Home of the Week: Movin' on up

Downsizing also had a certain appeal.

"We're from Ellicott City - we downsized from about a 4,500-square-foot house to this," Jean said. "It's quite a shock going from a four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom."

While they did downsize, they're also adding another home into the mix.

"We're building a house in St. Michaels, so we'll have a place to put the stuff," Jean said.

With that in mind and the couple's business, Conveyor Handling Co., located in Elkridge, Annapolis seemed a perfect midpoint.

"It is close to St. Michaels," Jean said. "It was a decent commute to our office in Elkridge and the city (Annapolis) is so appealing - so much to offer as far as shopping, dining, cultural - a little bit for everyone."

Their 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom, sixth-floor condo at GrandView also is a departure from the style of the couple's previous home.

"I had the house decorated with antiques and somewhat traditional, so this became our urban retreat," Jean explained.

"The furniture, the curtains and the bed covers all came from Powers Smith," an Annapolis-based interior design firm, she said. "I worked with Lisa Publicover."

The result is serene, comfortable sophistication, very much in keeping with the style of the common areas of GrandView.

Jean added that she had some other help, too.

"The accessories and the lamps and the pictures all came from a design store called The Monkey's Trunk from West Ocean City," she said.

"They came up here with a truck and hung everything on the walls - they're very good," Richard added.

"They're just a delight to work with - both John (Meyers) and Ron (Saunders) - they have such an eye for color and design and what styles blend together and go well together," Jean said.

Lovely layout

Just off the foyer is a full-size laundry room, and a guest bathroom with two entrances can be accessed through the foyer or from the guest bedroom.

Just around the corner from the foyer is the formal dining room. Though open to the kitchen and living room areas, spatial definition has been provided through walls on either side.

The circular, dark wood dining table is juxtaposed with light-colored upholstered chairs, accessories and lighting fixtures in golds and silvers, and a neutral beige wallpaper.

Furthering the serene atmosphere is the natural color palette found throughout the home - bluish greens, beiges and browns.

Then we reach the kitchen, which was a big selling point, according to Jean.

"We wanted a small kitchenette area," she said.

Perhaps because it's almost entirely open, it doesn't feel the least bit small.

"This used to be a solid wall," Richard said of what is now a cutout allowing for full view into the living room and outside.

The kitchen offers up cherry cabinetry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, an eat-in nook, full breakfast bar and pantry cabinet.

The living room and balcony benefit from a commanding southern view.

"I enjoy seeing the trees," Jean said. "In the fall the trees are just beautiful."

Of course, there's more to the view than just trees.

"I can tell you exactly when Home Depot is open," Richard said with a smile.

"The best thing about being on this side - we do have the sun," he said. "We have not had to turn our heat on all winter."

And there's one other benefit.

"We can see the sunrise and sunset," Richard said.

Here in the living room the metallics have popped up again, as have the dark woods. A gorgeous mirrored screen brings it all together nicely.

Opposite this space is the guest bedroom - a very large and comfortable spot benefiting from the same southern view as well as a nice architectural element: a trey ceiling.

On the other side of the condo and behind the living room is the owner's suite, complete with an impressive master bath.

"It's gigantic," Jean said.

With a large soaking tub, separate shower and plenty of room, the only added feature is a storage and shelving unit Jean designed with Reico (Kitchen and Bath).

In good company

While it's easy to entertain in a house, it's not always easy in a condo, but Richard and Jean have a solution.

"This is a little small if we want to entertain - we'll just reserve upstairs," Richard said, referring to a lounge on the top floor of the building that's available to all homeowners.

"So far we've had a wedding shower and two large family gatherings," Jean said. "All the family was extremely comfortable there."

With that we go up and take a look at the Sky Lounge, which comes complete with a stocked bar on an honor system, access to the outdoor pool and a great view clear out to the Chesapeake Bay, where a freighter is making its way toward Baltimore.

Hopping back on the elevator, we go to a lower floor, walk past the concierge, and find another lounge and a nicely equipped gym.

"Sturbridge (Homes) has really gone out of their way to make this a comfortable place to live," Richard said.

And there's no question this couple is as comfortable as they are happy.

"It's one of the best decisions we've made," Jean said.

Richard agreed.

"We love it," he said. "We absolutely love it."

Donna L. Cole is a freelance writer living in the Annapolis area. Though you'll still see her byline in The Capital, she's decided to stop writing the "Home of the Week" feature. If you'd like your home considered for the "Home of the Week," contact Wendi Winters at wendi@quantumstep.com.