City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
The entryway arch is complemented inside in several places, including the one leading to this living area.

Featured Article

A European Odyssey

Nichols Hills Dream Home Inspired by Travel

Article by Kaylin Hill | Kollab Creative Co.

Photography by Kaylin Hill

Originally published in OKC City Lifestyle

In OKC’s Nichols Hills neighborhood, a dream home stands tall, echoing the rich tapestry of the European travels of its owners. Robert M. and Paulette Gordon are seasoned explorers of France and Italy who translated their wanderlust into a unique architectural marvel that seamlessly blends Old World charm with modern comforts.

From the moment you step into the 24-foot-high ceiling entry, the home whispers tales of chateaus and murals admired through their European adventures.

The winding staircase, inspired by French architecture, leads to hand-painted murals adorning the walls, even in the three-stop elevator. The basement, crafted to mimic a 17th-century Burgundy wine cellar, boasts plaster walls, purposeful floor cracks and a custom Alderwood wine cellar, creating an ambiance reminiscent of European cellars.

In the tasting room, a solid walnut table handcrafted by the homeowner's father takes center stage, surrounded by antique murals from Belgium and France. The true chef's kitchen, designed by an Oklahoma City culinary expert, features a wood-burning oven from France and 300-year-old terracotta lintels from a Lyon chateau.

The house has become a canvas for cultural celebrations: Turkish and Korean weddings, a Latin American birthday party and more. Each space, from the 1960s-themed theatre room to the grand yet comfortable chef's kitchen, tells a story and invites guests to join in the laughter and festivities.

This unique abode also serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation. The daughter, influenced by the home's design, has embarked on her own journey, building a home that echoes the timeless elegance and cultural richness experienced in the family's European travels.

The dream home stands as a testament to the enduring impact of well-traveled lifestyles, where every corner is a canvas, and every room is a story waiting to be told.