A clean slate A sleek design and modern features are highlight

With a brand-new year under way, it's a good time to think about clean slates, fresh starts and new beginnings.

That's what comes to mind when you see the house at 1607 Boxwood in Rosewood Estates subdivision in Jackson. This house has the marks of a brand-new home, with carpeting, walls and tile that seem to be in perfect condition. And the house has many modern design features, yet enough traditional touches to make it comfortable.

The house has a maintenance-free brick-and-vinyl exterior. The front porch is large enough to accommodate wicker-style furniture and offers an inviting entrance. The front door features oval leaded glass. A crisp and clean white ceramic floor is found throughout much of the house, along with plush cream carpeting.

The interior of the house is notably modern, with clean lines and fuss-free design. The formal dining room features an eye-catching modern tiered chandelier, and the two large windows offer abundant natural light.

The living room also shows modern, clean lines, including a white tile gas log fireplace. Sleek, white French doors open to the deck at the rear of the house.

The kitchen also has a white ceramic-tile floor, and contrasting black appliances, including an in-door drink and ice dispenser in the refrigerator and an above-range microwave oven. The kitchen cabinets are a light oak. The light color works well with both modern décor and more traditional decorating styles. The countertops offer Monet-type colors, leaving the space open to a wide array of decorating ideas and colors. A stainless-steel double sink offers both modern style and cleaning convenience. The kitchen also features a counter-top island for convenient meal preparation, and an eat-in breakfast nook situated in the bay window area offers a cozy environment for simple meals and family conversation.

Also on the main level is a laundry room with ceramic tile floor, and convenient exits to both the two-car garage and the back yard.

Three bedrooms are also contained on the home's main floor. One features a Palladium style window and vaulted ceiling. The master bedroom suite features a large bedroom area, two windows for abundant natural light, and a roomy master bath with a double sink vanity, garden-style whirlpool tub, and a step-in shower with two seats, and a visually separated toilet area. Two walk-in closets give plenty of room for organization of clothing.

A main-level bathroom also features white ceramic tile floor, a long vanity with a mirror the length of it, and a tub/shower and toilet area.

The home's third main-level bedroom is perfect as a nursery, featuring baby blue walls and Winnie-the-Pooh décor. The closet has been designed thoughtfully for toddlers, with one of the clothing rods within a child's reach.

The added plus of this home is its finished basement. The area has been done with meticulous detail: plush cream carpeting cushions the feet, and most of the room has been done with light colors, other than one wall which has been artfully decorated with deep rust colors and supports a wet bar area. The bar is custom-made in white tile with a burgundy counter. The small sink area offers convenience and plenty of space for snack storage.

The wet bar is part of the entertainment area, which has been designed with entertainment in mind. The space is large enough for an entertainment center, large screen television, and plenty of seating for family and guests.

Also downstairs are two unfinished storage areas, another bathroom, and another bedroom. The walk-out basement opens to the outside through French doors to the partially enclosed patio, which is perfectly situated for a hot tub.

This modern, yet traditional home has just had its listing price reduced to $175,000. The seller also has agreed to pay $1,000 of the buyer's closing costs. It is located in the Jackson School District, and near the Jackson Middle School. It is available for viewing through Coldwell-Banker Abernathy Realty, 243-8811.

traddle@semissourian.com