We were enjoying our holiday in Cappadocia in 1987. It was unseasonably cold and rainy. We were cold, too. Before we could get enough of the magnificent scenic and historical beauties of the region, we instinctively decided to drive to Antalya to get warmer.
We drove down to Manavgat admiring the glory of Hasandağı which offered exceptional views, and finally ended up in Antalya.
For some reason we decided to stay in Kaleiçi. Next to the place we were staying we saw a dilapidated old house. In the garden, a huge rubber tree “kauçuk” was embracing the house. The branches were hanging down over the walls, giving the appearance of a palace to this house which was a “a registered historical site”.
And I fell in love with that tree instantly.
This may sound strange but it was the truth.
This was the beginning of the story of Kauçuk It all happened because of a tree... And from that day on, through unceasing efforts, the rubber tree and the tiny house have become ours; rather we were reunited.
I imagined that this tiny house would be a place for my parents to visit often, and for my friends and me to have enjoyable times together. I pictured it full of love and laughter.
Over the coming years Kauçuk turned into a charming place, but unfortunately my father passed away before he could see it. We, as the rest of family, were able to stay at Kauçuk beginning 1997. I was able to take refuge in this place from my crazy and strenuous business life. I sometimes invited my friends to join me.
Kauçuk was always beautiful but mostly lonely.
During one of my visits in 2000, I heard that the adjoining house was for sale. The asking price was equal to the money I inherited from my father. On an impulse, I purchased the house the next day. It felt as though I was closing a circle: the inheritance from my father would live on in his beloved Antalya, and Kauçuk would become a place of tranquillity for all of us.
I had no idea that the restoration of the house, which also was also registered as a historical site would be so difficult to accomplish.
I found out that the restoration of historical buildings faithful to original, from the project stage to the choice of materials, is enjoyable but arduous. I must say that Kauçuk could not have come into existence without the efforts of our dearest architect Bedii Tınmaz. Without his endless support, his creative solutions to intractable problems, and his encouragement when I was disheartened, tired, and even a little crazy, this project could not come to life.
Here, I would like to express my gratitude to Bedii Tınmaz who is truly inspired and dedicated to his craft.
The restoration has taken a long time, but it is finally ready to be shared with you all.
So today, when we call Kauçuk a “Boutique House” or a “Boutique Hotel”, it is because of the unique approach taken in its restoration from the outset; it is not because it has only 8 rooms and a suite floor.
Kauçuk has been restored with diligence. All the woodwork is handmade, and all the ironwork was built in the garden of Kauçuk. Much loving and caring labour went into it. I am afraid that soon this type of restoration will not be able to be repeated because a final generation of craftsmen skilled in the techniques of yesterday is passing on and not being replaced. Master craftsman Kenan Emanet did the woodwork, and İsmail Ayaz the iron works; both came from Istanbul and stayed in Kaleiçi during construction.
Now in 2009, 22 years have passed since I fell in love with Kauçuk
It is your turn now to meet Kauçuk . I hope that you will find comfort and tranquillity in this boutique hotel which is completed with much love and care.
When I bought the second building, the “Pink House” I had in mind to set up Kauçuk as a small hotel business enterprise. The house was designed to be a place where our guests would spend their holidays with family and friends. Kauçuk offers such an opportunity. It is a place where you can feel at home and be with your friends. Kauçuk is conceived as belonging to you and your friends.
In Kauçuk there are 11 rooms; 8 rooms in the Pink House, and the other 3 in the Green House, Gaia Suit.
In Kauçuk, the rooms are designed for double occupancy. There is only one room for our single guests in the Pink House. Marble and mosaic shower baths are located inside the rooms of the Pink House. In the Green House, Gaia Suit, “Feride” is the master bedroom. “Margaret” and “Ayşe Hadiye” rooms share the other bathroom. The Gaia Suit is suitable for families as it is designed as a suite floor.
I named the rooms of Kauçuk after the special women and children who have been important in my life. They all have living memories with me...
Let’s talk about the cuisine in Kauçuk... The concept of our cuisine is “Mediterranean”. It is both healthy and fun. It has surprises, too!
We suggest you taste our breakfast and surprises during the day prepared with fresh vegetables and fruits that come from the gardens of Antalya.
We invite you to join us, to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, to sit under the beautiful trees in the garden, to enjoy our enticing breakfast and surprises, and to share the love and laughter that we envisioned so long ago. We are anxious to have you as our guests.
Rengin Ekmekçioğlu
