Google the word “oasis” and an image of Pinar’s incredible Istanbul apartment will surely pop up. If you know Istanbul, you know how hectic it can be, and while her neighborhood is much less touristic then some others it can still be intense if you’re not used to the pace. Pinar’s home soothes your body, mind and spirit the second you walk through the door. Its a perfect escape from the bustling energy of the street.
The most striking aspect of this place is the design. Pinar is clearly an artist, even if only in spirit. Every element, from the furniture to the living plants, the accent lighting to the handmade art objects, are thoughtfully curated and placed. Her collection of books, including spiritual classics from masters like Eckhart Tolle and Jack Kornfield, contribute to the excellent energy of the space.
The bed is small but comfortable and my partner and I had no trouble sleeping. The linens and towels were fresh and soft, as you might expect of a Turkish home. There are two bathrooms, a great rain shower downstairs and a smaller water closet in the bed loft. The kitchen was great and fully equipped and the washer/dryer was a godsend after some pretty hot and sweaty days.
The unit is on the top floor of a five story building and there is no elevator. We had no trouble but if you are disabled or travel with a lot of heavy luggage that’s something to keep in mind. The good thing about being on the top floor is the amazing private roof deck, which offers 360 panoramic views of the whole city. Truly special.
Pinar herself was a kind and gracious host. We never met her as the listing is “self check-in” but she helped us several times throughout our stay. On our way in from the airport, she helped us translate with our cab driver and she arranged a taxi to pick us up for our early morning departure.
The neighborhood is very cool. As I mentioned it is not as touristic as other areas. It has a very young vibe with tons of bars, restaurants and vintage shops. If you’re a fan of Williamsburg in NY or Echo Park in LA you’ll have fun here.
All in all, the place is great. Next time we’re in town it would be our first choice. Enjoy!