While the living space in this apartment is most impressive -204 sq. meters (2,200 sq. feet)- the volume is the stunning feature. The spacious foyer with its high ceiling and whimsical chandelier doesn't begin to prepare a visitor for what lies ahead. Double frosted glass doors swing open to a living room with 14-foot ceilings and three floor-to-ceiling windows to capture every available particle of light. Interior shutters and sheer curtains guarantee that the room will never suffer from too much light.

It would be a crime to cut a space like this into smaller, darker rooms, so this main room actually serves three functions: a round dining table for eight is directly in front of the entry doors; a large black leather sectional sofa occupies the corner nearest the windows, and an enormous desk, complete with ergonomic chair and all the tech hookups --electrical, telephone, high-speed internet-- backs up to the wall.

While the living room is certainly the center of activity, the layout includes other rooms for the guest who requires a little quiet time, or who wishes to watch the news without disturbing the industrious fellow traveler taking advantage of the office space. The back of the apartment overlooks the spacious courtyard of the building. This is not a glorified parking lot, as many are, but rather a small park, landscaped with flowers and shrubs, little pathways, and a charming fountain. Other residents can often be spied relaxing under a tree with a book, or surreptitiously helping themselves to a few flowers. Guests can enjoy the garden from the yoga and exercise room just off the kitchen. It has not only comfortable seats and yoga mats, but also elliptical and rowing machines and a stationary bike. There is also stereo equipment, for workout music.

The kitchen sits between the living room and exercise room, with a glass wall on the living room side so as not to miss that wonderful light. It is a compact space, but is completely equipped with full-sized refrigerator, electric stovetop with four vitro-ceramic burners and powerful ventilation hood, and a dishwasher, as well as all the smaller appliances such as coffee maker, food processor, and microwave. There is a granite-topped breakfast bar with sophisticated chrome-and-leather stools, so that the cook can have some company. The full-sized, separate washer and dryer are concealed in tall cabinets just around the corner from the kitchen.

The final space on the lower floor is the first of three bedrooms. All three look out over the tranquil courtyard, and are roomy and bright. The lower-floor bedroom has a queen-sized bed, and use of a closet for clothes and a bathroom with stall shower just across the hall. The WC is also in the hallway.

From the foyer, a broad staircase with integrated lighting leads to the upper floor. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small den on the second floor. The den is one of the nicest features of this apartment full to its soaring ceilings of nice features: it is acoustically isolated from the living room, but the wall that separates the two spaces is thick glass, so that parents below can keep an eye on kids above, and so that the den, like the kitchen, can share in the light from the living room's tall windows. The den is equipped with deep, cushioned built-in seating that can double as a bed for a child or two, and a large television with cable reception and DVD player.

The second bedroom is decorated in simple earth tones, and is set up for children or singles, with two twin beds, a nice-sized closet, and use of a bathroom and a WC in the hallway. This bathroom, the largest of the three, is finished in white marble and has a deep bathtub, wall-mounted shower, double vanities, and a bidet.

The master bedroom is bright and elegant, decorated in pure white with splashes of cheerful red. The bed is queen-sized, and the views are of the back garden, as in the other bedrooms. There is both an armoire and a closet, and the bathroom is ensuite. This bathroom has a glass stall shower, sink and WC and exceptional illumination. And of course, if occupants of the master bedroom are really hoping for a nice long soak in the tub, it is just across the hall, easily accessible to both upper-floor bedrooms.

The myriad clever features of this apartment make it both a real showpiece and a practical home for a family. This rare combination, as well as the central location and warm, friendly staff, assure that guests at 32, rue Saint Guillaume will have wonderful lifelong memories of their sophisticated, restful home in Paris.