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North Cyprus Living Magazine

The publishers of North Cyprus Living Magazine are husband and wife team, Tom and Billie Roche.

Tom is also editorial director. He is a British journalist who has written for most of the UK national daily papers. He has been a radio announcer and, before coming to North Cyprus he was part of the team that launched the international, award-winning TV channel Sky News, where he was executive producer.

Tom was invited to North Cyprus. to become media adviser to former President Rauf Denktas and later worked in property and tourism PR, before launching Living magazine.

North Cyprus Living Magazine estimated readership is 15,000. FREE distribution means that Living is widely available to both locals and holidaymakers. Copies are snapped up as soon as they are delivered to supermarkets, hotels, bars and restaurants. ‘To be honest – we can’t print enough of them’ Tom and Billie says.

Another place to see in the North;

Blue House (Mavi Kosk)

To get to the Mavi Kosk, you need to drive towards Guzelyurt, following the coast road. Continue towards Camlibel, and when you get to the top of the road that winds down and up by the reservoir, take a right turn and drive through Camlibel. On the outskirts of the town you will see signs for the Mavi Kosk which is on the right. As it is located in a military area, you will need a passport or ID card to enter, which you will leave at the sentry box there. Mavi Kosk is closed on Mondays.

You will be accompanied by a Turkish soldier on a guided tour round the property and garden, although there are some notes written in English for tourists. No photographs are allowed to be taken on your visit to the property.

The Mavi Kosk is hidden away in a secluded area near Guzelyurt, and is a fascinating place in a beautiful location. Built in 1973 by Byron Pavlides, a Greek Cypriot entrepreneur and friend of Archbishop Makarios, the property is two storeys high with 16 rooms, and the views from the upstairs rooms are spectacular.

In 1974 Pavlides had to escape, and the guides will inform you that there is supposedly a tunnel behind the bed in the main bedroom. Part of the property apparently has rooms for children, which are detached from the main structure of the house and have been built to withstand earthquakes.

There are lots of stories and myths about Pavlides, who was the main agent for General Motors, Opel and Vauxhall with offices in Famagusta, Larnaca, Pahpos and Kyrenia. He was said to be a gun runner for EOKA, and the Mavi Kosk was in an ideal position to see boats at sea arriving with ammunition.

There is an indoor pool, and according to some stories, Pavlides is said to have entertained lady friends by taking them for baths in milk. There is also a bar area, and a lounge where Pavlides entertained his Mafia friends.

Most of the furniture and pictures are labeled. There is only one picture of Pavlides which you may miss as you are coming down the stairs. The furnishings are also very interesting, with some of them probably being particularly valuable. There are two English pianos as well as other pieces from around the world. Many of the pieces are expensive and lavishly carved, particularly the chairs and tables. There is even a drinks cabinet which has been covered in iguana skin.

The military tend to the gardens and land within the property which is peaceful, with a large outdoor pool and fountains. As you go towards the end of the garden you will see a tunnel which is said to have been where the arms were brought, and was also used as an escape route. You can see the sea from here and the view overlooks the mountains and plateau.

You can spend a day in the area in the enchanting countryside and get an idea of what the Mavi Kosk was like in its heyday and get a feeling for the house which has stood still in history. It is a little off the beaten track but well worth a visit.