Family Friendly Home

Tropical flowers atop broad-leafed stalks line the entrance of this gray ranch-style home in Fruitland. Twin maple trees provide shade in the front yard.

Hanging from the ceiling of the two-car garage are two lighted ceiling fans. From the garage, a door opens into the light green kitchen with dark green vinyl flooring. The kitchen and living room are open under a vaulted ceiling, creating space and clear viewing throughout.

In the kitchen, under chandelier lighting, pale counter tops spread out on either side of the double stainless steel sink. Above and below the counters, oak cabinets provide ample storage space.

A modern dishwasher, stove and microwave are built in. A toaster attached beneath the counter conserves counter space. To the side of the kitchen is a coat-closet-size pantry with plenty of white plastic-coated wire shelving.

On the back wall of the kitchen, French doors with blinds between dual panes never have to be cleaned. A mantle juts over these French doors that open to the deck.

The view through the French doors reveals a round swimming pool in back and an extensive wooden deck. A gate with crisscrossed panels can be heard opening and closing when someone enters or leaves the pool area. This provides some security for busy parents.

The rectangular living room facing the front has neutral carpeting and a large picture window with bamboo shades. At the entryway a small square area of parquet flooring provides a small foyer area.

Down the hall on the left is one bathroom with a combination shower and tub. Four makeup lights over the mirror illuminate the light-colored sink and counter. Blue paint, fish wall dŽcor and white cabinets with yellow crabs convey a seaside theme.

The roomy master suite provides a picture window, large closet and a full bath with shower and tub combination. Two secondary bedrooms have large closets and picture windows. All bedrooms have ceiling fans and neutral carpeting.

There are neutral walls in the living room, hall, master bedroom and kitchen. A linen closet is located between the secondary bedrooms.

Between the kitchen and living room and directly in front of the garage entrance are the carpeted stairs to the basement.

One room of the basement is a finished office area. Light-colored Berber carpeting creates a serene atmosphere.

Also in the basement, a separate storm shelter with no windows has been a favorite play space for children.

The remainder of the basement contains large areas of clean storage space with potential for finishing and adding a bathroom. A water-softening system and laundry hookups are provided, and big windows provide plenty of day-time light.

Cans of paint for touching up all rooms of the home are stored in the basement. This is a one-owner home in the Jackson School District, blocks away from North Elementary School.