History

“A tucked away treasure…”

 

Where the Oyster Residence stands today was once a modest, timber house where the the Arı Family spent their summers swimming in the inviting waters of Ölüdeniz and picnicking under the shade of the tall ancient olive trees. At this stage Ölüdeniz was virtually untouched, with the only a few farmhouses that on occasion opened their doors to the odd backpacker.

 

When the Arı children grew up, their father Yaşar Bey, decided he would split the land equally between them.

 

His daughter, Günsenin Günel, had always dreamt of sharing her treasured holiday home with people from all over the world. This eventually became a reality.

 

“We used to spend our summers here and we had many friends stay with us. Really it is not so different from what I do here now with my guests. This is still my home and I look after my guests like they are my friends.”

– Günsenin Günel [Hürriyet Daily News]

 

Inspired by the architecture and masonry of the old Fethiye houses, Günsenin and her partner Mehmet Günel built the residence 2004.

 

As time passed and the natural beauty of the region and its close proximity to ancient sites was increasingly appreciated, Ölüdeniz rapidly became a sought after holiday destination.

 

While the resort has now developed around the residence, The Oyster Residences has maintained the warmth of a family holiday home.