Created by exterior designer Daniel Keeley of DK Design in Fayetteville, the Lees' terrace is an extension of the inside living areas for much of the year thanks to comfortable furnishings and lush plantings.
Homes
A New Take on Tradition
Treasured furnishings and artwork transform a thoughtfully planned condominium into a very personal retreat
BY
Laura Keech Allen
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brian Meredith
STYLED BY
Mandy Keener

Being involved in the planning stages of the condo’s construction, the Lees were able to implement architectural details like the arched doorways and built-ins found in nearly every room.
Several years ago, Fayetteville residents Hannah and Greg Lee began thinking about downsizing from their home on 40 acres north of town, but they were looking for something very special. “In planning for retirement we wanted to free ourselves of the responsibilities that go with a larger home, pool and acreage,” says Hannah. When the opportunity arose to design and build a condo in the new One East Center building on the square, developed by Richard Alexander, John Knock and Rob Merry-Ship and marketed by Alexander, Merry-Ship and Alt Real Estate Group, they knew they had found their ideal home. “As lifelong residents of Fayetteville, we love the vitality of the square, the downtown area and Dickson Street,” she continues.

Because the Lees became involved in the project’s initial stages, purchasing one of the first of six condos in the building, they were able to guide the interior construction, from the placement of electrical outlets to the layout of rooms and their orientation in the building, which was designed by Polk Stanley Rowland Curzon Porter Architects and built by Jess Eoff of Innovative Design and Construction. “Hannah and I climbed to the top of the building to look at the different views before construction even started,” says interior designer Cecily Brawner, who worked with the Lees on their previous home as well.

Although the idea of vertical living was immensely appealing to the Lees, they still wanted a very warm, traditional environment for the interior. “I think a lot of people expect something much more contemporary for a condo,” Cecily says. “But it’s very warm, inviting and comfortable and reflects so much of Greg’s and Hannah’s personalities.” Cecily and Hannah planned the home around many of the Lees’ treasured furnishings and artwork from their previous home, including their collection of Barry Thomas paintings and a trio of Italian Murano glass chandeliers as their inspiration.

The fantastic views afforded by the condo’s location were also a major consideration in both the layout and design. Cabinetry and other fixed elements were confined to interior walls, allowing windows to surround the exterior. Framed by draperies custom designed by Interior Fabrics and Design in Fayetteville, the windows allow a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, which contributed greatly to the home’s color scheme. “A lot of the colors reflect the views and the sunset,” Cecily says, “from yellows and browns to sky blues and warm reds.” In addition, the terrace overlooking the square, designed by exterior designer Daniel Keeley with DK Design of Fayetteville, becomes an additional living area almost year round, thanks to comfortable areas for dining and lounging, as well as an outdoor fireplace.

Combined with architectural details like beautiful mantels and arches in nearly every room, this rich palette gives the space a Tuscan feel, which is only magnified by the luxurious materials employed throughout the space. Warm walnut and stone floors run throughout the public areas, and each room is accessed through arched hand-hewn walnut doors made by Grand Openings Doors in Rogers. “Our main goal was to create a feeling of warmth, comfort and openness that’s conducive to entertaining,” Hannah says.

Although the condo is a bit less than 3,000 square feet, intelligent planning allows plenty of space to welcome the Lees’ two grown children, Jud and Corie, and their families, as well as friends. Whether they gather in the walnut-paneled study, on the terrace or around the long dining table, there’s certain to be much laughter and conversation filling this very special home. “We are so happy living here,” Hannah says. “The condo lifestyle has more than met our expectations.”