Istanbul Place Apartments

Istanbul Place Apartments provides a collection of restored historic residences set along the stone-paved lanes of Galata on Istanbul’s European side. Founded by British-Turkish couple Julia Bayne and Tarkan Çetindamar, the venture originated from their own lived experience as an international family navigating extended periods abroad. Drawing upon seventeen years of hospitality experience in the neighborhood, the founders created an authentic residential living option rather than standard transient lodging. Set within restored nineteenth-century Ottoman-era buildings, each property has been carefully preserved to highlight historic architectural heritage while incorporating contemporary domestic comfort. Tailored predominantly toward long-term residencies exceeding one hundred nights as well as flexible monthly arrangements, the apartments cater to travelers seeking an enduring foothold in this historic district. On the ground, the founders work alongside full-time manager Taşkın and head housekeeper Songül, ensuring every residence benefits from personal oversight, operational assistance, and optional serviced housekeeping. Positioned along Şahkulu Sokak, these apartments give residents an immersive neighborhood experience surrounded by historic architecture, vibrant local life, and convenient transport, situated only moments away from the medieval Galata Tower and the creative community of Soho House Istanbul.

Accommodation and Rooms

The living options at Istanbul Place Apartments consist of approximately nine to ten distinct residential units distributed across restored nineteenth-century buildings. Rather than standardized suites, the portfolio is divided into two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom configurations, with each self-contained apartment accommodating between four and eight guests. Every residence is fully furnished and designed with an individual character, featuring historic high ceilings, original period elements, and comfortable domestic furnishings. Full self-catering autonomy is supported by fully equipped kitchens containing comprehensive cookware, standard appliances, and dedicated dining spaces intended for routine home living.

Among the individual properties, Pasha Penthouse stands out for its expansive rooftop terrace and panoramic cityscape views overlooking the surrounding historic quarter. Another notable residence is Pasha Place, providing generous multi-bedroom proportions suited for larger traveling households or extended family relocations. The historic Petraki building contains four individual residences—Petraki Place I, Petraki Place II, Petraki Place III, and Petraki Place IV—each showcasing restored woodwork, masonry details, and distinct interior layouts. Additional residences across the portfolio include Aslan Place, Shah Place II, Shah Place III, and Pera Place, all configured with private living rooms, quiet bedrooms, and ample wardrobe storage.

The accommodation operates on a self-catering basis, supported by optional serviced rental tiers that include scheduled cleaning and housekeeping managed by head housekeeper Songül. While external listings on platforms such as i-escape report benchmark nightly rates starting from £103, the property’s direct focus remains centered on monthly rentals and extended stays of more than one hundred nights. This operational focus provides residents with consistent domestic stability, peace, and practical independence in the historic core of Galata.

Facilities and Who It Suits

The interior atmosphere across Istanbul Place Apartments is shaped by what founder and interior designer Julia Bayne describes as a 'hipstoric' aesthetic. Each apartment balances original Ottoman-era architectural integrity—such as exposed brick accents, decorative plaster moldings, and tall timber windows—with carefully curated vintage pieces, modern furnishings, and warm lighting. The resulting environment feels lived-in, stylish, and welcoming rather than commercial. The overall ambiance remains energetic yet tranquil, offering guests a calm private sanctuary situated directly above the animated street level of Beyoğlu.

Key facilities include private and shared rooftop terraces presenting open views across the Istanbul skyline, full-scale domestic kitchens, and dedicated laundry facilities engineered for prolonged stays. Personalized management by full-time manager Taşkın provides residents with on-site maintenance support, check-in coordination, and neighborhood guidance. In external recognition, reports from the i-escape platform note that the property was awarded the worldwide 'Best City Apartment' title at the i-escape Guest Awards for two consecutive years. Guests arriving through partner listings are also offered a complimentary thirty-minute neighborhood orientation walk to introduce nearby bakeries, markets, and transit routes.

This layout makes the property particularly suitable for expatriates, relocating professionals, freelance creatives, and artists seeking a functional home base in Istanbul. Families and visitors traveling with children benefit from the large two- to four-bedroom floor plans, distinct sleeping zones, and complete kitchens that facilitate regular family routines. In addition, individuals on sabbatical or extended professional assignments find the dependable desk spaces, peaceful rooms, and available housekeeping services a practical alternative to standard extended-stay hotels.

Location and Practical Details

Istanbul Place Apartments is located at Şahkulu Sokak No:11 in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul’s European side. Positioned between the ancient historic peninsula and the newer quarters of the city, Galata is renowned for its cobblestone streets and intact nineteenth-century streetscapes. The address sits within brief walking distance of the Galata Tower, giving immediate pedestrian access to İstiklal Caddesi, independent cafes, art galleries, and design boutiques. Soho House Istanbul is also located less than a five-minute walk away, placing guests in close proximity to its international network and amenities.

Transit links across the district are comprehensive and accessible. The entrance along Şahkulu Sokak is located a short walking distance from the Şişhane metro station on the M2 line, offering rapid transit across the central city. Walking downhill toward the waterfront brings residents to the Karaköy hub, where the T1 tram line connects directly to Sultanahmet, while commuter ferries provide regular maritime transit across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy and Üsküdar. The historic Tünel funicular also connects Karaköy to the top of İstiklal Caddesi, making daily travel effortless without reliance on private vehicles.

The property operates year-round with a focus on medium- to long-term occupancies. Inquiries and bookings are handled directly through the official website inquiry form or via telephone and WhatsApp at +44 7729 251 676. The reservation structure prioritizes monthly tenancies and long-term bookings of one hundred nights or longer. Prospective residents can arrange tenancy details, customized housekeeping schedules, and move-in coordination directly with on-site manager Taşkın and the hosting team before arrival.

The Mio Angle: The Stay

For the Mio Social community, where travelers exchange direct recommendations on where to establish a temporary home in Istanbul, Istanbul Place Apartments represents an authentic residential choice. For remote workers, sabbatical travelers, and relocated families asking where to settle for several months without resorting to sterile corporate housing, this property provides real neighborhood integration. Located on Şahkulu Sokak, it places residents right in Galata's cultural center, less than five minutes on foot from Soho House Istanbul and surrounded by artisan coffee shops and historic landmarks.

In terms of visual and lifestyle appeal, the residences offer character-rich settings curated by Julia Bayne. Content shared from these homes highlights genuine architectural details, from high ceilings and exposed stonework to tasteful mid-century and vintage furnishings. The premier visual highlight is found on the rooftop terrace of Pasha Penthouse, where wide views stretching over the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the historical peninsula provide an authentic perspective of daily life above Istanbul’s historic roofline.

From a budgeting perspective, the property serves residents seeking extended tenancies of one hundred nights or more, with third-party listings citing introductory baseline rates starting from £103 per night. For family groups or colleagues needing two, three, or four separate bedrooms, renting an entire self-contained apartment offers significant functional savings compared to booking multiple hotel rooms. Supported by seventeen years of localized hosting by Tarkan and Julia, alongside on-site assistance from Taşkın and Songül, the property delivers dependable, home-style living backed by verifiable neighborhood heritage.