Exquisite elegance

Some say the day of elegance is long past. Grand foyers, staircases and high ceilings have been replaced with practical, heat-efficient floor plans. Luckily, there are houses that combine the style of southern plantations with the more modern conveniences. One of those homes is at 1343 Rosewood in Cape Girardeau's Ashland Hills subdivision.

This two-story brick house sits atop a dignified hill at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. It has a beautiful entrance foyer with leaded glass in the door sidelights and an attractive elliptical window above it. A Palladian style window sits above it all at the second story level. The foyer is complete with a sparkling chandelier and gleaming hardwood floors. A white wrought iron and oak staircase climbs to an upper-floor open balcony that overlooks the living room and foyer areas.

This home has two master suites, one on the main level,and another upstairs, for a total of four bedrooms. It has three and a half baths, volume ceilings and a beautiful kitchen. In short, it's a home that anyone could love.

To the right of the foyer is a classic living room with hardwood floors, light beige walls contrasted with crisp, white baseboards. This room could also be used as a formal dining room. A large picture window draws natural light inward, and another chandelier provides elegant evening lighting.

The kitchen has light ceramic tile floors and light maple cabinetry with brass pulls. One set of cabinets has a glass front for attractively displaying fine china and glassware. The double white porcelain sink has brass and crystal-look hardware and a beautiful bay window that overlooks the home's wooded side yard. The kitchen includes plentiful pantry and cabinet space, and a smoothtop built-in Jenn-Air range, as well as a built-in oven and microwave. The refrigerator is a handy side-by-side model with indoor drink and ice dispenser. The soffits above the cabinetry are open, allowing for the display of collectibles. A tiled breakfast bar area fills out the perimeter of the kitchen.

Near the kitchen is the informal dining area, which is surrounded by windows and a door to the patio.

A cozy family room adjoins the kitchen, with hardwood floors and a volume ceiling creating a perfect setting for the classic white fireplace. The wood-burning fireplace includes a white marble face and hearth and white mantle. Flanking the fireplace are two large Palladian style windows.

The main level master bedroom includes soft beige plush carpeting, and a bay window, which would make for a perfect sitting area. The master bath includes a ceramic tile floor, light maple vanity with a white marble countertop, large vanity mirro, and a step-up tiled corner garden whirlpool tub with brass and crystal-look hardware. Windows on each side of the tub create lavish natural light. A convenient all-tile step-in shower with glass shower door is another attraction. A separate toilet area creates added privacy. A large walk-in closet is also part of this master suite.

Upstairs, a dramatic loft stretches the length of the house with white wrought iron railing. The loft area leads to the upstairs bedrooms, which are well-designed with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom between them. The upstairs master bedroom includes attractive dormer ceiling lines with two windows in an alcove area, creating a natural sitting area. The upstairs master bath also features the light maple cabinetry, white marble countertop and ceramic tile floor with a tub/shower. A room adjoining the master suite could easily be a child's nursery or office area.

The home has several conveniences, including an intercom system, main level laundry room, two air conditioning units and a central vacuum cleaning system.

This home's basement is partially finished, with stud walls in place and plumbing roughed-in. A fireplace has also been roughed-in. The basement is a walk-out, giving it added convenience and safety.

traddle@semissourian.com