A home for all seasons

When I look at a house, I always imagine what it is like during the different seasons of the year. Some homes lend themselves well to summertime entertaining, some are cozy winter retreats. And then there is the occasional home that does both well.

The home at 1033 Carolyn in Jackson is one that lends itself to all seasons. It's a classic brick ranch set in an easily maintained yard with plenty of mature trees and well-trimmed evergreen shrubbery. This combination will give the yard color all year long, and welcome shade in the heat of summer.

One of this home's strengths is its outdoor living space. It has a beautiful 32-by-16-foot in-ground swimming pool and large patio, making it a great place for warm-weather entertaining. A covered front porch is large enough for a bistro table and chairs, making it a great place for a morning cup of coffee. In addition, it has a large back yard for active families who love backyard sports, or the gardener who loves having some space for planting.

The inside of the home adapts easily to many different needs. It has three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and more than 1,500 square feet of above-ground living space. It also has a finished basement and a two-car garage.

A full-length glass storm door at the entry allows for plenty of natural light when desired, and the red door gives visitors a warm welcome. The living room has plush cream carpeting and light walls, with one sage green accent wall. A large picture window overlooking the front yard also allows for a profusion of natural light.

A partial-wall room divider separates the living room from the dining area, which overlooks and has an exit to the back yard. Nearby is the kitchen, with white marble-look linoleum tiles, dark oak cabinetry, and a cream countertop. The kitchen also has a double stainless steel sink with a window above it for a view of the back yard. Modern appliances include a white side-by-side refrigerator with indoor drink and ice dispenser. A nearby door exits to the home's two-car garage.

Adjoining the kitchen is a custom oak breakfast nook, and the family room. The family room features as its centerpiece a classic brick woodburning fireplace with custom bookcases flanking it. A roughed wall painted in cream with walnut paneling on the lower half of the wall gives the room a cozy, country feel. A patio door exits to the covered patio, separated by a partial brick wall and wooden beams from the open patio area around the pool. This combination of open and covered patio allows for a variety of outdoor entertainment activities.

The home's main-level bathroom features white tile with green marbling effect and mint green toilet and shower/tub with a shower massage.

Each of the main level bedrooms has adequate closet space and natural light from large windows. The master bedroom has a half bath adjoining it.

The finished basement includes a large family room with wet bar and woodburning stove. Part of the finished area downstairs has unique pine paneling, which gives it a lodge-like feel. Much of the room also has white paneling, which helps lighten the space. A large unfinished area is available for storage. The downstairs bath features a lighthouse decorating motif, and a roomy step-in shower.