The Clifton Mansion, located in the Kandilli neighborhood of the Üsküdar district on the Anatolian side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, is a coastal mansion that stands out with its historical story and elegant appearance.
Stretching from the late 19th century to the present, it is considered one of the most exquisite mansions along the Bosphorus. The Clifton Mansion, which attracts the gaze of those passing by by boat, showcases its former grandeur with a renewed silhouette on the shore today. Viewed from the sea, the historical elegance and splendor of the mansion add an unforgettable beauty to the coastal silhouette.
History
Clifton Mansion was built in 1890 and is named after the English Clifton Family, who lived in the building at that time. Dorina L. Neave (née Clifton), who lived in this mansion between 1881 and 1907, described her years here in her memoir titled 'Twenty Six Years on the Bosphorus.' In her childhood memories, she even recounts how the ships passing through the Bosphorus greeted her as the 'Queen of the Bosphorus.' Unfortunately, the mansion has suffered two major fires in 1890 and 1914. Particularly during World War I, it was completely reduced to ashes due to a fire caused by the explosion of an oil tanker, along with 22 other mansions surrounding Clifton Mansion.
After the fires, a two-story masonry (stone) mansion was built on the grounds of Clifton Yalısı. The building, which changed hands during the Republic period, remained in the ownership of the İsvan Family for many years. Although it was put up for sale in 2006, it struggled to find a buyer due to uncertainties regarding the restoration permits for the historical artifact status of the structure. Eventually, on October 14, 2010, businessman Aziz Torun, the owner of Torunlar Holding, purchased Clifton Yalısı from Ayşe Nilüfer Hayat (İsvan) and Ömer Kemal İsvan for $11.5 million. The new owner obtained approval from the Monuments Board to completely rebuild the mansion in accordance with its original state before the fires. The concrete additional structures were removed, and the preserved stone walls and the historic boathouse were reinforced, staying true to the original 19th-century architecture. Today, Clifton Yalısı is the private property of Aziz Torun and is not open to visitors; however, it can be closely viewed from the outside, especially by sea.
Explore By Yacht
Watching the historic yalis lined up in the unique view of the Istanbul Bosphorus from the sea is one of the most fascinating ways to explore the city. Especially the elegance of magnificent yalis like the Clifton Yali is much better appreciated when viewed from the sea rather than from the land. Watching these historic mansions stretching along the coast during a Bosphorus tour, accompanied by the sound of waves and the breeze, gives one the feeling of traveling through time. For travelers wishing to experience this unique adventure, the option of yacht rental stands out as one of the most ideal ways to fully enjoy the beauties of the Bosphorus.
Far from the crowded ferry boats, enjoying the Bosphorus on a private yacht and seeing the historic mansions up close is both an enjoyable and relaxing way to explore. With a journey where you can freely set your own route, you can explore the pearls of the Bosphorus at your own pace. A tour you take by renting a yacht with your loved ones offers you a completely private and comfortable experience. You can stop at any point you like to enjoy the view and capture these moments by taking photos.
If you want to explore the historic atmosphere of the Bosphorus shores in peace, do not hesitate to
rent a yacht on the Bosphorus and enjoy this exclusive experience. A yacht tour on the Bosphorus is not just a trip; it is also one of the most special ways to feel the spirit of Istanbul. This journey, accompanied by the rhythm of the waves and fairy-tale landscapes aboard your own yacht, will provide you with unforgettable memories.