Here's the backstory. About 2 years before I moved to Murica, we moved there. Before then, long ago I have told multiple times that my grandparents were
and this house (well a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment) was bought in the 1970's by my great aunt outright and it has belonged within our family circle ever since. Went from personal ownership to a rental property, then our ownership, then my grandmother lived there while I was in middle/high school, who also came to stay in Murica annually for 4-5 months growing up as an ungrateful teen. Given the negligent maintenance due to not being around to stay that much, a few things gradually began falling apart. Basically we never sold this house, and I have never recalled mentioning this on here.Details: Built in 1950's, huge living room (for an apartment/hell just as big as one of my friends studio in DC). 2 balconies, 3 bedroom, 2 bath (one used for storage with no shower). Has withstood multiple 7.0+ earthquakes with flying colors as earthquakes are common hazards in Northern Turkey and buildings have strict regulations due to it. Located in the Asia part of Istanbul, high middle class/partially
area, most tourists who been to Istanbul has NEVER knew about that area, think of it like Hamptons to NY. Why? If some people put haus threads, well why not? Also self-quarantine struggles are real. Currently staying there right now thanks to covid, it's been a few years since I at least spent a few nights there.
This thread will take time as within the coming months or up to 1.5 years, this suite will be in full restoration sometime possibly in the summer if of course Covid would be donezo by then. For now, I'll just post the pics of it's current state and explain what improvements we have done so far.
1). with the current visit, we changed bathroom seals, changed heater (old school type right by the window), bathroom seals, changed all the burned out bulbs, bought new oven, and some sort of broiler for warm water (doesn't exist in Murica) basically you need to turn that on to operate hot water (similar to karate kid in China where Jackie Chan uses a switch to turn on hot water). Few appliances like a new tv, etc. Kitchen appliances still held up pretty well considering they're 35ish years old (dishwasher, fridge) as they were all transferred from the previous apartment
2) change all the windows as most are original, In Turkey (and to an extent, Europe), older house have thinner glass and their "seals" tend to expand due to older materials, literally one easy punch can break them. One window is broken, but all windows have shutters, so we covered with plastic wrap and used shutters to close so it won't be visible form outside. Tear the wall between kitchen/dining room/living room, make a huge window, bar like area. Rest is new paint, 100% bathroom and kitchen remodel, change hardwood floors completely, new paint and that's about it.
Will provide pics on the current state next post below, because Tapatalk
to follow this thread.
or rundown tiny studios in dupont circle.
