Cosmopolitan Style in a Small Town

The cosmopolitan couple lived in Washington, but longed for the slower pace of small town living. That longing was satisfied when they renovated a dilapidated opera hall.

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Filed under: Renovation

Andy Singletary met his wife, Pia Peltola, in her native Finland. The cosmopolitan couple lived in Washington after marrying, but longed for the slower pace of small town living.

While in Shepherdstown, W.Va., they fell in love with the area and a dilapidated opera hall in the heart of town. Together the couple made the large, red brick building sing again.

Highlights of the space include a corkscrew staircase that leads to the master suite which is some 40 feet above the ground floor. Remnants of the old stage are also visible.

There aren't many doors, however. Actually, the interior features just one door, and that leads to the master bath. Though Singletary and Peltola have considered moving back to Finland, they're not sure they could give up the quality of life they enjoy or a home that is so uniquely theirs.