SUMAHAN ON THE WATER

Sumahan is a rare Bosphorus front property. Architects Nedret Butler and her husband Mark along with their daughters Yasha and Eren also designers have seen its conversion as an opportunity to preserve a unique example of nineteenth century industrial design. They have created an environmentally friendly retreat for visitors to the modern city combining the high comfort of a sophisticated small hotel with the relaxing grace of a private home. Their aim is to provide the highest degree of service to the independent traveller in the intimacy of a family owned hotel. If it all feels intoxicating there is a reason why. This complex of late Ottoman industrial buildings was built in the 1820s during the reign of Sultan Mahmut II as a seaside factory to produce suma the unadulterated spirit used to make high proof raki the Ottomans favorite tipple. Where today a sea taxi ferries hotel guests across the Bosphorus then barges laden with figs would arrive to keep the stills of the Sumahan busy. Since 2005 Sumahan continues to produce a different kind of spirit that of effortless hospitality in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. The design philosophy is Turkish but contemporary uncluttered but warm. The restoration of Sumahan is the culmination of the 30 year labor of love that began with Nedret Butlers architectural thesis. The architecture has two aspects the original construction that has been restored and the newly built. The parts that are new take their construction system and materials and details from the old to remain loyal to the original building design. On the southern corner of the property is one of nineteen lighthouses found on the shores of the Bosphorus. You can watch the red signal light blinks in series of three guiding the ever changing seascape of freighters as well as ocean liners passing fisherman and ferryboats.