Located in Balat – one of Istanbul's oldest and most distinctive neighbourhoods – this historic home fits perfectly with its locale, known for its colourful houses, hipster cafes and bohemian restaurants. We love how the old wood structure of the home has been beautifully preserved here and made to be a focal point of its design, with plenty of antique-inspired and contemporary furnishings adding to the eclectic vibe here. Make yourself comfortable in the bright living room with a Turkish coffee and some baklava from a local bakery and savour the singular atmosphere of your surroundings. At night, gather around the elegant dining table for a celebratory meal, before retreating to the stylish bedrooms – with their exposed brick walls and chicly pared-back aesthetic – for a seamless night's sleep. When you wake up, you have sleek rainfall showers to set your day off on the right foot, leaving you feeling rested and raring to go for a day of exploring. Speaking of sightseeing, you’re well-placed to make the most out of the city’s cultural hotspots. Visit the Kariye Mosque (1.3 kilometres away), explore the Grand Bazaar (3.3 kilometres away) and stroll along Balat’s shoreline, just a stone’s throw away. You’re also within easy reach of the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, as well as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, 240 metres from your door. Home truths: *This home is laid out over multiple floors with internal stairs between them, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility *This home isn't suitable for infants under 2 years old *Please note that the room on the bottom floor is prone to dampness – there is a dehumidifier that will need to be emptied occasionally *As this is a historic home with equally fragile plumbing, the host kindly asks that paper is not flushed down the toilet *There's no desk, but the dining table can double up as a laptop-friendly workspace *As you're in a central location, you may hear some street noise *You'll have access to a 24-7 guests support service should you need anything during your stay *There are shops and restaurants nearby