Building character House offers fresh canvas for new owners

The home at 1732 West Point Place is one of those rare homes that offers both a fresh canvas for a new home owner, while at the same time offering enough character to make it interesting.

An open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. today, hosted by Owens Realty.

This is not a brand new home, though it isn't an older home. It was built about 1998, yet it has many characteristics of a brand new home. The carpeting, ceramic floor tile, and walls all look fresh and clean, as if it were just built. Yet at the same time, it seems to be a home with stories to tell, and stories to be fulfilled.

The story begins with an elegant entryway door and sidelights, gorgeous leaded and frosted glass that throws prisms of light across the large and airy rooms inside. Those beams of light dance on a hardwood floor that moves gracefully into the living room and formal dining areas.

A formal dining room just off the entryway features a large brass and frosted glass chandelier, and elegant and convenient French doors which can separate the room from the entryway for private dining. A volume ceiling gives the room a modern twist on a classical theme of luxurious space.

The kitchen features oak cabinets with a unique marble-style countertop. The countertop offers an interesting palette of colors to choose from in coming up with decorator ideas for the kitchen, and a double sink with a ceramic tile splashguard offers cooking and cleanup convenience. The white ceramic tile flooring has just a hint of tan marbling to give it an interesting old-world look. A built-in microwave and smooth-top range are more modern conveniences that add to a classic, yet convenient, kitchen. Another wonderful feature is a large, well-organized pantry.

This home offers some personalized features. It has been wired for sound throughout and features effective inset spotlights throughout the house.

A patio door leads to a small patio in the back, and a gas-log fireplace with white ceramic tile is the centerpiece of the nearby living room. Large windows throughout the house offer a wealth of natural light.

One of this home's unusual features is its two master bedroom suites -- one on the main floor and one on the upper level. This would make the home a wonderful option for a blended family or multi-generational family. Both bedroom suites feature large bedrooms and master baths with whirlpool tubs, showers and double vanities. The downstairs master bedroom also features two large walk-in closets and a separate toilet area.

Also on the main floor is another half bath, a utility room, a large hallway closet and a door to the home's oversized two-car garage.

Downstairs is a finished basement that also has a large unfinished storage area and furnace room. The main attraction in the finished area is a large entertainment and family room with a unique rounded wall at its entrance. Also downstairs is a large half bath and additional closet space.

On the upper floor is the second master bedroom suite, which also features four windows in the bedroom area, giving it warm splashes of sunshine. A ceiling fan light fixture and inset spotlighting give it attractive lighting.

Also upstairs is a smaller bedroom also with two windows and a ceiling fan. It could easily be used as a bedroom or as an office area. Another upstairs bedroom has interesting ceiling lines, giving it almost a storybook effect. A large walk-in closet is another added feature.

With at least five bedrooms, this house is an excellent home for a growing family. Another family-friendly feature is a second living room area upstairs that could be used as the children's entertainment area. This would offer the convenience of always having a neat downstairs living room for guests, while allowing the children to relax upstairs in their own entertainment area.

Another feature is a small room upstairs that can be separated from the entertainment area by folding doors. It would make a perfect tea area, library, or sewing room.

Though in need of some fresh landscaping, this home could be a showplace in the neighborhood. It sits atop a hill and has spotlighting around the exterior of the house for dramatic nighttime display as well as security.

This home, currently listed at $328,900, offers more than 3,500 square feet of living space. It is available through Owens Realty, 335-9111. It is located in the Alma Schrader Elementary School District.

traddle@semissourian.com