Some 350 historic houses crowd the hills of Kastamonu. Grandees always had two homes, one here in the town and one in the country. And although many are sadly dilapidated, the area makes for a delightful stroll. Light and comfort were prime concerns in the design, and views mattered, too. The classic konak has a stone basement, for storage or animals, and two timber-framed upper floors. No two façades are quite alike.
By Berrin Torolsan with photographs by Solvi dos Santos