Bob and Lena Shell open the doors to their sprawling home tucked away in the hills of Barboursville
By Shelly Betz
HQ 83 | AUTUMN 2013
As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. For Robert and Lena Shell, this is more than an expression; it is also a reflection of the life they have shared for more than 20 years. The two first met at the University of Charleston, where she was pursuing graduate studies as a Chinese exchange student. At the time, he served on the school’s Board of Trustees. Their admiration, respect and love for one another is both evident and refreshing as they sit side-by-side at their dining table.
“She’s the single most important person in my life, and she’s way smarter than I am,” Robert says. With equal deference, Lena Shell insists that her husband is mistaken about his latter claim.
“My husband is a very smart man,” she says, “and he is so kind and caring, too.”
It is clear from the tree-lined winding driveway leading to their home near the Huntington Mall that something extraordinary awaits you. From a distance, vertical rays of sunshine burst through the tall trees in a way that is reminiscent of traveling across a suspended bridge. Ultimately, you bear witness to an Asian-inspired rooftop, a picturesque gazebo and lush gardens. The alluring brick walkways, sitting area and inspirational Chinese words carved onto slates that are strategically positioned within the brick columns seamlessly coexist with multi-tiered waterfalls flowing into a lazy river filled with exotic and Koi fish.
“I love to be here,” Lena says. “It is just so peaceful and tranquil. I enjoy walking around this area. It’s good for the spirit and clearing my thoughts. Sometimes
I spend hours reading out here.”
Talking with the Shells, one might wonder whether they chose this home, or the home chose them. It was not a story of self-discovery; yet there are uncanny coincidences.
“My accountant told me there was a ‘Chinese-looking house’ in a secluded, quiet area. He thought we would like it,” recalls Robert.
Although parts of the sprawling 15,000-square-foot property, with 20 wooded acres, were unfinished at the time, the Shells took a liking to the rich wood design, spaciousness and serene location. With its seven bedrooms, eight-and-a-half baths, three kitchen areas, spectacular grounds and private pond, the Shells’ home is a masterpiece of splendor filled with intrigue and impeccable style.
Upon entering the foyer of the home, an oversized framed antique Chinese tapestry captivates the eye with its rich combination of red, black and shades of gray. Once displayed in a museum, Lena Shell made the purchase following an exhibit.
“In Chinese culture, large tapestries like this are often hung above the bed to further define the space,” she says. “I thought it was perfect for the big wall.”
The white marble flooring serves as the perfect staging for the exquisite antique furniture, eclectic hand-carved statues and a large glass table whose legs are carved into the shape of fish.
“In my culture, fish symbolize abundance, as well as fidelity and unity,” Lena says. “Many believe they bring good luck.”
There are many unique features of the home that inspire conversation, such as the large wooden beams and vaulted ceiling in the elegantly decorated guest bedroom; an observation tower that rests on the top floor of the home; and an artistic wooden carved Chinese structure that frames a door at the top of the main staircase. It was in place before the Shells moved in. The veranda that extends from the formal dining room is custom fitted with grayish marble flooring that blankets the entire exterior of the home. This feature was one of several unfinished projects the Shells took on.
“We got lucky with that,” Robert explains. “The manufacturer in Georgia only had two slabs left, and we were able to finish the project.”
The couple shares a passion for fine art, which can be found in many rooms of their home. Robert and Lena have personal favorites by such artists as Howard Behrens, Kerry Hallam and Peter Max. Lena Shell smiles as she points out the artists’ works that adorn the walls of the massive living room. A jaw-dropping, oversized crystal chandelier complements the nearly 30-foot high ceiling in spectacular fashion.
“This is my favorite room,” Lena says. “I love the way the sunshine comes through the windows. It just makes me feel happy and brightens my day.”
The room where Robert Shell spends much of his time conducting business on behalf of his company, Guyan International, is complete with built-in bookshelves that occupy an entire wall. Photographs of various family members, business and political leaders that include West Virginia senators, governors and U.S. Presidents are displayed throughout the room. The authentic rounded Chinese desk that he uses once belonged to his uncle. Rich leather furnishings are rearranged whenever certain business guests are in town.
“The Chinese prefer to conduct business meetings in a rectangular seating arrangement,” Robert explains. “That way, everyone feels part of the discussion and can see each other. We have always been very sensitive to such cultural nuances to make them feel very much at home while here.”
A similar sensitivity extends to more formal meetings held in the lower-level library of the home. With its large conference table and plush furnishings, it is the only room in the house with a special air filtration system to accommodate smokers.
The curved staircase leads from the living room to several bedrooms plus an open balcony area that allows a birds-eye view of the main floor. Robert Shell’s mother, Doris, often stays overnight in a spacious bedroom decorated in a soothing soft blue palette. It is her special private area within the home and has a small balcony that faces the gazebo and front gardens.
“Mom really likes to be out there to enjoy the fresh air,” says Robert.
While Robert and Lena Shell have a keen appreciation for the finer things in life, both are emphatic that material things are not really that important. For them, what makes a house a home are the people inside it.
“We love Huntington,” Robert says. “The friendships we have here are genuine. For us, that’s what really matters.”
Among the many guests who have been welcomed into Robert and Lena Shell’s home, perhaps none is more appreciative than the resident feline, affectionately called Alley Cat.
“Every day, he puts a flower bud or leaf outside our bedroom door,” Lena says. “Like us, he’s just happy to be home.”
