The owners have transformed what was probably an apartment above a store into what feels like an upscale condo with the amenities of a boutique hotel.

When remodeling this unit, they seem to have spared no expense and to have thoughtfully balanced features that help place the unit within one of St. Paul's historic neighborhoods (through features such as hardwood floors and high-end stained glass) with the contemporary (by making sure the unit had good soundproofing, central air, stainless steel appliances, and no fewer than 4 flat screen televisions--even a little shelf that is perfect for recharging a phone).

This balance between the vintage and the contemporary is echoed by good interior design: The stained glass is playfully echoed with beautiful chandeliers (that appear to be Venetian glass) over both stairwells. When all this lovely glass is seen in juxtaposition with contemporary furniture with good lines, the effect is not "eclectic" so much as artful.

Visitors unfamilar with St. Paul should note that the location of this unit would be hard to beat. It's on what locals (and I used to be one) consider the city's best shopping street and close to midway between downtown and the Mississippi. Two of the city's best loved gift shops (Bibelot and Creative Kidstuff) are on the same block, as is what is considered the city's best bakery (Wollet's). New since my last visit, a small market and café next door to the unit proved to be a good site for lunch. And Summit Ave., the city's premier residential street, is only a block away.

I will add that it was a bonus to have a deck--and another to be right on a bus line--while enjoying both peace and quiet thanks to good design: Urban delights are close at hand, but the atmosphere within the unit is both serene and welcoming. Private as well.

I would gladly stay here again.