If experience matters in the real estate market, then the Ryans have it covered. More than two decades ago, when John Ryan teamed up with his mother, Anne, he brought about 15 years of prior experience in commercial real estate. “We both brought a lot of diverse talents to the table,” John Ryan says. Today, the team focuses its efforts on upper-end residential properties, with an average sale price of about $1.6 million. “There are no other agents with that kind of an average,” he says. “We know the properties and the clientele. We approach it in a very businesslike way and our clients like that.”

Colonial Marketplace, LN’s longtime digs, is continuing to see new tenants sign on amid the homestretch of renovation on the dining, retail  and office plaza.

A Mari de Villa resident recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a large group of family and friends in the new Waterford Room private party suite, overlooking the same sparkling lake her mother did 30 years ago.

Salish Lodge and Spa is one of those places that the travel gods sometimes reward you with. Booked at the tail end of a driving tour of the Northwest, I wasn’t expecting much. Boy, was I surprised!

For many people, a wrinkled rug corner is nothing of importance; while walking, they’ll step over it or brush it back into place. If that person trips on the rug, they may pop back up immediately and only suffer a bruised ego. But if that person is an older adult, the rug might go unnoticed, the fall could be catastrophic—and the damage to the ego might be the least of the concerns.

Marvelous Malachite

Back for its third year, Junior League of St. Louis’ annual Kitchen Tour is going to be bigger and better than ever, if event co-chair Ann Beck has anything to say about it. Along with Julie Kearbey and their committee, she is working to build on the successes of years past. “It’s one of the League’s largest fundraisers, and it has a lot of public support,” she says.

I proudly admit it: I am a Downton Abbey fan. More important, I am a fan of English architecture and design, and what better example is there than Highclere Castle, the historic home of the eighth Earl of Carnarvon and the inspiration behind the hit series?

Every last fixture, decorative panel and crown molding must be perfect for a remodel to look authentic, local contractors say. That’s why they go above and beyond—special-ordering pieces from around the country to be fit precisely into place by experienced local craftsmen. This attention to detail is what preserves each home’s architectural integrity, says Dave Dunlap, owner of Consolidated Design & Construction Group.

When families ask Fred Wiesehan why Mari de Villa is the best place for their loved one, he has a ready answer: “I tell them it’s as easy as one-two-three,” he explains. “No. 1 is the level of care and the respect that our guests receive. No. 2 is the fact that the ownership lives here—my wife Mary Kay and I have been here for 29 years, and Mari de Villa has been here for 52 years. We’re very hands-on and we know our guests and families. And third is the affordability—with all the amenities and services we provide, we work hard to keep our rates very competitive in the St. Louis market.”

Dave Dunlap, Consolidated Construction Group

SOCIETY

About a year ago, when Pamela Perlmutter took over as development director for Paraquad, she met with board members to learn more about the goals of her position. One such meeting took place in the Central West End with a board member who uses a powered wheelchair. However, when Perlmutter arrived at the designated restaurant, she discovered it was closed. She had to go to six different restaurants before finding one that could accommodate the wheelchair. When Perlmutter returned to the office, she told her staff, “If I am going to be in this line of work, I need to know the places in the community where I can go with someone who is disabled. Then I realized, if I need this, everyone needs this.”

To sleep, perchance to dream…not a problem in these two well-designed boudoirs! Holly Blumeyer, owner of Holly Blumeyer Interior Design Group, and her husband, Jeff Demerath, are in the process of remodeling a charming home.

From historical architectural gems to luxurious modern mansions, some of the area's most sought-after high-end properties are on the market. And with historically low interest rates, the timing is better than ever to make one of these your 'dream' home.

At Mari de Villa, guests are always excitedly asking, What’s next?, says president Fred Wiesehan. The senior living community is in the midst of a five-year construction project, to be completed in 2014, that is geared toward amenities for the ever-changing senior lifestyle. “Guests have embraced the changes, and they get excited every time there is new construction.”

KENNY TERBROCK and SUE SCHAEFFER have joined forces to create Terbrock & Schaeffer Signature Build. The premium custom home building and remodeling company will offer services to the St. Louis and St. Charles metropolitan areas.

It’s almost here…The 2012 WILLIAM BERNOUDY LADUE NEWS SHOW HOUSE officially opens next Friday, Oct. 5. But here’s your chance at a sneak peak: An Opening Night Cocktail Party will be held at the Show House in Town & Country on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 each ($50 for patrons 35 and younger). Proceeds from opening night, as well as the entire Show House run (through Oct. 21), benefit four area charities, including Angels’ Arms, Animal Protective Association of Missouri, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’sMedicalCenter and Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. The LN Show House committee is chaired by STACEY GOLTERMANN, and includes TANIA BEASLEY-JOLLY, ALAN E. BRAINERD, MILLIE CAIN, KATIE HOLTON, MARK HOWALD, LISA MALONE, JUDY MOSKOFF, JUSTIN NANGLE, VICKI PICKLE, HELENE SAYAD, JULIE SCHUSTER, TRACY SPORRER and TED WIGHT. For tickets, call 269-8836.

KAREN & DAN HOEMKE, Coldwell Banker Premier Group

Just because construction is completed on Mari de Villa’s new Waterford Wing, doesn’t mean the excitement is over. The retirement community, which sits on a 21-acre campus in Town & Country, currently has three construction projects underway, says president Fred Wiesehan.

Whether you’re planning to build a new home or update an existing one, convey your vision to the experts. They can share the latest trends and tips that will help bring your dreams to fruition.

In a newly remodeled kitchen, it’s not just the stove that’s hot. Some local experts tell us about the kitchen design trends that are making temperatures rise this summer.

Local philanthropists Ken and Nancy Kranzberg get a reward every time they contribute to a nonprofit: They say seeing the look on the recipients’ faces is worth a million dollars.