Kansas City and New York meet in this magical townhome

Boasting of 3200 square feet, two primary suites, two full baths and two half baths, three car garage, all situated perfectly just south of the Plaza in a unique little village all its own called Villa de Este. The owners of this stunning dwelling, Donald, and Valentino LeBlanc, working together with local vendors to create a design style never seen before. As you walk through the entry door, your emotions grow dazzled by the genius mixture of assorted styles. Once you continue your tour, it feels as though a young and vibrant modern-day Norma Desmond takes your hand and leads you through a sophisticated and tasteful set of Alice in Wonderland. Touches of so many styles like modern, old world, regency, and more somehow find commonality in this unique space. Every detail moves together in an intoxicating dance for the eyes.

DON WHITE: VP MDR Management / email: donwhite@aol.com

VALENTINO LEBLANC: Fashion Designer/Interior Decor / email: valentinoleblanc7@gmail.com

Having mentioned details, the concept of “It’s all in the detail” is obvious at every turn. The owners searched tirelessly to select the perfect chandelier, sofa, or piece of art. In the living room, the three-ring “Trinity” chandelier by Koket, perfectly glistens above an elegant conversation area surrounded by John Richard sofas, a huge Cassoni coffee table, along with a Steinway Model B Spirio grand piano. Accessories include a crystal Jay Strongwater Snow Leopard situated on a granite rectangular purchased from Dwain Smith at 45th & State Line. A pair of antique bronze hand painted lamp holders flank the solid 12 ft quartzite fireplace adding an ambiance hard to describe. Every accessory is treated as if it were piece of exquisite jewelry placed upon a VERSACE couture gown. Near the living space is a tasteful powder bath adorned with black leopard wallpaper featuring a Swarovski walking panther.

The dining room is positioned near the three story, thirty-seven stair suspended glass staircase with gold accents. Every care was taken in removing the old and dated stairs by replacing them with a steel structure to safely carry guests. Barberini & Gunnell designed the dining table in Italy, and it was featured in Lady Gaga’s movie, House of Gucci. The table glass holds a one-of-a-kind, black, gold, and teal leopard sculpture custom designed particularly for the table. The dining chandelier is Asian inspired by Sigmal2. A wall of glass doors leads you seamlessly to a private patio adorned with an ivory marble replica of The Ages of Man originally sculpted by Giamvologna. The background features a wall of arborvitae and the beautiful wine bottle shaped pool. The owners particularly enjoy this space for mornings with coffee or in the evenings where they can relax while listening to the water fountain as they gaze upon their stunning main floor creation.

Ascend the glass staircase where you find one of the primary suites complete with black marble Porcelanosa 4×4 tiles everywhere including the bedroom and magnificent bath. There you will find a glass shower, freestanding Aquatica black tub, double black granite vanity, and a boutique style closet with glass doors, shoe displays, jewelry drawers, and everything hidden behind doors. The bedroom features a king-size guilted gold modern bed with black leather headboard. Above that is a commissioned piece of art by the amazing Chie Yoshi of LA. As with all the walls on the main floor, the bedroom suite boasts of glamourous black molding and walls creating a sexy environment topped with a starburst, venetian glass chandelier from Italy.

As you descend the stairs, or ride the custom elevator, you can find yourself on the lower level where a cozy, yet luxurious, den awaits you. Complete with 72-inch television, the Eleanor Rigby delicious suede sofas are adorned by multiple pieces of art including an eight ½ ft long Vladimir Kush entitled, “The Human Way.” This art depicts the journey of the human experience and reflects the spiritual design elements and inspiration for the owners. Their love of theatre, music, dance, art, and the like are the guiding light that leads them through any design project. “Do it big. Do it right. Do it with style” is their motto and they never sway from that as their theme. When you visit their home, it is especially important that you see more than simply the design. They want you to feel the struggles, and yet glorious and mystical journey, we all embark upon together in this game of life.

When asked why they chose to use black and teal in their pallet, Valentino Leblanc said that the black “gives me a sense of elegance and sophistication. Teal seems so fresh and happy. We wanted our home to be something inspiring that is not seen everywhere.” So just what style is it, we asked. Donald chuckled and said, “I do not know. It is our own. It is so LeBlanc.”