Delightful. Delicious. De-lovely!

It's a glorious place where clinking glasses and intimate conversations go hand in hand. A place where you can sit for hours lingering over a savory meal, then lounge on the comfy sofa enjoying smooth jazz on the baby grand piano. A place where you feel transported back to an era when coolness was timeless and the magic that was life itself made everyone walk with a spring in their step.

This is a place that Bob Becherer, Greg Davis and Murphy, their 12-year-old sable-colored Sheltie, call home. Their impeccably decorated condo in a historic building in the fashionable West End exudes warmth and style and was recently a featured stop on the Central West End Condominium and Terrace Tour. With a commitment to breathing new life into this high-rise condominium complex, Bob and Greg are instrumental in current and upcoming renovations through the Greystone's Aesthetic Committee. “We are constantly striving to maintain the building's heritage, but also stay current,” says Greg.

Friends for years, the homeowners jumped at the chance to transform the condo into a classically elegant residence befitting the grandeur and heritage of the Greystone. Constructed in 1927 as apartments for visiting dignitaries, the Greystone was converted to condominiums in 1978. In its original heyday, the Greystone was the epitome of classic elegance, and it is this grandeur that Bob and Greg worked diligently to restore. They turned to Kelly Kenter, President and Owner of Sitelines, Inc., a full-service construction firm, to help them realize their dreams. “Kelly took the ideas that we had and made them possible,” says Bob. “As a result, we painted, redesigned and built a new fireplace in the den, enhanced the dining room's substantial woodwork with dentil moldings, updated the lighting and kitchen appliances, and converted an office space into a half bath adjacent to the kitchen.” 

The 50-foot grand gallery hall with its gorgeous barrel ceiling – painted a glistening gold and lit with 22 recessed cans – creates a canopy of light that envelops you in its glow as you enter the magnificent home. Dotted with contemporary artwork amidst stylish antique furniture and transitional fabrics, the gallery hall speaks to the owners' love of  “mixing it up.”

“We love to meld the traditional with the contemporary. It keeps things fresh and interesting,” say the owners. Their traditional style, punctuated with a contemporary edge, brings to mind elements of the art deco and art nouveau periods.

Both Bob and Greg have accumulated artwork over time. “We pick up things on trips, especially to Vail, Colorado. But we also love to attend the Clayton Art Fair and visit the Central West End galleries,” they say. “We think it's important to buy locally whenever we can and support local businesses, artisans and shows.”

Golden oak herringbone floors lead you to each beautifully appointed, art-filled room. The kitchen has stood the test of time and remains classic and handsome. The dark cherry cabinets with a mahogany finish and satin nickel pulls are perfectly juxtaposed with the new striking black granite backsplash, countertops and island, creating a chic, warm gathering place.

Bob and Greg love to entertain, and their custom-designed kitchen serves them well. “One thing I would always have,” says Greg, “is two ovens. It just makes everything so much easier when you have a party.” Bob is quick to point out that Greg is the cook. “He's fabulous at it,” says Bob with a smile. “I just set the table and stay out of the kitchen.”

The butler's pantry connects the kitchen with the living room and features the built-in cabinetry original to the units on all the floors of the Greystone. Although they discussed removing it for a more updated look, Bob and Greg decided that they loved its charm too much and appreciated having something that was original to the building. “Its primary function today is to display extra china,” says Bob, “but more importantly, it serves as a dry bar for parties.”

As much as Greg loves to cook and prepare for a soirée, Bob loves to entertain once the party starts. An accomplished pianist and seasoned performer, Bob loves to sing for family and friends. “This condo works really well for entertaining,” he says. “We've had 80 people here before, gathered around the piano and spilling into the living room, dining room, gallery hall and den.”

 “We love the elegance of our home,” says Greg, “though it's not too formal. We want our guests to feel comfortable putting their feet up and relaxing in a pretty but inviting space.”

Originally separated by a wall, Greg and Bob opened up the living room and a den space with a doorway, visually expanding the rooms and allowing them to speak volumes to each other. The den, filled with beloved books, is yet another place that implores you to get comfy and stay awhile. The homeowners' choice, ambient lighting is present in every room. “Besides the gallery hall, you won't find overhead lights anywhere,” they say. “Lamp lighting is so much more pleasant. And of all our lamps have dimmers – one of the easiest and best ways to create atmosphere.”

For these avid party-givers, the dining room has, of course, been the center of numerous gatherings. Papered in a classic deep red and gold stripe, the room can easily accommodate 12 to 14 people for a sit-down dinner; an opening to the hallway allows for flexibility and expansion. Formal silk drapery frames a grand window and helps set the tone for a special dining experience.

“Our place is entirely different at night,” say the homeowners. “Each room has a full north, west and south view. Looking out at the twinkling lights of the city – it is just dazzling!”

Reminiscent of the glamour of a bygone era, this stunning West End condo is unequivocally genteel and utterly delightful, a clear reflection of the two gentlemen who call it home.

PHOTO CAPTIONS (top to bottom):  
1. Beautifully textured grasscloth wallcovering in the home's superbly planned kitchen lends a rich, natural feel to the space that leads to a small terrace overlooking the property's pool and manicured landscaping. A small room located just off the kitchen was once a tiny office and has been magically transformed into a jewel box of a bathroom for guests.

2. As if under a canopy, the grand gallery hallway is a display space for contemporary artwork that melds with traditional furniture and appointments to keep the décor interesting, fresh and unexpected. An antique demilune table from West End Antiques Gallery is a focal point at the end of the hallway. Rice paper wallcovering adds textural interest to the home's art-filled entry.

3. A butler's pantry – with original built-in cabinetry – serves as a fabulous display case for china and glassware. The space connects the kitchen to the dining room and works as an ideal bar area for parties.

4. The condominium's two tailored bedrooms and luxurious baths are masterfully designed. A gorgeous four-poster canopy bed is the focal point in this room.

5. An elegant dining table – set with crystal embellishments – sparkles with drama and features floral arrangements by Scott Hepper, master floral designer. Flowers from Straub's Fine Grocers.