We stayed for 6 days and felt truly grateful to have lucked into such a spot, and can’t imagine a better home base in Istanbul. Let’s start with the view: it feels you are level with the Bosporus, and part of things, in touch with the city, but sheltered, quiet - perhaps we would have done more site-seeing if not tranced for the paradoxical experience of open landscape on the one hand, and intimacy with the movements of the city on the other; observing the boat traffic became our pastime.
And then the location, and those boats: at a walk of two minutes from the apartment you reach their launch, and cruise to any of the main points along the straight; it’s public transportation from a long gone era, with tea served in a glass. Just past the boat launch we found the central Uskudar markets lively and local, and went daily. The street in front of the apartment is tree lined and calm, with parks in either direction.
The apartment itself is a real home, of solid construction, spacious, well appointed, with a very well equipped kitchen. The bathroom and beds are top notch. We were eager to come back to it after being out exploring. We found it immaculately clean.
And finally the hosts: Alper and his father, Serdar are gentleman. They were perfect in their communication and their care for our comfort was warm and genuine.
I generally find writing reviews a chore. This one was not: I only hope I’ve done right by these good folks and their lovely place. We will remember it/them a long time.