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Achieving the floating blade stairs took a feat of construction and engineering. Their delicate thinness belies their strength: the treads are a wood sleeve fitted over a solid steel core.

The living area in the main home is a spacious volume that opens onto the wraparound deck. The suspended bridge between the primary suite and the study blends with the interior architecture.

The primary suite presents a soothing retreat to rest and unwind, complete with a spacious bath, walk-in closet, and black-framed, sliding glass doors that open up to the pool.

"A double-gated motor court and six-foot perimeter wall bordering the property further enhances the sense of a private oasis,

Unexpected window placements, such as a soaring window sandwiched between the kitchen cabinetry, ensures ample natural light sweeps throughout the sprawling interior.

Not every client-designer relationship would have thrived under such extreme circumstances, but Dovey credits Sarah and Ben’s attitude for the project’s success. “They were observant and thoughtful, and really took the time to ask all the right questions,” says Dovey. “In the end, it went so well just because of the great relationships.”

After: Geoffrey custom-built the wall cabinetry and shelving, which is painted Valspar’s Lake Country. “We wanted to create an entryway,” he explains. In an effort to repurpose, all the wood in the kitchen is taken from old ceiling joists and old hemlock siding. “Our contractors learned that we were restoring things, so people just dropped materials off for us,” he says. In regards to teal color selection, “the light came first,” he said, referencing the slightly darker shade of the overhead fixture. “When we were picking out the color for the cabinetry, we wanted to make sure it worked – again all the colors tie back to the wallpaper in the living room.”

A handcrafted wood-and-metal staircase adds whimsical, modern flair to the historic apartment, creating a sense of floating space.