Hazz is the creation of two of Istanbul’s leading design talents: fashion designer and interior decorator Asli Tunca and her husband, painter and sculptor Carl Vercauteren. Together they have transformed a historic building in the heart of the city’s old European quarter into a treasure house. Here Ottoman and European objects d’art blend into a kaleidoscope of colours, textures and ages which reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the city and the eclectic, mischievous eye of its creators. Hazz is the Turkish for ‘enchantment.’ And after a day spent among the bustling crowds of Istanbul’s liveliest quarter coming home to the Hazz’s green, quiet beauty does truly seem like returning to an enchanted place.

A series of gracious reception rooms opens onto a private, terraced garden where birds nest in the jasmine bushes. There is an ancient vaulted basement for relaxation next to the small hammam, or Turkish bath. And the upper floors command sweeping views across to Golden Horn to Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks – Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. All around Hazz are the palaces and gardens of Europe’s great Embassies to the Ottoman court – the Palazzo di Venezia, first built by the Venetian Doge Gritti in the 16th century, and on the other side the elegant Palais de France. Beyond are the restaurants, bars, cafes, bookshops and galleries of Beyoglu: the giant, vibrant heart of Istanbul’s cultural life.

For many years Hazz was Asli and Carl’s home and design showroom and has featured in World of Interiors, AD Germany, Belle Australia and House and Garden US. Now it has been transformed into Istanbul’s most beautiful, and most exclusive, boutique guest house.