Country perspective

ALTENBURG, Mo.

Novelist and essayist Edward Hoagland once wrote of country people: "They do not behave as if they think life is short; they live on the principle that it is long and savor variations of the kind best appreciated if most days are the same." Life is not about the details, necessarily, but about the larger picture.

The larger picture is evident at the house at 276 Autumn Ridge Road in Altenburg, Mo. This home is set on a gently rolling six-acre lot. Horses will have plenty of grazing space and a 50-by-30-foot stable overlooking a stocked pond. The beautiful custom-built brick home has three bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage, and plenty of light and open living space.

From its beautiful oak entrance door with leaded oval sidelights and transom, it's obvious this is a comfortable and well-designed home.

The foyer features gleaming white marble tile. Ahead is the living room with beige plush carpeting and white walls that accentuate the height of the vaulted ceiling.

At the far end of the room is a set of French doors leading to an elegant wood deck, which overlooks the home's 40-by-20-foot in-ground swimming pool. The deck and pool create the perfect place for warm-weather outdoor entertaining. The pool is surrounded by a wide patio, allowing plenty of room for lawn furniture, pool toys and all the joys of summer.

The living room moves easily into the adjoining open kitchen, which also has French doors to the deck and features textured ceramic-tile flooring, light maple cabinetry and an attractive marble-look countertop in tones of gray and mauve.

A breakfast bar also contains a double stainless-steel sink with a handy gooseneck faucet. Other amenities include a white smooth-top range and a white side-by-side refrigerator with in-door drink and ice dispenser. Also included in the kitchen is a built-in desk and communication center.

The formal dining room is just steps away. It also maintains a light and airy feeling, with an attractive Palladian-style window pulling light in from the outdoors. A cathedral ceiling makes the most of the light and space, and the room's crowning jewel is an old world-style antique brass pendulum light fixture.

Near the kitchen are a large pantry and coat closet and a main-level laundry room. A surprise feature is an eye-catching oval window. There's also an exit to the garage.

The master bedroom suite has cream Berber carpeting, light walls and French doors that open to the deck. Again, a beautiful 1920s-style pendulum light fixture sets a romantic tone for the room. A large walk-in closet is another nice amenity.

The master bathroom has been artfully decorated with ceramic-tile floor, a double-sink white vanity cabinet, and art-deco chrome and brass fixtures. A garden-style whirlpool tub is the bathroom's centerpiece, surrounded by white ceramic tile and with a large window above providing ample light. A step-in shower is another convenient feature.

The home's other two bedrooms are of a comfortable size and have large closets. One of the rooms has an attractive Palladian-style window as its focal point.

The hallway bathroom features ceramic-tile floors, a double-sink oak vanity and a visually separated toilet and bath area.

Downstairs is an attractive and roomy finished walk-out basement. With beige plush carpeting and light walls, the area doesn't feel like a typical basement. A large family room offers plenty of space for an entertainment center and game tables. Also downstairs is a bathroom and lots of unfinished space for storage. French doors lead from the downstairs family room to the spacious back yard.

This home is listed at $289,900 and is available for viewing through Coldwell-Banker Hamilton Realty, 334-1818.

traddle@semissourian.com