Artful architecture

Some houses are just very interesting architecturally. They're the one-of-a-kind houses that couldn't have come out of a blueprint catalog.

The house at 150 Tonya Drive in Jackson is such a house. Everything about it is interesting. It's located off Highway 72, located on 2.3 acres, so it has a country feel. Yet it's not far from Jackson or Cape Girardeau. An open house is being held there today from 1 to 3 p.m.

This home is probably about 20 years old, but has more than 3,000 square feet of above-ground space. That in itself makes it unusual for the time period in which it was built. It has a long half-circle driveway with easy access to a three-car garage on the main level, and to a lower-level garage and a large 40-by-60 foot workshop behind the house. The yard is big, but level and easily maintained. A stylish brick retaining wall at the driveway gives it a regal entrance.

But the true uniqueness of this home is in its design. It's a tri-level house, with each level serving its own special purpose. The entry level is formally announced by a gray door with leaded and beveled glass with matching sidelights. A foyer with beige ceramic tile and a modern chandelier creates a great first impression.

To the right is a tiled area with an oak wet bar. Further is the main-level laundry room, which has an unusual built-in clothes hamper and plenty of counter and cabinet space for laundry needs.

The home's family room is up a level, with plush cream carpeting and a captivating native stone fireplace that climbs from the floor to the cathedral ceiling. A striking bank of windows looms to the far side of the room, providing an alluring view. A door from the family room exits to a large gray deck that has multiple handy entrances into the house.

This home was thoughtfully designed with a separate wing for the three bedrooms. All have plenty of closet space and natural light through tall casement windows.

The master bedroom has French doors which lead to the deck -- a great place for a peaceful morning cup of coffee. A large walk-in closet is also an asset of this suite. The master bath has a large tub encased in an oak platform. The tub and all of the bathroom fixtures are mauve, with brass and crystal hardware. The double sink vanity has a large oak-framed vanity mirror above each sink. A separate toilet and step-in shower room give the master bath added privacy.

A half bath is conveniently located off the hallway in close proximity to the other two bedrooms.

The most unique aspect of this home is its third level, which is home to a sprawling kitchen and dining area that overlooks the family room below. This location gives an expansive view through the bank of windows in the family room. A large, octagonal kitchen island is located in the middle of the kitchen, providing workspace that looks over the whole house. Handsome oak cabinetry is found along each side of the kitchen, offering a lot of counter space. This wide-open area provides plenty of room for family dining. Kitchen amenities include kitchen carpet with an interesting tile design, a cream side-by-side refrigerator with in-door drink and ice dispenser, and a built-in Whirlpool range and oven.

The upper floor also includes a wonderful hobby room next to the kitchen with plenty of oak cabinet space and counter space for any crafts project imaginable. The area would also make a wonderful home office.

This home also has an unfinished walk-out basement, allowing for additional storage room or additional living space if finished. The separate workshop has two oversized garage doors and has both heat and air-conditioned work space. The area would certainly work very well for many home-based businesses.

This architecturally interesting home is currently listed at $247,900, and is available for viewing through Thomas Meyer Realty, 334-2875.