular at this time and also a pumpkin filled pastry that is not quite as sweet as the others mentioned above. Many Cypriots will pack a picnic on Green Monday and head for the countryside where their picnic feast will include vegetables, olives, bread and salad and local wines. You will see the skys filled with kites which is a site to see and island-wide tradition.
Carnival festivities begin on the Thursday of Meat Week. Highlights of the festival include the entrance of King Carnival, the Children's Carnival Parade, the Serenaders' Parade and the Grand
Carnival Parade of chariots and groups. Festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration and has the most festivities. Larnaca and Paphos also offer impressive parades, fancy dress parties and town decor.
In Paphos, Winters Home Plaza has already started getting in their Carnival Costumes. Their shop is great and located on the Mesogi Road on the way to Polis. Get ready now to have some fun, stay safe and enjoy it!
Some important dates for the upcoming holidays: Sunday 14th February - 1.30p.m. Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol / Monday 15th February - Green Monday / Friday 2nd April - Good Friday / Sunday 4th April - Easter
Panoramic Sea Views
• 260 sq. m., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - €795,000 EUR - Title Deeds
Tala, Paphos - This 4 bedroom villa is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Tala village. The traditional village square with its many quaint tavernas and restaurants is minutes’ away and there are many local amenities such as shops, small supermarket, delicatessen, pharmacy, bakery, dvd shop and beauty salon.
The property sits on a hillside on an impressive corner plot with spectacular views of the countryside and coastline.
The ground floor comprises a large entrance hallway which leads through to a spacious open plan lounge and formal dining area with brick surround open fireplace. With full size windows, and two set of patio doors leading to the terrace and swimming pool outside, this room is full of light, and enjoys the wonderful views.
The kitchen is separate and has a good size dining area. It is well equipped with breakfast bar, quality appliances, stainless steel cooker hood and granite worktops. Patio doors lead to a large covered veranda, ideal for outdoor dining, and a built-in barbecue.
The hallway off the kitchen leads to a utility room with washing machine, dryer and fridge/freezer, a bedroom which is currently being used as a study, and a large bathroom with double shower.
A sweeping staircase from the large entrance hallway leads up to the first floor hallway. There are three double bedrooms all of which have plenty of fitted wardrobes with built-in dressing table, satellite TV access and their own private balcony with spectacular sea views. The master bedroom is particularly spacious and has en-suite shower with vanity unit and bedroom two and three share a large separate bathroom with vanity unit and tiled bath.
There is a large balcony with pool table accessed directly from the hallway and this area could be closed in to make an extra room should additional space be required.
The impressive 16 meter pool with Roman steps is a great place for relaxing and enjoying the wonderful views of the Mediteranean and Cyprus coastline.
Property information
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Full Title Deeds - Total Privacy
• 250 sq. m., 3 bath, 5 bdrm bungalow - €495,000 EUR - Price Reduced 100,000!!
Armou, Paphos - This unique bungalow is situated in near the centre of Armou village yet has total privacy as it is completely fenced and surrounded by mature gardens.
Upon entering the home the foyer has spectacularly high ceilings with stylish light fixtures. The home is spacious and well laid out with an eat-in breakfast bar and a separate dining room. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a separate laundry room/pantry off of the kitchen. Built-in wine storage, double sink and plenty of cabinet space also make this kitchen functional and attractive.
The living room and dining room feature hardwood floors, the ceiling is also wooden beams, there is a fireplace, air conditioning and fantastic views. Shutters on the windows help keep the home cool. The five bedrooms all have fitted wardrobes and lead out to the large veranda with great views of Paphos town and the Mediterranean Sea.
Outside the home there is plenty of parking along with a garage, large swimming pool and pergola that share the same views of the area.
This is a perfect home for a large or a growing family that want room for entertaining or having guests stay.
Call to schedule a time to view this great bungalow!
Property information
The Most Luxurious Villa in Paphos!
• 545 sq. m., 7 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story "Stunning Design" - €1,995,000 EUR - Price Reduced!
Akoursos , Paphos - This home is truly amazing in every way possible. You can live like royalty in this dream villa. The panoramic unobstructed views across Paphos, Coral Bay, the Akoursos Dam and the Cyprus mountains make this spectacular villa even more special. It is situated just 10 mins from Coral Bay, but remains private and exclusive.
The villa features very high ceilings throughout offering light and cool living, top of line appliances and fixtures, great layout and design, awesome location and modern technology.
The lounge is spectacular with 3 bays of windows including double French Doors to the pool terrace. The kitchen is unique and custom designed in solid, imported Maple with centre island. There is a seprate utility/laundry room, a pantry, granite counter tops, and maple cabinetry. The home features 3 separate indoor seating areas to enjoy.
The villa has 6 bedrooms and 3 feature modern ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have LG Air Conditioning, fitted wardrobes, wall lights or dimmer switches and bat, thermostatically controlled showers, stainless steel towel warmers and much more. One bedroom has double french doors leading to the lower courtyard. Another two bedrooms each have French doors leading to private terraces. The master suite has a huge walk-in, fully fitted dressing room. A private evening lounge is attached to the master suite and each room has large double doors leading to a huge private terrace. The master bathroom has a huge thermostatically controlled walk-in shower, large bath with thermostatic tap ware and double vanity unit.
There is a separate office/study with fittted bookcase, display cabinets, desk units and windows to 2 aspects.
Outside is fabulous for entertaining with a 1800 sq. feet sunken courtyard that could even hold a wedding party and a lawn area that would be ideal for tennis courts. There is a 12x6 Spanish Ceramic tile vanishing edge pool, a waterfall, an outdoor bar, 8 person jacuzzi, bbq area and much, much more!
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