Cover The grand residence features spacious waterfront terraces that overlook Turkey’s picturesque Bosphorus Coast
The grand residence features spacious waterfront terraces that overlook Turkey’s picturesque Bosphorus Coast
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escapefromsofa’s minimalist makeover for this waterfront residence that balances architectural heritage with modern luxury living
Situated on an immense plot of land along the shores of Anadolu Hisari on the Anatolian region of Turkey, this grand residence showcases the architectural and cultural richness characteristic of a bygone era.
Constructed during the Ottoman period with features that remain distinctive in the country, the two-storey residence encompasses over 10,700 sq ft, with a thoughtful layout that positions living, dining and kitchen areas on the first floor, bedrooms on the upper level, complemented by an attic and a basement with a parking area and utility rooms.
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Not to mention, spacious waterfront terraces that overlook the picturesque Bosphorus Coast, a narrow strait that straddles the Asian and European continents, connecting them to the Black Sea.
Above Ornamental handcrafted ceiling mouldings accentuate the grandeur of the living room
Ornamental handcrafted ceiling mouldings accentuate the grandeur of the living room
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While the site’s historical significance is evident in its architecture, its current incarnation as a modern family home came about when the homeowners, a couple in their mid-30s, commissioned Istanbul-based interior architecture and design firm escapefromsofa to transform the historical gem into a luxurious contemporary full-time residence for themselves and their two children and two dogs.
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“We were truly captivated by the unique view of Istanbul from the home,” recalls Mahmut Kefeli, co-founder and industrial designer of escapefromsofa, who–together with partners Kerem Erçin and İrem Başer–has crafted sophisticated, minimalist interiors for a range of residential and office projects, as well as high-profile hospitality spaces, including the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Four Seasons Istanbul, Kempinski Istanbul, and more.
“Additionally, the family was very friendly and warm, and their extremely modest demeanour played a significant role in our decision to accept the project; we were excited to all work together,” Kefeli adds.
Building bridges
Above Bassano parquet flooring and painted oak veneer wood panels exude contemporary warmth
Bassano parquet flooring and painted oak veneer wood panels exude contemporary warmth
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Above Luxurious and soft furnishings provide contemporary elegance
Above Travertine stone columns juxtapose the painted wood panels
Luxurious and soft furnishings provide contemporary elegance
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In an effort to preserve the cultural heritage of the building, natural materials were used to provide a contemporary elegance to the home, while maintaining the historical characteristics of the building.
The entrance hall opens into the expansive living area on the ground floor, where travertine stone columns and ornamental handcrafted ceiling mouldings accentuate the grandeur of the space.
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Above The dining room with arched windows and a polished stone dining table
Above Istanbul-based artist Şahin Demir’s artwork adds vibrancy to the minimalist setting
The dining room with arched windows and a polished stone dining table
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Above An the intimate ambiance perfect for gatherings
Above A discreet fireplace integrated into the stone wall
An the intimate ambiance perfect for gatherings
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Simultaneously, coupled with luxurious and soft furnishings from Kiosk Interior, the bassano parquet flooring and painted oak
veneer wood panels exude contemporary warmth, reflecting the calm waterside view through the central niche windows.
In the adjacent dining room, a polished stone dining table anchors the welcoming space, whereas the discreet fireplace integrated into the stone wall complements the intimate ambiance perfect for gatherings with family and friends.
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Classic charm
Above Pale tundra marble permeates the master ensuite
Above The muted palette inspired by the coastal setting
Pale tundra marble permeates the master ensuite
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“While gazing at the remarkable view of the Bosphorus, the homeowners did not want to feel the overwhelming presence of the design in any way,” Kefeli comments. “Like us, they favour more minimalist designs with soft, simple, and warm colours.”
As such, escapefromsofa embraced a timeless design philosophy that, in turn, also brings about simplicity in its design narrative– one that doesn’t overwhelm, but still captures the attention with the intricate details.
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Above A simple yet timeless design philosophy in the master suite
A simple yet timeless design philosophy in the master suite
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Above The cosy shared living space for the children on the first floor
Above Curved furnishings and niches in the children’s bedrooms
The cosy shared living space for the children on the first floor
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The geographic and climatic features of the region inform the colours of this project, in particular, the structure of the Bosphorus and its vegetation. The magical atmosphere of the coast unfolds in the home through earthy tones of the sky, greenery and the sea.
Meanwhile, the upper floor is a haven of tranquillity. Comprising the master suite, the two children’s bedrooms and a shared living space for the kids, the rooms are rendered in a muted palette, featuring light oak window frames and flooring, complemented by soft backlighting that frames the afforded views through the window panes.
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Above The living space in the attic with a pitched wooden ceiling
Above Modular furnishings to accommodate family gatherings
The living space in the attic with a pitched wooden ceiling
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Above A stylish reading corner in the attic
Above The room with black walls under a domed roof
A stylish reading corner in the attic
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Additionally, the overarching minimalist design persists in the master ensuite, where pale tundra marble permeates the space; as well as in the cosy living space in the attic with a pitched wooden ceiling, where the family spends time together; culminating in the room with black walls under the domed roof, a design characteristic that is typical of the region’s architecture.
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Splendid spectacle
Above Spacious waterfront terraces overlooking the picturesque Bosphorus Coast that straddles Turkey
Spacious waterfront terraces overlooking the picturesque Bosphorus Coast that straddles Turkey
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Above The observation terrace with an uninterrupted view of the coast
Above Perfect for watching the sunset with a light drink on this terrace
The observation terrace with an uninterrupted view of the coast
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It would be remiss to have a home by the Bosphorus coast without a proper space to enjoy the encompassing scenery.
In fact, the prime property has not one, but two sprawling terraces: an infinity terrace that spans approximately 3,230 sq ft, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience; and an observation terrace of over 1,070 sq ft.
“The most unique part of the house for us is the terrace area at the front, with an uninterrupted view of the Bosphorus, showcasing all the beauty of Istanbul,” Kefeli concludes. “Watching the sunset with a light drink on this terrace is truly an invaluable experience.”
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Credits
Photography: Ibrahim Ozbunar, 645 Studio
As senior writer at Tatler Homes, Celeste Goh covers architecture, interior design, luxury homes and emerging design trends. She also serves as digital content manager for Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the brand’s digital editorial strategy and social media presence across its platforms.
