Catherine and Abit are very welcoming hosts, and Catherine generously shared an enormous amount of knowledge about Istanbul and Turkey, and textiles, which is her passion and business, and my interest, and Abit gave very practical help around transport and food, especially when I couldn't find a taxi that knew how to get me back there on a couple of nights.

The bedroom/living room is very spacious, with comfortable sofas. Unfortunately, the wi-fi was not working apart from sitting right in front of the browser: as both my mobile and iPad worked everywhere else, I don't think it was an issue with my devices. But it meant that instead of sitting in the lovely room on comfortable sofas browsing away I had to perch in the near dark, as the light didn't work, in the living room/ hallway. So if wi-fi is important to you for research and keeping in touch, check out whether it and the light have been fixed. Also the kitchen cook-top wasn't working ... so if you want to prepare food, that could be a hassle, unless it's been sorted.

While I had a lovely time with Catherine and Abit, I had thought that I was going to be relaxing in a fishing village that would be adjacent to the water, and quieter. However, it now has a four lane highway between it and the sea, and late-night conversationalist neighbours! I'll own some naivety in not checking out on the map the exact location but just wanted to put this in case someone is like me, and seeking a seaside village.