From every angle Design elements make country estate stand apar

Home-buying -- like geometry -- is a matter of studying angles. There are many things to consider: location, price, design and a number of other factors that can't even be defined.

The home at 264 County Road 522 near Pocahontas is one of those rare homes that looks good from any angle. It's located on over 60 rolling hills, and a lake on the property offers a private stock of bass, crappie and bluegill. A smaller pond seen from the northwest side of the house offers a peaceful view.

Another important angle of this house is the way in which it blends into its natural environment. A slate walkway and porch give the feeling of walking along a woodsy path.

Inside is a design that manages to mix modern and traditional styles. Large wooden beams give a feeling of old-fashioned sturdiness. The rooms are built with slightly differing elevations -- a step down or a step up -- mimicking a tendency of nature's paths.

The house has four bedrooms, four baths, a formal dining room, a formal living room, a cozy family room and a two-car garage. There also is custom-made cabinetry, like the bookcases and entertainment center in the family room.

The kitchen features shining hardwood floors, as does much of the house. The kitchen also has white cabinets and ceramic-tile countertops. Two brass-and-stainless-steel hanging lamps brighten the kitchen's island. Among the kitchen's conveniences are a Jenn-Air range, built-in microwave and oven, dishwasher, trash compactor and refrigerator, all in a sleek white.

Nearby is a main-level laundry room with modern white cabinetry.

The bedrooms feature plush neutral-toned carpeting, making for easy decorating. Each of the rooms also has interesting decorative touches. One of the children's rooms is decorated with a moon-and-stars motif stenciled around each of the doors. Another child's bedroom has a racecar motif, and the two rooms are joined by a restroom with a large mirror that runs the length of the double-sink vanity. The restroom also has a separate toilet and bath and shower area.

Another guest bathroom is located at the end of the hall. It also features a ceramic-tile countertop and floor and its own bath and shower area.

The master bedroom suite was designed for form and function. The ceiling is beveled, making the room able to accommodate large furniture. French doors lead to the bedroom's deck area. The bedroom also has a large walk-in closet.

The real eye-catcher of the master bedroom-bathroom suite is a European-style walk-in shower with a tiled, curved wall. The bath area also features two separate vanity areas. A garden-style whirlpool tub makes this room like a private spa.

A finished basement offers even more living space and more possibilities. Downstairs is an entertainment area -- large enough to accommodate a pool table and other gaming tables. Another family room features a brick fireplace and another entrance to the back yard and a fenced-in children's play area. A downstairs bathroom is convenient to the entertainment area.

Also downstairs is a large unfinished area, currently being used for storage. In all, this home contains over 3,000 square feet of finished living space.

One of the charms of this property is found outside the boundaries of the house. It is a large weathered barn that, upon closer inspection, serves as another residence, if desired. It has a living room, kitchen and two upstairs bedrooms. It could be used for a property caretaker or a teenager or young adult wanting their own space. Room for animals is plentiful on this property. The barn contains room for several horse stalls as well as room for grain storage.

This home is priced at $597,000. It is available for viewing through Re/Max Achievers, 334-8800.

traddle@semissourian.com