It’s not often that a starter home becomes a forever home. But that’s the case for Delcia Corlew, who still lives in the house where she and her husband raised their children. Corlew, perhaps better known as Delcia Devon, certainly has led an interesting life. Famously, she introduced a young St. Louis native to fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, launching the career of Kimora Lee Leissner (formerly Simmons). Corlew spent time as a radio personality and was managing director of Cinema St. Louis. In all the excitement, she has found the gorgeous backyard of her Kirkwood home an idyllic retreat and her own private slice of nature.
Q | What about Kirkwood appealed to you?
A | It is an amazing place to raise a family. The neighborhood is very close; everyone knows everyone else. There’s a tradition on our street that I love that dates back 60 or 70 years. Every year around Christmas, Santa comes to our street and hands out gifts. People who have moved away bring their grandchildren back just to see him. Beyond our neighborhood, Kirkwood is just a wonderful place to live. We have a library, train station and of course, The Magic House. It’s very easy to walk around downtown, and there are great shops and restaurants. There’s always a lot going on!
Q | What attracted you to the home?
A | It was sufficient for our needs. It was a modest size, but my husband and I never felt it was a starter home. It has always been our forever home! The real attraction was the backyard. When the real estate agent took us around back, we knew this was where we wanted to be. It’s very park-like. The house may look small, but the backyard is beautiful and peaceful.
Q | Have you done any renovations?
A | We’ve definitely made changes, but nothing drastic. We expanded the back of the house, so now there’s a very nice room with big windows, and the view to the backyard is wonderful.
Q | There’s a lot of wildlife in and around your yard. Any fun stories?
A | A couple of years ago, I visited my daughter in London, and when I came back, there were 15 baby foxes playing on the patio and in the yard. They were tossing things in the air, rolling around in the grass and just having a wonderful time. I seem to have everything in the backyard—raccoons, possums and all types of birds. There’s a lot to see! I have hummingbird and woodpecker feeders, and occasionally I hear owls calling to one another.
Q | What do you like to do in your outdoor space?
A | I’ve always loved to garden. Taking care of the backyard is a lot of work, so I’m training my grandchildren. They’re learning to cut the grass and pull weeds. The patio is a very nice place to sit in the evening or have coffee in the morning.
Q | Did you have a vision for the interior?
A | A lot of things in the house have been collected over the years. There are posters from trips I took with my husband. I always like to bring something back from my travels. I also have my pinecone collection. I’ve always loved them because they’re all unique. Each one is different; I have huge ones from San Diego and little ones I’ve found on the tiniest trees. I’ve collected them over the years and enjoy using them as decoration.
Q | Is there a story behind your collection of masks?
A | They’re from all over: Italy, Spain, Chile, Costa Rica, India. I got the very first one in Jamaica a long, long time ago. I brought back most of them from overseas; some were gifts, and I found one on Cherokee Street!
Q | What is your favorite part of the house?
A | My favorite space is the breakfast room that overlooks the garden. There are a lot of windows, and it’s where I eat most of my meals.
Photos: Suzy Gorman
