Until the 1950's the Beyazit-Sultanahmet district could still boast a number of large mansions set in spacious gardens. Then came the population explosion, with the demolition of the old houses. Fortunately the mansion belonging to the Minister of Monopolies, Sukru Bey, managed to survive, in a dilapidated state, until the 1970's. The Turkish Touring and Automobile Association took over its restoration with permission of the Commission for Ancient Monuments. The building was demolished and rebuilt as a hotel. The exterior is an exact replica and the only change in the interior being the removal of the staircase on the harem side. The old rooms are carefully preserved. The furnishings chosen are in the style of a 19th century winter mansion. The building has an absolutely unrivaled location between Ayasofya and the Blue Mosque, and at the same offers the visitor the warm, friendly atmosphere of an old Istanbul home. A conservatory was built in the garden, which also contains a monumental pool in pink porphyry from the mansion of the Serasker Riza Pasha in Yildiz. There are 19 rooms and one Pacha Room with private bath, telephone, music, mini-bar, hairdryer and central heating. The Yesil Ev (Green House) also has an indoor and outdoor restaurant..