Altan Houssein, owner of Chalcolithic Enterprises Limited, is first and foremost a professional engineer who has spent a lifetime serving multinational companies on numerous international engineering projects. In between projects his passion is sailing.

The first time he represented the TRNC in an international sailing event was in 1992 when he flew in from the U.K. to sail his 17m ketch rigged yacht S/Y “Soli Queen” normally moored in Northern Cyprus, to the start point in Kemer, Turkey. The event was to be the well known Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally which has just completed its 17th year.

Participating in these events he realized that the TRNC seriously lacked a professional and much needed private yacht marina. Whilst on contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia he set about researching and designing a marina followed by a coastal survey in between frequent visits to Northern Cyprus, to identify a suitable site. The site had to be strategically located such that it would be within easy access to the nearest town and airports. Much of his research was assisted by support from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works who later proffered his application to the Council of Ministers and unanimously won a decision for the construction of the marina (Council of Ministers Session dated 14.02.2007 / Resolution Number S-(K-II) 308-2007). The initial concept was kindly drafted by a U.K. engineering company, Scott Wilson. The final feasibility and detailed layout was by a Turkish based marine engineering company, East-Med Marine.

The capacity of the marina now named “Port Cyprium Marina” is 500+ berths including 100 on the hard. The location is on the north coast of Cyprus some 20 nautical miles east of Girne as the “crow flies” (GPS coordinates: N35°21’50.9” and E033°39’47.4”). Since the decision to build the marina was granted the TRNC government has taken serious steps to encourage marine tourism by lifting a 30 year plus restriction to yachtsmen along the entire coast line of Northern Cyprus. The owner personally conveyed this information to Rod Heinkell, author of “Turkish Waters Pilot” that also covers the coastal waters of Cyprus, so that he may revise the section showing Northern Cyprus (previously marked as “restricted”).

Following detailed engineering designs, the construction of the marina shall commence later this year and is expected to take eighteen months to completion.

In conjunction with the marina, the owner has also designed a residential village which shall consist of some 60 villas, cafes, shops and bars. The development has been divided into five phases with Phase 1 consisting of 17 residential properties.

Port Cyprium Village Master Plan and Architectural Concept was produced by well known U.K. based architects, Jordan + Bateman. The site measures approximately 56,000 square metres and is divided by the new coastal road. The northern most aspect of the site is approximately 200 metres to the south west of the marina. The site falls approximately 50 metres from the south to the north and there are areas of natural undulation in the site contours.

The master plan is designed to sit the development into the contours of the land using the natural features to create an organic plan. The intention was to create a plan that avoids hard edges and that creates the illusion of having been developed over centuries rather than over a few years.

The design of this project is based on the rich culture and heritage of Northern Cyprus, thus magnificently creating an atmosphere where residents and visitors alike can interact with this traditional heritage. By combining the imagery of the development and the authenticity of the experience, the village with its exotic ambience, will offer the residents, their guests and visitors a place of comfort, tranquility and security unsurpassed elsewhere in north Cyprus. It will be a place where the ancient meets the present and where nature blends with the buildings, a seamless union.

Port Cyprium Village is aimed at delivering quality facilities of the highest standards with a clear goal of being the ‘benchmark’ development in northern Cyprus. A combination of comfort and adventure will offer a unique lifestyle, with quality services and amenities all designed to be unrivalled in the region. The project is intended to become the perfect and ultimate choice for discerning overseas property owners: a place to live and relax whilst enjoying the quality, solitude, sunshine and contrast.

The promotion of the entire project has been entrusted to the professional partner’s of the owner, The Little Villa Company, who can be contacted for detailed information at info@thelittlevillacompany.com or telephone numbers; +90 392 824 43 56 – 9. Website: www.thelittlevillacompany.com .