Home of the Week: Joan Epstein

The same can be said of her home at BayWoods, a retirement community in Annapolis where she moved in 2003.

In 2002, when Ms. Epstein's husband, Aaron, was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the couple decided to downsize from homes in Davidsonville and Rehoboth, while ensuring their long-term comfort and security.

"He wanted me to be taken care of," Ms. Epstein said. "He liked the idea of me being in Annapolis, where we loved it so much."

Unfortunately, Mr. Epstein didn't make it to their new home.

"He didn't live to see it - he died five months before," Ms. Epstein said.

It's certainly easy to see the appeal of BayWoods. Occupying 14 acres along the Severn River with views out to the Bay Bridge, it truly is a beautiful community unto itself, with a post office, bank, salon, gym, putting green, walking path, indoor pool, convenience store, water-view restaurants and activities galore.

With independent living, assisted living and nursing facilities on premises, residents are able to move from one section to another, should the need arise.

Amenities aside, Ms. Epstein said just being at BayWoods helped her tremendously following the loss of her husband.

"It was a big part of my healing - to be with others, or not to be," she said, indicating that she could be by herself in her unit or join others in the many common spaces.

As for Ms. Epstein's home, it's a one-bedroom condominium encompassing a great layout to maximize space. With gorgeous hardwood flooring, crown molding and an abundance of windows, it's a light-filled home with high-quality attention paid to decor and construction.

"I'm on the north side, but it's light and it gets lighter as the day goes on," Ms. Epstein said. "I wanted light - let the light shine."

In the foyer hangs a beautiful painting of one of Ms. Epstein's daughters and a grandson. That daughter is Kathie Lee Gifford, currently a host of NBC's "Today" show.

According to Ms. Epstein, the painting is an interpretation of a photo that appeared on the cover of one of Ms. Gifford's books. It was a gift from an artist who had been inspired by Ms. Gifford and simply wanted to express her thanks through the painting, which portrays Ms. Gifford with her son, Cody.

"It was an artist in Washington - I didn't know her," Ms. Epstein explained. "She just praised my daughter and left; I never had an address to send her anything."

Off the left side of the foyer is the bathroom and bedroom suite. With a bed dressed in blues and florals, a spot for desk and chair, and a huge built-in wall of cabinets, it's a beautifully comfortable room with great use of space.

A second entrance through the living room allows for easy access without sacrificing privacy.

Off the right side of the foyer is the kitchen, which features white cabinetry, modern appliances, a flat-top stove and tile flooring. Photos of Ms. Epstein's family members are found here and throughout her home.

With three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, that's a lot of photos.

"We're a very prolific family," laughed Ms. Epstein, who clearly loves and values that family more than words could do justice. In addition to Kathie Lee, Ms. Epstein has a daughter living in this area and a son in New York.

Only because it was football season and we were discussing family, it would have been remiss for any good "Home of the Week" reporter not to bring up Ms. Epstein's son-in-law, Frank Gifford. With the legendary New York Giants player/Pro Football Hall of Famer/sports broadcaster as her son-in-law, is Ms. Epstein a Giants fan?

Umm, no. But don't tell Mr. Gifford.

With a broad smile she said, "We're more the Redskins, but when we go up to Giants stadium and we're with Frank, we say, 'Go Giants!' "

Back to the kitchen. Though Ms. Epstein doesn't cook as much as she used to, she still makes good use of the stove, pots and ladles.

"What I do now is, I love soup - homemade soup," she said.

Here we also discover another interest, which Ms. Epstein has passed down to two generations.

"I collected cups and saucers," Ms. Epstein explained. "I started my daughters on that; I'd bring them one from wherever I went and they loved it. Now I've started my granddaughters on it, too."

Through the kitchen is a den, which opens into the living room. Here a built-in shelving unit provides lots of space for storage and photo display. The white cabinetry against subtle yellow walls gives the illusion of even more light. A delicate white lace valence enhances the window here and throughout the home. An Oriental rug, one of several in the home, lends sophistication and warmth.

A handsome dark wood armoire is topped with a basket of dried flowers aside a grouping of wooden seabirds.

"That is very special to me," Ms. Epstein said of the armoire.

"My husband - this is one he personally found," she began. "It's the only one he went and found and he wanted; he always let me make the decisions."

As for those decisions and her preferred decorating style, it's classic yet comfortable.

"I began to develop my taste when I lived in Europe," explained Ms. Epstein, who was in Paris with her husband during his time in the Navy. "There was a refinement, yet simplicity," Ms. Epstein said of the interior aesthetic she grew to favor.

The living room, with its many windows, also features a great built-in window seat. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy a cup of tea, read a book or gaze out to the Severn.

Much of Ms. Epstein's belongings from her past homes are incorporated in this one and work well in their surroundings.

"The only thing new I bought was the fireplace," she said of the focal point in the living room. "It just gives you the ambiance."

Off this room is a screened porch, an absolutely wonderful feature in any high-rise.

And while her home was a downsizing, it's more than OK with Ms. Epstein.

"I think my husband and I could have lived here very easily," she said. "This is very spacious - I never feel cramped."

More than that, though, Ms. Epstein is content. And when a home provides that level of comfort, there's not much more one could ask of their surroundings.

"I don't need any more; I go visit my kids or I go to Florida," Ms. Epstein said. "At this stage of my life, it's manageable. I love it - it's a great place."

Donna L. Cole is a freelance writer living in the Annapolis area. If you'd like your home considered for "Home of the Week," e-mail her at writerdle@aol.com.