Turkey may not be known for luxury, but Ginetta Verdrickas discovers a Turquoise Coast scheme that is changing perceptions

At times, Turkey's property market has looked well and truly stuffed. Bird flu, terrorism and a general suspicion of this predominantly Muslim country's proposed EU entry has limited sales, which have been mostly low-end apartments lining parts of the coast.

But a development on the country's south-facing Turquoise Coast, on the Mediterranean, is aimed at dispelling any public fears.

LaVanta, now being built, will consist of 158 homes set high on a hilltop overlooking picturesque Kalkan Bay. The developer, Kemer, may be unknown to British buyers but it is a familiar brand for any aspirational Turk, thanks to Kemer Country, an upmarket gated development near Istanbul. It boasts the most expensive property prices in the country.

A drive around Kemer Country's leafy streets reveals all the trappings of an affluent lifestyle, and a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. There, homes sell for up to £2.5 million and a growing community of wealthy Turks and expat Britons enjoys facilities which include a PGA standard golf course, Turkey's largest equestrian centre, spa, gym, school and Starbucks.

Kemer hopes to replicate parts of the development at LaVanta, which, in a first for the coast, will be a fully-gated resort with prices from £185,000. It will include a boutique hotel, sports facilities and spa. The company's chief executive, Esat Edin, says: "It's easy to build mass-market developments, but instead we're charging mass-market prices for privacy and high-quality architecture and planning. "

Compared with many resorts, Kalkan is relatively sophisticated. Tour buses stop at nearby Fethiye, leaving Kalkan to the more upmarket traveller. It's the perfect base to explore the coastline and rural villages which make up much of the area. Set in a secluded bay, Kalkan's cobbled streets give a hint of the old unspoilt Turkey, with traditional chai tea houses sitting next to smart restaurants.

LaVanta stands out from its rivals, according to Alex Andjel, director of the private equity firm Bridgehouse International, which is marketing the development. "We saw lots of low-end rubbish, but as soon as we saw Kemer Country we knew it was right," he explains.

Andjel believes that Turkey has great investment potential - last year prices rose by 15 per cent.

Around 30 per cent of LaVanta's apartments, starting from about £68,000, have already gone to British buyers, including Bernard and Ann Tomlinson from Cheshire. They have bought a four-bedroom detached villa as a holiday home.

"Before visiting Kalkan, I never wanted to go to Turkey," Ann says. "When we did, we fell in love with the place, which is just so unspoilt."

Turkish Homes managing director Clair Walker is not surprised. "It's so pretty," says Clair, whose company sells new and resale property in Kalkan, from £49,000. "People come here and fall in love."