HUNTINGTON -- Condo living in downtown Huntington is an adventure for Susan Ratcliff.

"It was my husband's (Dr. William Ratcliff) dream to live downtown, but I am a country girl at heart and wasn't used to urban living," she said. "I will have to say after living here I love it. I walk everywhere now, to Starbucks, to Pullman (Square), wherever I need to go downtown. My car sits in the garage more than it is out."

A major element that Ratcliff really enjoys is the outdoor terrace off of the game room and living room. The covered porch has a lovely fireplace that the Ratcliffs enjoy in the cooler months. The terrace overlooks the downtown area and gives them a bird's eye view of their metropolitan community. Ratcliff has a vision of trees lining the street and would like to recruit her neighbors into a project that would have trees flowing from the underpass to the Ohio River.

Ratcliff is a planner. Before the renovations began to turn the couple's building into condos, she and her husband had a list that had to be met.

"We wanted a place where we could entertain, have our extended family visit plus have a space for our dogs," she said.

The open floor plan of their condo readily addresses a place to entertain and plus allows room for their dogs. Ratcliff loves to cook, so the kitchen is the anchor point in the center of the living space. A television viewing area is adjacent to the kitchen. Off to the side is a sitting area that encourages folks to sit and visit without the benefit of a television.

"This way the guys can watch sports and the ladies can visit without interrupting each other," she said.

Near the entryway there is a formal dining room that is often used for family gatherings and holidays. Each room is enhanced with an ornate fireplace.

"This was an older building, and the fireplaces were already in place so we decided to incorporate them into the décor," she said.

The updated fireplaces, the mahogany hardwood floors and the natural stone countertops add to the ambiance of comfort that is apparent throughout the condominium.

Ratcliff has drawn on her years of experience as a decorator and real estate agent in setting up her living space. When she and her husband made color decisions, she knew what she wanted.

"Neutrals and earth tones were our choice plus they are inviting and can be enhanced with accessories," she said.

The floral area rugs, granite counter tops and marble fireplaces all play into the natural elements of the apartment.

"You wouldn't know you were living in a condominium," she said.

To make sure there is always room for family to come visit there are two guest rooms and a nursery plus two Murphy beds. The Murphy beds are integrated into the décor to the point one wouldn't realize their existence unless they were folded out. Thinking of their large family that often comes together in Huntington, the Ratcliffs included three bathrooms in the spacious floor plan. For themselves they planned a master suite that just suits them.

"Of all the places we have lived I love this bedroom and bath best of all," she said. "It's my favorite bedroom and bath of all time."

The bedroom isn't too large or too small but just right for their furniture. The master bath not only has the usual amenities but a laundry room attached as well as his and her walk-in closets.

It is evident condo living has found its appeal for the country girl who has allowed her husband to fulfill his dream of living downtown. Ratcliff has used her creative talents to shape a beautiful urban living space for her family.