Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet has been redesigned by London design studio Goddard Littlefair. A former prison, the Sultanahmet property is a well-known local landmark surrounded by stone walls, a working masjid and guard towers – a history that has been respected throughout the redesign process.
The Goddard Littlefair team discovered that the property’s grounds – part of which is a protected archeological site – required an approach that would honour the architecture and design of Old Istanbul, while also bringing in contemporary elements. Following its redesign, upon arriving at Four Seasons Istanbul, guests step through oversized timber doors into a space governed by a series of stone arches. Moving forward, new, green spaces mark the transition into the hotel’s restaurant, Avlu, situated at the heart of the property. A hexagonal structure forms the base for an enclosed section of the restaurant, which can also be opened up to the garden through folding metal doors.
Inside, the ceiling has been re-clad with light timber clapperboard, echoing local architectural traditions, while bespoke bronze lanterns hang from the ceiling, and white linen sheers soften the frame of the structure. Seating groups spill out onto the newly landscaped terrace, while further outdoor dining space finds home on the rooftop, at the hotel’s bar Süreyya. In addition to these venues, Lingo Lingo offers seafood mezze in a light and bright space, while La Pistache pâtisserie serves up an array of sweet treats.
“Our designers researched styling, pattern and details from antiques, fabrics, architecture and distilled these influences through a contemporary filter to create designs that feel completely in tune with the building and setting,” explains Martin Goddard, Director and co-founder of Goddard Littlefair. The results are hotel interiors that are layered and residential in style, with much of the furniture and lighting designed bespoke for the project. Rich embellishments, mosaic lined walls and cabinetry inlaid with carved timbers and stitched leathers, sit alongside custom lighting concepts that play with light and shadows. Light marbles and chic linens, meanwhile, are complemented by warm wood, deep burgundy, soft blue-green tones and brass.
All of the guestrooms in the 65-key property have been refurbished, with very few identical spaces to be found. Goddard Littlefair has created a series of warm, romantic rooms by layering soft textures throughout. A fully upholstered headboard, hand-tufted rugs and sofa sides accented with timber framework – an echo of the metalwork patterns found on windows in Sultanahmet – are accompanied by upholstered stools designed to symbolise the Chintamani pattern found in traditional Islamic design.
The redesign has also seen a particular focus placed on wellness, with the addition of the Kurna Spa alongside a Turkish barber, beauty salon and gym. The marble-lined spa pays tribute to the local Turkish Hammam, while smoked tones of oak are accented with copper metalwork, highlighting the ancient craftsmanship the region is known for.
